Jonathan vows to intensify efforts to resolve PDP crisis

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he has been holding meetings in order to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he ought to do more.

Jonathan said this in Abuja when the zonal representatives of the PDP board of trustees led by Walid Jubril, its chairman, paid him a courtesy visit.

Jonathan said the PDP must rise to the occasion of providing a vibrant opposition to the ruling party as expected by Nigerians.

“I have been talking to individuals but not in a way that is exposed to media but I believe I should do more,” he said.

“Unfortunately we have challenges, but I think you should not be discouraged. Challenges are part of life; they come up in homes, religious places. What is important is our ability to resolve them.

“This should not be beyond us, but I believe that collectively, we can resolve it.

“Any sincere PDP member should know that PDP is superior to any individual, and that members have sacrificed their interests for the party. Even the nation expects a more vibrant opposition.”

He expressed regrets over the conflicting court orders on the party’s crisis, saying it is “unfortunate that the Nigerian environment is that way to have conflicting court judgements”.

Jonathan commended members of the board for their commitment to the party and condoled with them on the recent death of Ojo Maduekwe, their secretary.

Speaking earlier, Jubril said the board decided to pay Jonathan a courtesy call in recognition of his status as former president, and to brief him on the present state of the party.

“It is sad to note that the party has not less than 15 court cases with verdicts given on some and appeal pending,” he said.‎

“We have realised after our meeting, that there was also need for reconciliation and there were committees set for reconciliations and the reconciliations are ongoing.

“We have decided to organise a special reconciliation committee while the process for the convention is going on we want to the reconciliation to go on.

“We want you to come into the reconciliation, we are sure that when you do that, we are going to have a way forward in this matter. We have great respect for you in spite of the fact that you have not been appearing in our activities.”

He said the board had also embarked on several programmes and visitation to founding fathers of the party to address the crisis.