Amaechi, Aliyu, 3 other PDP govs parley Obasanjo in Abeokuta

Abeokuta- Five of the seven aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday held a private meeting with former president Olusegun Obasanjo, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun.

The governors are: Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers;  Babangida Aliyu, Niger;  Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano;  Sule Lamido, Jigawa; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa

Gov. Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara and Gov. Aliyu Wammako  of Sokoto State, were absent.

Newsmen were barred from the meeting, which commenced at 11:50a.m and ended at 1:50p.m.

Aliyu, who addressed newsmen soon  after the meeting, said the governors had come to consult with Obasanjo over the lingering crisis in the party.

He dismissed reports that the governors were planning to defect to another political party, saying, “those reports are mere speculations’’.

Aliyu, who told newsmen that the governors had been having many meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed optimism that the crisis would soon be resolved.

“You may recall that when the issues started, we consulted with some of our elders. This is part of the series of consultations we have been having.

“We believe we are gradually moving near a peaceful resolution of the issues,’’ he said. (NAN)