Dariye, Mantu end feud
From Isa Abdusalami (Jos)
PEACE is indeed returning to Plateau State as Governor Joshua Dariye and Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, at the weekend agreed to end their rift and work for the growth of their state.
Dariye and Mantu met face to face only yesterday since the state of emergency was declared in the state.
The truce meeting, called at the instance of the Council of Plateau State Traditional Rulers, led by the Long Gamai, Mr. Hubert Shandas, was held at the Dadin Kowa area of Jos.
The parley, which was taken to the personal resident of the Long Gamai, on the outskirts of the town, lasted for about three hours. It resolved that whatever the situation, there must always be peace.
The conveners of the meeting and key players in the conflict resolution refused to speak to journalists.
However, an insider at the meeting told reporters that the parley was the first in a series to be held before the issue is finally rested.
"Both parties have agreed to speak to their loyalists to sheath their swords. They also agreed that they would work towards peace in Plateau State no matter what happens. That is the most important thing at the meeting," the source said.
Dariye and Mantu, who came to the venue of the meeting in different cars, went back after the meeting in Mantu's official car marked "Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
Both of them, with their supporters, left straight to visit Mantu's sister at Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Jos, where they parted.
Other traditional rulers present at the meeting include the Ponzhi Tarok, Chief of Nwagavul, Gbog Gwom Jos and Gagwom Rweif Barkiladi. Senator Cosmas Niagwan represented Plateau North while House of Representatives members, John Longhol and Labaran Wuweb, and some top government functionaries were also present.
However, another source close to the two parties described the situation as dicey and may not be easily resolved now.
"Governor Dariye has a senatorial ambition in 2007 and Mantu also has the same senatorial ambition and they are from the same central senatorial district of the state.
"You do not expect Dariye to give away that ambition on the platter of gold. And Mantu also may not cede the post for Dariye," the source said.
