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Last Updated: Friday, November 12th, 2004 HOME | Previous Page
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Obasanjo summons Plateau traditional rulers over Dariye
By Chesa Chesa
State House Correspondent, Abuja
President Olusegun Obasanjo Thursday met with traditional rulers from Plateau state to discuss the likelihood or
otherwise of Governor Joshua Dariye�s return to power next week after six months of suspension from office.
The governor�s fate has been hanging in the balance, particularly with forces from within and outside the state
urging the President Olusegun Obasanjo government not to allow him to return to office come November 18 when the
suspension order would expire.
The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Col. Kayode Areh (rtd) led eight traditional rulers from
the state to the meeting, which held behind closed doors at the presidential villa.
Chairman of the state traditional rulers council, the Long Gomei of Shendam, Hubert Sheldas II was head of the
delegation which also had the popular Gbong Gwong Jos, Chief Victor Pam was also in attendance.
At the end of the meeting, the Long Gomei was evasive in his responses when newsmen engaged him in a question and
answer session that ran thus:
What exactly is the reason for your meeting with Mr. President?
He is a wonderful man
What were the discussions you had?
So many things that were happening
Such as?
What you know that is the situation in Plateau state
What was Mr. President�s response to your request?
You ask him that.
So are you expecting the restoration of the governor?
I cannot say that. Ask him that.
Is it likely that the governor is coming back?
I don�t know that. Ask him that.
Is the emergency rule likely to be lifted on the 18th of this month?
Ask Mr. President.
Are you for or against the return of Dariye?
Ask Mr. President.
Presidential spokesperson, Oluremi Oyo, declined to speak on the outcome of the meeting saying, �I am not at liberty
yet to speak on the issue.�
Before their arrival, the traditional rulers were taken to the Asokoro headquarters of the SSS where it was claimed,
they were shown video clips of Dariye�s �crimes� that are believed to make him undeserving of a return to the Government
House in Jos.
It would be recalled that members of the suspended Plateau House of Assembly were similarly treated to a show of
the video clips on Monday before media executives had their turn on Tuesday.
However, suspended commissioners on Wednesday raised alarm over the show of video clips on Dariye describing the
exercise as an attempt to ensure that the governor�s return to office is stalled.
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