Obasanjo, Plateau monarchs meet over Dariye
From Madu Onuorah (Abuja)
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday met with a select group of eight traditional rulers from Plateau State to deliberate on the possible return of suspended Governor Joshua Dariye on November 18, 2004, at the expiration of the six months emergency rule in the state.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa Abuja, was attended by the director-general of the State Security Services (SSS), Col. Kayode Areh (rtd).
The traditional rulers were led by the chairman of Plateau State Traditional Rulers Council and the Long Gomei of Shendam, Hubert Sheldas 11. The new Gbong Gwong Jos, Chief Victor Pam was also in attendance.
Earlier, the traditional rulers had been guests of the Department of State Security at its Asokoro Headquarters. Sources told The Guardian that they were shown video clips of the governor's activities, which in the view of security officials, make him unfit to remain as governor of the state.
Members of the suspended State House of Assembly were similarly treated to show of the video clips on Monday while media executives took their turn on Tuesday.
The encounter between the Long Gomei Shendam and journalists, after the meeting, went 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 emergency rule likely to be lifted on the 18th?
Ask Mr. President.
Lets put it straight. Are you for or against the return of Dariye?
Ask Mr. President.
What contacted, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media), Mrs. Oluremi Oyo declined to peak, saying: "I am not at liberty yet to speak on the issue."
President Obasanjo also yesterday met Delta State Governor, James Ibori declined to speak to journalists after the meeting.
