Jos— Strong indications emerged weekend that some top politicians in Plateau State had begun moves to reconcil Governor Joshua Dariye and his estranged political ally and Senate Deputy President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, for what they described as "the overall in terest of the state."
Similarly Governor Dariye has commenced consultations with various interest groups in the state in a bid to consolidate on the peace process.
One of the top politicians who said yesterday that true reconciliation could only be said to have been achieved if the duo were brought back together, added: "We cannot afford to have our prominent sons fighting themselves or working at cross purposes if we want progress."
It was gathered that considering the role played by some prominent politicians in getting the state of emergency lifted, it should not be difficult for them to persuade Dariye to reconcile with Mantu.
Mantu, it was learnt, would be pleased to have such a reconciliation brokered having allegedly failed to get the state of emergency extended or to stop Dariye from returning to his position as governor. However, both men will have to work hard on their supporters especially those of Dariye who are still bitter over Mantu’s alleged role in the emergency saga.
Another issue of concern to the political leaders, it was learnt, is how to end the angst of the people of Mangu against the Deputy Senate President for allegedly using his position to influence the relocation of a multi-billion naira water project said to have been originally billed for Mangu to Gindiri. "As things are now, it is difficult, if not impossible, for him (Mantu) to drive through Mangu. So, we want to see how we can reconcile him with the people of his constituency too," the source said.
*Dariye consults
The consultations will see the governor meeting separately with different interest groups. They are expected to also provide an opportunity to exchange ideas with every segment of the state on how to avoid past difficulties and move the state forward.
A government statement, weekend, gave a programme of the meeting with the various groups which will last from today through Friday. Those to meet with the governor include the elders’ forum, traditional and religious leaders, labour, political parties and other interest groups.
The interactive sessions are also expected to serve as a platform for the governor to repeat the apologies which he had publicly tendered for wrongs he might have committed advertently and inadvertently to representatives of the various groups in the spirit of reconciliation.
