FEATURES: Elusive Unity In Plateau PDP As Ex Governor Dariye, Tallen Shun Return Declaration

Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

Ahead of 2015 general elections, more controversies have continued to trail claims that some prominent ruling PDP stalwarts including the former Governor, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Dame Pauline Tallen, Amb. Fidelis Tapgun, Engr. Jimmy Cheto and a host of others have returned home – to the PDP.

This was confirmed when 61 stakeholders from the 17 LGAs, who had one time or another, dumped the party were received back into the fold, yet without the power brokers, as they were visibly absent at the function which took place in Pankshin LGA – the headquarters of Central Zone, with crowd of supporters.

It would be recalled Senator Dariye and others left the party prior to the 2011 general elections and since have been making frantic efforts to stage return to the party.

Few weeks ago, media reports had it that the Plateau political bigwigs vying for various political offices have been given a waiver to return and contest.

State Governor Jonah, at the public declaration ceremony, urged the returnees to respect the leadership of the party and work in harmony with everyone.

Jang who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paul Wai, said, “We welcome every returnee to the party. PDP is a progressive party which accommodates all. The party doesn’t operate like a secret cult, that is why we are receiving our members in the open.

“No one enters his or her house through the back door. As you return, bring your experiences and join hands in moving the party forward” the Governor added.

Also the Acting Chairman State Chairman of the ruling PDP, Hon. Raymond Dabo, charged the returnees to be faithful to the party.

Reacting to his omission from the lists of returnees, Sen. Dariye said, “I’m not bothered about what is happening here, because I have been received in Abuja.

Dariye who was at the event, added, “So what is happening here is inconsequential”.

Also reacting was former Deputy Governor of the State and a Senatorial aspirant, Dame Pauline, who was also not present at the occasion, said, “I’m suspecting foul play because I been received by the National Chairman of PDP and I have followed due process, that is from my Ward to the top.

“I have been given a waiver. Its laughable, we are watching to see what will come out of it”.

Among the returnee members were Arch. Pam Gyang, Tallen’s running made in the 2011 polls, Hon. Joe Bukar, former Majority Leader in the State House of Assembly and a close ally of Tallen.

Others were the former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Dapianlong, who is vying for the same position with Tallen in the coming elections and several others.