Restructuring: Jonathan, Dickson demand sincere implementation of APC recommendations

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sincerely implement its committee’s recommendations on restructuring.

Dickson led a high-powered delegation of Ijaw leaders to Jonathan to deliberate on the recommendations in Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of the state.

Jonathan, Dickson and the top Ijaw leaders urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the APC to enforce its recommendations.

They insisted that a holistic and sincere implementation of the recommendations of the report on restructuring would encourage inter- ethnic harmony and development in the country.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Dickson on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted Jonathan as saying that the issues were exhaustively treated during the 2014 National Conference.

He said the sincere enforcement of the conference outcome would definitely move the nation forward.

The ex- President said it was a good idea that the APC was able to set up a committee to look into the same grey areas which featured prominently in the deliberations of the 2014 conference.

Jonathan commended Dickson for playing the leadership role of coordinating the thoughts of the Ijaw people on the sensitive issue of restructuring.

He said the governor must be appreciated for ensuring that the Ijaw Nation did not speak with discordant tones on the issue of restructuring.

He stressed that he was pleased that Dickson was performing the leadership role by coordinating the Ijaw Nation on the topical issue.

He said: “I am pleased with the caliber of people who came with the Governor to brief me on the recommendations of the APC committee on restructuring.

“I must say that I am happy with the role being played by the Governor on this issue of restructuring. Ethnic nationalities must not speak with discordant tones on such pertinent issues. I am pleased that Dickson is coordinating the Ijaw Nation.

“I am also pleased that the APC set up a committee to look into the grey areas to come up with these recommendations. When we were in government, we came up with a confab and several issues were addressed which if sincerely implemented would encourage relationship in the country. A sincere implementation of the recommendations on these grey areas will make the country to move forward.”

In his remarks, Dickson said he led the delegation of the Ijaw leaders to the former President to a consultation and brief him on the steps the Ijaws had taken to build bridges of understanding in the pursuits of equity in the country.