Obasanjo yet to accept Daniel’s "Peace Offer"

Fresh moves by former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel to hold peace talks with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo have not yielded results.                                

Obasanjo, who felt betrayed by the former governor, has not accepted the olive branch from Daniel. But a 15-man peace panel has been raised to reconcile Obasanjo, Daniel and a former Minister of Commerce, Chief Jibril Martins-Kuye.                                   

Investigation revealed that attempts have been made in the last three weeks for a peace meeting by the three leaders but Obasanjo is yet to either give his consent or decline. It was learnt that the former President has not forgiven Daniel for working against the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the April governorship poll in the state.

    

A highly-placed source said: “The ex-President is yet to understand why he has to hold peace talks with Daniel after what he did.  “There are subtle manoeuvres to persuade him to give Daniel a second chance but he has not made any commitment. “We are, however, hopeful that  the ex-President may have a rethink after getting brief from the 15-man committee.

“But Obasanjo is shocked that some of his loyalists have joined the peace train when he has not given the go-ahead.” According to findings, members of the peace committee are Chief Ademola Awosanya(Chairman), ex-Minister of Mines and Steel, Chief Sarafa Tunji Ishola; Tunde Osholake; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Apostle Dave Salako; Deacon Iyabo Apampa; Hon. Aliyu Taiwo; Chief Olu Bankole; Chief Yemi Akinwumi; and Alhaji Niyi Adegbenro. Others are Chief Kola Olumide; Derin Adebiyi; Bisiriyu Popoola; Chief Kalejaye and Soji Emeje.

It was gathered that the 15-man panel has met with  Daniel and Martins-Kuye in their separate residences in Shagamu and Ijebu-Igbo. A member of the committee, who spoke in confidence, said: “PDP leaders in the state felt we should forget the past and pursue the path of genuine reconciliation. “Although some of our leaders are still embittered over how Daniel worked against the PDP at the last poll, we are determined to resolve all differences and keep the party united again.”

On lack of commitment from Obasanjo, the source added: “The ex-President will certainly have the final say, we cannot do anything without him. If it means all of us going to him to beg for forgiveness, we will do so. “We are not traitors as being alleged. Daniel offended most of us but we believe it is time to heal the wounds.”

It was gathered that PDP leaders in Ogun State may ask President Goodluck Jonathan to prevail on ex-President Obasanjo to forgive Daniel.