FROM ISA ABUDULSALAMI (JOS)

The two politicians were brought together at the launch of the book by Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, book entitled Dialogue of life: Moslems and Christians.

Kaigama had earlier told the audience to go and shake hands with at least five people.

The archbishop was sandwiched by Dariye, on his right, and Mantu, on his left. All and sundry rose up to shake hands with at least five people each that they had not seen for the past five days.

Mantu was the first to speak before the governor. He said that the book, written by Kaigama, which was being presented to the public, was a divine message.

He said that about 90 per cent of the people in the room were regretting their past misdeeds. He did not elaborate.

But he went on to say that people should not be over zealous and allow their personal emotion to becloud their sense of reasoning.

Mantu did not observe any protocol, neither did he recognise anybody, including the governor.

Dariye, who spoke after Mantu, also did not observe any protocol.

He urged politicians to bury their hatchet, adding that there were two factions of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state - the one led by Alhaji Habu Shiindai and the other by Chief Jethro Akun.

He said that the two men should lock up themselves and settle their differences, while he and Mantu would also lock up themselves to settle their differences.