The Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the ongoing minimum wage negotiations. They stated that the demands of organized labor were justified and urged for swift resolution.
The governors also supported the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. They pledged to uphold the independence of the local government system, as enshrined in the constitution.
During their meeting in Enugu, the governors expressed solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid the political crisis in the state. Bauchi State Governor and Forum Chairman, Senator Bala Mohammed, emphasized that the forum is working with the National Working Committee and other party organs to resolve issues affecting the party and the country.
After a four-hour meeting, the governors issued a communique urging the Federal Government and organized labor to expedite negotiations on the new minimum wage. They mentioned the severe hardship faced by Nigerians due to the poor performance of the APC-led government.
“The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted,” the communique read. “Labor’s demand for a substantial salary raise is justified and commands the support of this forum.”
The forum stressed that while they support labor’s demands, any agreement must consider the financial capacity of all government tiers. They also called for restraint to prevent actions that could lead to lawlessness and economic collapse.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government allocations, the PDP Governors affirmed their support for local government autonomy. They emphasized the importance of this tier of government, closest to the people, and pledged to continue supporting its independence.
The forum lamented the regression seen under the APC-led government compared to the development achieved during PDP’s 16-year rule. They promised to bring back low inflation rates, affordable living costs, and steady foreign investments.
They praised PDP-controlled states for their innovative governance in various fields, including infrastructure, education, and health. They also highlighted the timely delivery of developmental projects.
Looking ahead to the upcoming party congresses, the forum called for inclusive, transparent, and fair processes in line with the party’s constitution. They urged all parties in the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo states to conduct issue-based, violence-free campaigns compliant with the Electoral Act.
The forum also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fair and transparent elections. They warned that any bias would be strongly resisted. Additionally, they urged President Bola Tinubu to avoid political statements that could be seen as interference in the electoral process.
Addressing the Rivers State party crisis, the forum pledged support for Governor Fubara. They emphasized that a political solution and collaborative efforts among party leaders would resolve the issue with minimal friction.
The governors also called on Nigerians to avoid any form of anarchy as the party works towards reclaiming power in 2027.
The forum thanked Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for successfully hosting the meeting and for maintaining party unity in the South-East region.
Twelve PDP governors attended the meeting, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umoh Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Osun State Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi.
Also present were the party chairman, its Board of Trustees, former PDP governors, the Senate Caucus chairman, the former Ministers’ Forum chairman, and the 36 state chapter chairmen.
Source: Sun News
