The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum recently criticized the Federal Government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), over the ongoing minimum wage negotiations. They believe the organized labour’s demands for higher wages are fair.
The forum also supported the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy, promising to back the independence of local governments as stated in the constitution. Meeting in Enugu, the governors expressed their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the political turmoil in the state. The Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, highlighted that they are working with the party’s National Working Committee and other party organs to address internal and national issues.
In a statement released after a four-hour meeting, the governors urged the Federal Government and labour unions to hasten the minimum wage negotiations due to the severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians, attributed to the APC-led government’s poor performance. They stressed that the prolonged negotiations are causing unnecessary suffering, and labour’s call for significant wage increases is well-founded and supported by the forum. However, they emphasized the need for the wage agreement to consider the financial capabilities of the federal, state, and local governments. While negotiations continue, they called for restraint to avoid actions that could lead to chaos and economic collapse.
Regarding the Supreme Court ruling on local government funds, the PDP Governors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local government autonomy, recognizing it as the closest level of government to the people.
The forum lamented the decline in development over the past 16 years under APC rule, contrasting it with the progress made during PDP’s governance, including low inflation, established anti-corruption bodies, and improved living standards. They aligned themselves with the public’s struggles and vowed to restore the previous era of low inflation, affordable essentials, steady foreign investments, and better quality of life.
The forum praised PDP governors for their innovative governance, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, youth programs, and timely project delivery. They called for inclusive, transparent, and fair internal democratic practices for the upcoming party congresses and urged political parties in Edo and Ondo states to conduct peaceful and issue-focused campaigns. They also pressed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fair and transparent elections, warning against any bias.
The PDP Governors advised President Bola Tinubu to avoid making politically charged statements that could be seen as interfering with the electoral process. They also criticized the APC-led Federal Government for its poor economic management.
In support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the forum committed to resolving the political crisis in Rivers State through political solutions and other measures to ensure cooperation and minimize conflicts within the party. They urged Nigerians to avoid anarchy as they work towards returning the PDP to power in 2027.
The meeting, hosted by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, saw the attendance of 12 PDP governors, party chairmen, former governors, and other key party members. The forum expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for successfully hosting the meeting and uniting the party in the South-East region.
