Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee (NWC), and other party organs, have vowed to fully support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration. They committed to resolving the ongoing political crisis in the state and urged those causing conflicts to desist and allow the governor to deliver good governance to Rivers people.
This pledge was part of a communique issued after the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting at Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday. The meeting also addressed upcoming party congresses, the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, the implications of the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, prolonged national minimum wage negotiations, and the state of the economy.
Addressing the Rivers political crisis, the communique, read by Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, stated: “The Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, while at the same time employing wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and a lasting solution to the crises.”
The governors criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for its handling of growing inflation, worsening corruption, and declining living standards amid economic hardships. They urged the Federal Government to adopt more pragmatic policies to rescue the economy and provide relief to Nigerians.
Governor Mohammed highlighted concerns over the protracted national minimum wage negotiations, stating, “Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified, and therefore commands the total support of the Forum.” He called for consideration of local government, sub-national, and Federal Government’s ability to pay while appealing for restraint in actions and utterances to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
On upcoming congresses, Mohammed emphasized the need for inclusivity, transparency, fairness, and adherence to the party’s constitution to ensure successful elections of party leaders across the country. The forum also expressed its commitment to local government autonomy and urged for the Supreme Court judgement’s implementation to maintain trust between federal and sub-national governments.
The forum encouraged all parties involved in the Edo and Ondo off-season elections to conduct issue-based, violence-free campaigns and adhere to the Electoral Act. They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparent and fair elections and urged the President to refrain from any political interference.
Attendees of the meeting included Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) as chairman, Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) as vice chairman, Governor Peter Mbah (host), and Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
