…back LG autonomy
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Wednesday, expressed their desire to seek a political solution to bring the perennial political crisis in Rivers State to an end.
The Governors, during their meeting in Enugu under the auspices of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed commitment to backing their Rivers State colleague, Siminalayi Fubara to resolve the crisis.
This was part of the wide range of issues the meeting deliberated upon in addition to those bearing on critical national interest, the state of the party, particularly the forthcoming congress, among others.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, who read the Governors’ resolutions to reporters at the Enugu State Government House, said, “The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State of the party and commits to supporting the governor of Rivers State and also resolved that the issue be solved through political solution and other measures.
“That all the leaders and organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal pressure and without rancour”.
The PDP Governors also expressed their belief in local government administration, which they said ensures that governance is brought to the people at the grassroots, as provided in the constitution.
The PDP Governors vowed to continue to support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They also resolved as follows:
“In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party, who adopted internal democracy as fundamental principle, which our party was built, the congresses leading to the election of our leaders at the various tiers must be all inclusive, transparent and must confine with the constitution of our party. To ensure the successful conduct of congresses across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.
“In the off season elections in Edo and Ondo, we admonish all the parties to ensure that the elections and campaigns are issue- based, violence free and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The forum urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field, transparent, fair elections as any act of bias will be totally rejected.
“The forum urges Mr President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining or making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.
“On the economy, the forum notes with dismay and great concern, the mismanagement of the economy by the APC led federal government.
“On minimum wage, the minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In view of the attendant hardship on the people, we have resolved that the labour demand on salary increase is justified and therefore commands the total support of the forum.
“While the forum fully support labour in their demand, agreement and consideration must be made in the ability to pay between the federal government, state government and third tier of government
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restrain in utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of the law and order and the collapse of the economy.
“The forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought to the people as provided in the constitution. The forum will continue to support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“The forum regrets that 16 years of growth and tremendous development of the country under the PDP led government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions, and higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the lifespan of the lackluster APC led federal government.
“The forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back the old good days of low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows, resulting in high naira value and create equality of human life as recorded.
“The forum commended the governors of the PDP controlled states for their innovative approaches to governance in many fields especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.
“The forum notes the crisis in Rivers State of the party and commi8ts to supporting the governor of Rivers state and also resolved that the issue be solved through political solution and other measures. That all the leaders and organs of the party will be committed so that we can go together and resolve this issue with minimal pressure and without rancor.
“The forum called on all Nigerians to refrain from any anarchy as we march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.”
