The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, on Monday, said the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians was occasioned by the economic and security challenges being faced by the nation.
However, the PDP governors, after their meeting, called on the All-Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to rise to the occasion and address the situation before it gets out of hand.
Reading the communique of the meeting, chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reiterated the governors’ calls for the establishment of multi-level police.
They further asked the Ambassador Illya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to summon all relevant meetings of the organs of the party including the National Executive Committee (NEC)meeting.
“The meeting reviewed the State of the Nation and noted the hardship being faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic and security challenges facing the nation.
“The forum consequently urges the federal government to as a matter of urgency embark on initiatives involving all the sub-national governments to bring a lasting solution to the crises, ” he said.”
Assuring the people that the PDP governors would continue to play their part in the effort to bring security and succour to the people, he said, “To this end, we reiterate our call for state police with appropriate safeguards to avoid any abuse or overreach by any tier of government.
“The Forum decried the falling value of the Naira and requested the monetary and fiscal authorities to find appropriate solutions.
“The meeting further reviewed recent developments in the Peoples Democratic Party and committed to leading efforts to revamp and reposition the party to serve as an effective opposition to the ruling Party in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the Forum passed a vote of confidence in the Iliya Damagum led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party and urged it to put in motion the machinery for convening meetings of the appropriate organs of the party – from Caucus to National Executive Committee (NEC) as soon as possible.”
Fielding questions on the rising cost of living in the country, he said, “The rising cost of living is not only under the purview of the federal government. We have been partnering to make sure that we don’t bring any distraction but the monetary and economic policies rests squarely with the federal government.”
On the question that the PDP has lost its voice as an opposition party, Mohammed said, “PDP is the most democratic party, the most experienced party in the country. We have been at the seat of governance and Nigerians took a decision to bring APC at the centre and we respect their sensibilities and sense of judgement of Nigerians.”
Speaking on the Edo State governorship election, he said, “We are 100 per cent behind Edo and you can see that there is no rancour, there is no division and we are very much behind the National Workings Committee, the state chapter of the party and indeed the governor to make sure that we go together in unison to produce a successor for the most respected eldest governor in the governors forum.”
Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade, Mary Nnah and Ahmad Sorondinki
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