PDP Governors Demand Economic Reforms, Commit to Alleviating Citizens’ Hardships

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reassess the country’s macroeconomic and fiscal policies in a bid to alleviate the significant economic struggles currently experienced by Nigerians.

This appeal was made in a communiqué released following their 7th meeting, which took place at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on Saturday.

The Forum conveyed its profound empathy for the citizens grappling with the burdensome consequences of the policies enacted by the APC-led Federal Government.

Senator Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, emphasized the Forum’s unwavering commitment to implementing programs and policies designed to alleviate the hardships faced by the public while fostering national progress and development.

“The Forum empathizes with Nigerians over the groaning oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government.

“We pledge that all PDP Governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programs that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development,” Governor Bala Mohammed stated.

Moreover, the Forum recognized the internal concerns regarding divisions among Nigerians, as well as within the PDP itself, which includes its founding fathers, elders, and members.

They reassured the public of their dedication to maintaining unity within the party’s ranks.

“The Forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance,” the communiqué affirmed.

In addition, the Governors addressed the recent postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, expressing condolences to Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom, whose late wife’s funeral coincided with the originally scheduled meeting.

The Forum extended heartfelt sympathies to Governor Bassey and his family, praying for divine strength during this challenging time.

“The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party in empathy with our colleague, H.E. Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC

” Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the communiqué stated.

The Forum also advised the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025.

This timeline according to them, would facilitate extensive discussions with key stakeholders to address pressing concerns facing the party, particularly regarding leadership and ongoing litigations.

While acknowledging the efforts of the majority in the National Assembly, the Forum called on them to carefully evaluate bills to ensure that they promote fairness, equity, and balanced national development across the country.

Furthermore, the Forum expressed condolences to the people and government of Plateau State following the devastating fire at Katako Market, which resulted in significant monetary losses.

They similarly extended their sympathies to the people of Jigawa State following a recent tanker explosion that tragically claimed many lives.

“We commiserate with the Government and people of Plateau State on the recent Katako market fire incident, which destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.

“We also extend our condolences to the Government and people of Jigawa State over the recent tanker explosion, in which scores of people lost their lives and several others were injured,” the communiqué noted.

The PDP Governors Forum expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government for graciously hosting the meeting and showcasing the celebrated hospitality of Jos.

They lauded the state’s advancements in social services, tourism, and transportation and expressed optimism that such progress would continue beyond 2027 when the party aims to restore its prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“In particular, the meeting commends the Government of the State for visible and laudable transformations in social services, tourism, and transportation.

“We ensure all Nigerians can look forward, with genuine hope, to the replication of these successes not only presently but also after 2027, when the party would reclaim its rightful position in the Nigerian political scene.”