Fuel subsidy removal: PDP expresses concern, calls for dialogue btw FG, NLC, others

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concerns over the quick removal of the Petroleum subsidy by the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led federal government coupled with the lack of adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders before such removal.

The PDP has therefore urged the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to reach a fair and reasonable solution.

This leading opposition party in the country said this in a communique issued at the end of the retreat for all its elected officials in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital at the weekend.

In the communique signed by its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum, the PDP similarly expressed it’s determination to support it’s members and candidates in various tribunals to seek redress for electoral injustices and defend victorious candidates.

The party called on the judiciary to respect and apply the Electoral Act impartially.

The retreat, according to the communique, “expressed concerns over the quick removal of the Petroleum subsidy and the lack of adequate consultation.

“It urged the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue with Organised Labour and other stakeholders to reach a fair and reasonable solution”, it said.

Continuing, the PDP resolved to “support party members and candidates in various tribunals to seek redress for electoral injustices and defend victorious candidates.

“The judiciary was urged to respect and apply the Electoral Act impartially.

“The PDP legislators and governors are to collaborate as partners in development, avoiding conflict that undermines party effectiveness”, it said.

The retreat, which identified key issues for legislative focus to include insecurity, unemployment, inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and strategies for national development, resolved to encourage coalition-building with other opposition parties to form a minority caucus and strong alliance for effective national development.

The retreat harped on the need for its Governors and legislators to respect and contribute to the success of the party.

According to the communique, “The retreat stressed the need for improved communication and synergy between the elected NASS members and the PDP, with a view to ensuring that lawmakers fulfil their responsibilities in line with party values and national interest”.

On the issue of leadership selection for the forthcoming 10th National Assembly, the PDP resolved that it’s support will be given to “candidates that promote unity, independence, and viability of the legislature, necessary for good governance and democratic accountability”.

It harped on the need for members of minority political parties in opposition in the National Assembly to unite on issues of national concern.

The retreat which concluded with a commitment towards prioritizing gender equality and inclusion, said, “the party will strive to ensure equitable representation and active participation of all genders in every aspect of its operations and governance”