PDP Governors raise the alarm over economic, security situation in Nigeria

• Task FG on initiatives to solve problems

• Pass vote of confidence on party’s NWC led by Damagum

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have raised the alarm over the hardship being faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic and security challenges facing the nation.

The PDP Governors, who met and reviewed the State of the Nation in Abuja on Monday, consequently urged 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.

The Governors, at the meeting held under the chairmanship of Senator Bala Mohammed, who is also the Governor of Bauchi State, noted with sadness that the cost of living in Nigeria is going high, adding “we are almost on the road to Venezuela”.

The Governors however vowed to continue to play their part in the effort to bring security and succour to Nigerians.

At the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting, which was attended by eight Governors and two deputy-Governors, similarly reiterated their call for state police in the country.

In the communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by Senator Bala, the PDP Governors said, “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.

“The PDP Governors will continue to play their part in the effort to bring security and succour to our people.

“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”, they said.

PDP Governors in attendance aside Gov Bala, were; Siminalayi Fubara. (Rivers State) and Vice Chairman, Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), Kefas Agbu (Taraba State), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), as well as Ifeanyi Ossai – Enugu State Deputy Governor and Dep Gov. Monday John Onyeme (Delta State).