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PDP Governors' Concerns Addressed by APC-led Administration: A Call for Collaborative Economic Revamp

Katsina City News
13 Feb, 2024
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In a significant gathering held yesterday in Abuja, governors elected on the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) platform convened to address the nation's economic and security challenges. Led by their Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, the PDP governors expressed their concerns and advocated for a bipartisan approach to tackling these critical issues.

Acknowledging the right of PDP governors to voice their stance on national matters, the governors representing the National Economic Council and the National Council of States raised reservations about the conduct of their counterparts. While respecting their roles as sub-national leaders, the PDP governors were criticized for what was deemed an inadequate representation of their leadership responsibilities.

The APC-led administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responded by asserting that the PDP governors' comparison of the country's economic challenges to Venezuela was misleading. The administration emphasized that despite facing challenges, Nigeria's economic fundamentals remain robust, projecting a 3% GDP growth for the current year.

Contrary to the claims made by PDP governors, the administration highlighted the effective functioning of the Nigerian government, ensuring the payment of financial obligations both domestically and internationally. President Tinubu's reforms were credited with doubling the revenue available to all tiers of government, resulting in increased allocations to states and local governments.

The administration challenged PDP governors to account for the utilization of these enhanced revenues, pointing out that several states under PDP control struggled with unpaid salaries, pension arrears, and gratuities. The statement asserted that the economic pressures faced by citizens in these states were exacerbated by the governors' failure to implement the N30,000 minimum wage for over four years.

Addressing concerns about the rising cost of living and food, the administration criticized PDP governors for not prioritizing food production in their states. It called on them to fulfill their responsibilities to workers, pensioners, and local contractors, emphasizing the need for genuine efforts to improve citizens' lives.

Highlighting the progress made in addressing security challenges, the administration cited successful operations resulting in the neutralization of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. The statement also noted ongoing efforts by the Central Bank to stabilize the exchange rate, paving the way for the naira to regain its actual value against major currencies.

The administration urged PDP governors to collaborate with their colleagues in the Nigerian Governors Forum, working alongside President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to collectively revamp the economy for the well-being of all Nigerians.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information & National Orientation, emphasized these points in a press release on February 13, 2024.