PDP Governors Urge Swift Minimum Wage Negotiations, Back Local Government Autonomy
ENUGU/Nigeria: Governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform expressed their concerns on Wednesday over the prolonged negotiations for a new minimum wage. They urged the Federal Government and organized Labour to ensure that any agreement reached reflects the stakeholders’ ability to pay.
The governors also supported the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, pledging continuous support to this tier of government.
At a meeting held at the Enugu State Government House, Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, highlighted the Forum’s ongoing consultations with the National Working Committee and various party organs to resolve issues affecting both the party and the nation.
In a communiqué issued after the four-hour meeting, the governors called on the Federal Government and organized Labour to expedite minimum wage negotiations, emphasizing the severe hardships faced by Nigerians under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
“The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted amidst unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of the people,” the communiqué read by Governor Mohammed stated. “Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is justified and commands the support of this Forum. However, any agreement must consider the ability to pay by sub-national governments, the Federal Government, and the third tier of government.”
While negotiations continue, the Forum appealed for restraint to prevent actions that could lead to law and order breakdown and economic collapse.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government Allocations, the PDP governors expressed faith in the local government system as the closest tier of government to the people and pledged to support its autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, characterized by single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and a higher standard of living, have been eroded under the APC-led Federal Government,” the communiqué noted.
The Forum promised to restore the “good old days” of low inflation, affordable food, fuel, and transportation, and steady Foreign Direct Investment inflows, resulting in a high Naira value and improved quality of life for Nigerians. They commended PDP-controlled state governors for their innovative approaches to governance, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, youth initiatives, and timely delivery of developmental projects.
On the upcoming party congresses, the Forum called for the adoption of internal pro-democracy measures that are inclusive, transparent, fair, and in strict compliance with the party’s Constitution. For the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Forum urged all political parties to ensure issue-based, violence-free campaigns in compliance with the Electoral Act.
The Forum also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair, and unimpeachable elections, warning that any act of bias would be strongly resisted. They urged President Bola Tinubu to show leadership and avoid political statements that could interfere with the electoral process.
The PDP governors expressed grave concern over the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government. They committed to supporting the Rivers State Governor in resolving the party crisis in the state through political solutions and cooperation among party leaders and organs.
The Forum urged Nigerians to avoid any form of anarchy as the party works towards returning to power in 2027. They also thanked the host, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, for successfully hosting the meeting and maintaining party unity in the South-East geopolitical zone.
In attendance were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umoh Eno(Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), host Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Other notable attendees included the party Chairman, Board of Trustees members, former PDP Governors, Senate Caucus Chairman, former Ministers’ Forum Chairman, and the Chairman of the 36 state Chapters of the party.
