Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to take decisive actions in addressing the prevailing economic challenges facing Nigerians. The call comes amidst a recent surge in food prices and economic difficulties that have made it increasingly difficult for citizens to afford essential items.
Led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the governors expressed their concerns during a meeting on Monday. They urged the Federal Government to mobilize all organs and tiers of government for sustainable solutions to the economic issues confronting the nation.
In a statement released by Cyril Maduabum, the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, the governors emphasized that their suggestions and advice were offered patriotically as contributions from a group of leaders actively participating in governance. They commended efforts made by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a prominent APC leader, for organizing a special meeting to address some of the raised issues and urged the implementation of the resolutions reached during the meeting.
However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, responded to the PDP governors’ statement in a release. He described the comparison between Nigeria and Venezuela as mischievous and highlighted that several PDP-governed states had failed to fulfill obligations such as paying minimum wage, gratuities, and pensions.
“It is far-fetched when the PDP governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela,” Minister Idris stated.
In defense of their stance, Maduabum clarified that the PDP governors’ intention was to offer constructive advice to the Federal Government, proposing initiatives that involve collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to address both security and economic challenges confronting the nation.
