The PDP Governors’ Forum Monday reiterated its call for the creation of state police, but with a caveat that there should be appropriate safeguards to avoid any abuse or overreach by any tier of government.
On recent criticism of policies of the federal government, the party explained that it supported the removal of subsidy believing there were safeguards if they took collective decisions.
“But certainly, we have seen that it is a free fall for the naira. The cost of living is going high, we are almost on the road to Venezuela,” the body said.
The forum stated this Monday after a meeting in Abuja, held under the leadership of its chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed.
At the meeting, the forum also reviewed the state of the nation, noting the hardship being faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic and security challenges facing it.
Going forward, the Forum 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 forum also 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.
“We are working closely with the federal government since the inception of this administration. The rising cost of living is not only under the purview of the federal government.
“We have been partnering together with them to make sure that we don’t bring any distraction but the monetary and economic policies rests squarely with the federal government.
“The majority of Nigerians voted for this administration, so we are doing so much across party lines and on bi-partisan basis, within the Nigeria Governors Forum within the National Economic Council to make sure that we cushion the effects of some of these policies.
“We have reached out to our people and opened the food reserves in a manner that it will provide some succour to our people at the lower level.
“So we are giving concrete opposition but not insulting anybody. But ultimately the decision squarely rests with Nigerians and other organs in the country to make sure that we do things that will bring succour to all of us,” Mohammed said.
On Edo election, the party said it is hundred percent behind the PDP-led government in the state, dismissing any rancour or division but rather working towards producing a successor in the state.
The forum added: “The PDP Governors will continue to play their part in the effort to bring security and succour to our people.
“The meeting deliberated on various issues of interest and concern to the Forum, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the country and issued the following Communiqué:
“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.
Those in attendance were Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, Vice Chairman and Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde, Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, Kefas Agbu of Taraba, and Godwin Obaseki of Edo state.
Also at the meeting were Enugu state Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, and his Delta state counterpart, Monday John Onyeme.
