The People's Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has reaffirmed its support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, pledging to resolve the political crisis in the state and ensure peaceful governance.
In a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State governor, the forum announced its commitment to supporting Governor Fubara and discouraging any efforts to destabilize his administration. The statement was part of a communique released after a meeting held at the Government House in Enugu.
The governors urged those instigating conflict to desist and allow Governor Fubara to deliver effective governance to the people of Rivers State. They also discussed other pressing issues, including upcoming party congresses, the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, implications of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, protracted national minimum wage negotiations, and the state of the economy.
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, read the communique, stating, “The Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, while at the same time employing wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus finding a lasting solution to the crises.”
The governors criticized the All-Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for its lackluster approach to addressing growing inflation, worsening corruption, and the declining standard of living. They called for more pragmatic policies and programs to rescue the economy and provide relief to Nigerians.
On the national minimum wage negotiations, Governor Mohammed stated, “The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In the face of the unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of our people, the Forum resolves that labor’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum.”
Regarding the upcoming party congresses, he emphasized the need for inclusivity, transparency, and fairness in compliance with the party's constitution. He also reiterated the forum's support for local government autonomy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Attendees at the meeting included Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) as chairman; Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) as vice chairman; Governor Peter Mbah as host; Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa); Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Governor Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Governor Agbu Kefas (Taraba); and Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
