“We’ll Work with NWC to Correct Rivers Anomaly and Ensure Gov Fubara Leads the State Party” – PDP Governors’ Forum

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, during its 4th regular meeting for the year, held at the Government House in Jalingo, Taraba State, has pledged to engage the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to address what it describes as an anomaly in Rivers State. The Forum reaffirmed its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling for his rightful leadership position in the state party to be recognized.

The meeting, which took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, was chaired by the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed. During the deliberations, the Governors discussed various pressing intra-party and governance issues impacting their respective states, as well as matters of national significance.

In a communique issued after the meeting, the Forum expressed relief over the resolution of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which had threatened to escalate into a national crisis. The Governors praised the handling of the situation by their PDP colleagues, which prevented the protests from being hijacked by unruly elements.

The Forum emphasized that peaceful protests remain a fundamental right of citizens, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the demonstrations. The Governors also called on the Federal Government to ensure a fair and speedy trial for those arrested in connection with the protests.

Addressing the situation in Rivers State, the Forum criticized the use of court judgments to determine the outcomes of party congresses, reaffirming their support for Governor Fubara. They announced plans to engage the NWC to revisit the congress and correct what they perceive as an injustice, ensuring that Governor Fubara assumes his leadership role within the state party.

The Forum also voiced concerns regarding the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, condemning statements from the President, which they allege are aimed at compromising the election in favor of the ruling party. They further criticized the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters and called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene.

Additionally, the Forum expressed its disapproval of the Federal Government’s handling of national revenue, calling for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions. They demanded a clearer distinction between revenues belonging to the Federation and those of the Federal Government and called for the separation of the roles of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Finally, the Forum commended the Taraba State Government, under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, for its hospitality and for the strides taken to deliver democratic dividends to the people, in line with the PDP’s governance philosophy.