PDP Governors Hold Strategic Meeting To Reposition Party

Governors on the platform of the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have met in Abuja and resolved to bind together to secure the future of the party.

Rising from their inaugural meeting under the newly reconstituted PDP Governors Forum, the governors also resolved to provide peer review of issues, policies, programmes and achievements of governments in their states.

The state chief executives expressed worry over the continuing insecurity in the country, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara States.

The Forum under the leadership of Alhaji Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State advised the Federal Government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.

They affirmed that they would continue to cooperate with the central government on issues of citizens’ welfare even though they would maintain their independence by offering criticisms when necessary.

They demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and the Federal Government must be neutral in the upcoming off-circle governorship elections.

Governorship elections are to be conducted in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states on November 11.

Edo state would be having it’s election next year.

The communique issued at the end of the meeting read by the Chairman states: “The meeting resolved to work together and unite the Forum. The aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for peer review of issues, policies, programmes and achievements (legacy projects) of member-Governors across the PDP states.

“The meeting advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the security agencies, and the Federal Government to be neutral in the conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States.

“The meeting noted the deteriorating security situation in the country especially the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Plateau and Zamfara States amongst other states.

“The meeting consequently advised the Federal Government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.

“In the interim, the Forum would cooperate with the Federal Government on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerians and good governance while striving to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Forum through offering constructive criticisms where necessary.”

Apart from Bala Mohammed, other Governors in attendance at the meeting held at Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro included Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State), Sen. Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Oluseyi Makinde (Oyo State), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), Kefas Agbu (Taraba State) and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

However, the Deputy Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Rivers State, Simi Fubara was absence