The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has condemned the Federal Government for resorting to blackmail instead of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges. The forum, which met in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Friday, also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the governors expressed concern over the Federal Government’s handling of the protests, which they said was high-handed and repressive. They also called on the government to ensure a fair and speedy trial for those arrested during the protests.
The forum also discussed the political impasse in Rivers State, where court judgments have been used to determine the outcome of party congresses. The governors restated their support for the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to revisit the congresses to correct the anomaly.
Furthermore, the governors condemned the President’s pronouncements aimed at compromising the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State and the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters by the Nigeria Police. They called on the Inspector General of Police to rein in his men and ensure a free and fair election.
The forum also expressed concern over the Federal Government’s handling of federation revenue, calling for transparency and adherence to extant laws. They demanded the separation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation from that of the Accountant General of the Federal Government.
The meeting was attended by governors from PDP-controlled states, with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, serving as the chairman of the forum.
