PDP Governors Back Fubara Amid Political Tension

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum have declared their firm  support for the Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara and his government.

The PDP governors added that they would ensure peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the state.

The governor’s also called on those fanning the crisis to desist from it.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State governor, Nelson Chukwudi, said the position was part of a communique issued at the end of the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Government House, Enough.

Other issues deliberated at the meeting, according to the statement, include the upcoming party congresses, Edo and Ondo governorship elections, implications of Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, protracted national minimum wage negotiations, State of the economy, among others.

On the Rivers political crisis, the communique, read by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, stated: “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 employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises.”

While addressing concerns of Nigerians on the new national minimum wage negotiations, Mohammed said, “The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of majority of our people, the Forum resolves: That labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified, and therefore, commands the total support of the Forum.

“While the Forum fully supports labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and Federal Government”.

Those at the meeting include: Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) as chairman; Governor Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) as vice chairman; Governor Peter Mbah as host; Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) as member.

Others are: 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).