From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum rose from its meeting in Government House, Enugu, Enugu State yesterday with a call on Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as the country will march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.

has noted with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

A communique read by the chairman of the forum, the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed said the meeting deliberated on the state of the party, the forthcoming congresses and the unprecedented hardship faced by majority of Nigerians.

The governors agreed that the congresses leading to the election of party leaders at all levels must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party.

To ensure the successful conduct of the congresses across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) especially the off season elections in Edo and Ondo States, the forum admonished all the parties to ensure that campaigns are issues-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.

They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be totally resisted.

The communique read, “Mr President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.

“The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted in the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of our people.

“Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the forum.”

The forum supported Labour’s demand noting that agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government.

It appealed for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.

The governors maintained, “The forum will continue to support the autonomy of the local governments as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Forum holds the Supreme Court in the highest esteem, and is committed to obedience to court orders.

“However, the forum urges that implementation of the court decision must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit between the Federal Government and sub-national governments while also ensuring that the system does not suffer.”

The forum resolved to stand by the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara while at the same time employing wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful and a lasting solution to the crisis he has with his predecessor.

The governors regretted the eroding of 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government during which the country witnessed single-digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian by the lackluster APC-led Federal Government.

The meeting thanked Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the first meeting of the PDP Governors in recent times outside Abuja and for holding the party together not only in Enugu State but in the entire South-eastern geo-political zone.

The governors in attendance were: Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State, Chairman; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State, Vice Chairman; Peter Mba (host); Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Godwin Obaseki, Edo State; Seyi Makinde, Oyo State; Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State; Agbu Kefas, Taraba State; and Dauda Lawal, Zamfara State.