Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors, Monday, decried the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, saying the country is now almost like Venezuela.
The Governors who gathered in Abuja to review the situation in the country blamed the All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic woes of the country.
Recall that cost of living in the Souther American country is almost out of reach following years of political crisis, corruption and rights abuses.
Just like Venezuela, cost of living in Nigeria is now becoming unaffordable, sparking protests in parts of the country over the rising costs of commodities and starvation.
The PDP Governors who also expressed worry over the festering insecurity in the country, renewed call for the establishment of state police.
They also urged President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, tackle the declining value of the Naira.
Chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who described the party as the most democratic party, said PDP would be repositioned to play its role as the main opposition party in the country.
“What we are doing is providing constructive criticism of the Federal Government’s objectionable policies,” he said.
He regretted that fuel subsidy removal had not positively impacted the economy of the country despite promises by the Government.
“But at the beginning of this administration, we supported the removal of subsidy. We believed that there were safeguards in place and that if we made collective decisions, we should abide by them. However, we have now witnessed a free fall of the naira.”
Promising to work with the Federal Government to provide relief, PDP Governors said time had come for action to redeem the country in the interest of all.
“The cost of living is skyrocketing, and we are almost on the road to becoming like Venezuela. So, we are offering concrete opposition without insulting anybody. Ultimately, the decision rests squarely with Nigerians and other organs in the country to ensure that we take actions that will bring relief to all of us.”
“The rising cost of living is not solely the responsibility of the Federal Government. We have been collaborating with them to ensure that we avoid any distractions, but the monetary and economic policies are squarely the responsibility of the Federal Government,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Governors in attendance were Vice-Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State); host, Seyi Makinde (Oyo State); and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State).
Others include Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State); Kefas Agbu (Taraba State); Godwin Obaseki (Edo State); Deputy Governor of Enugu State; and Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday John Onyeme.
