Governors elected under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have drawn parallels between Nigeria and Venezuela, urging President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to avert further deterioration of the country’s economic situation.
Venezuela has long grappled with persistent shortages of food and medicine, business closures, high unemployment rates, reduced productivity, human rights violations, economic mismanagement, and heavy dependence on oil. Meanwhile, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and abductions across various regions, alongside escalating prices of food items and an uptick in suicides and mental health issues as citizens struggle to make ends meet.
In response to these economic and security challenges, PDP governors, after convening at the Oyo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Monday, February 12, reiterated their call for the establishment of state police and urged the Federal Government to address the depreciation of the naira.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, emphasized the importance of providing constructive criticism of objectionable government policies. He noted the initial support for subsidy removal but expressed concern over the subsequent decline of the naira.
Governors in attendance included Vice-Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State); host Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo State); Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State); 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 from Delta State.
Governor Mohammed stressed that while the Federal Government bears significant responsibility for the rising cost of living, collaborative efforts are necessary to mitigate these challenges. He underscored the need for decisive action to alleviate the economic burdens faced by Nigerians.
