Economic Hardship; PDP Governors seek review of Federal Govt’s policies

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has sought a review of the economic policies of the Federal Government, to ameliorate the current economic hardship in the country.

This was part of its 8-point communique issued at the end of its deliberations during its forum, held on Saturday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau hosted the governors with party executives and other stakeholders in attendance.

Malam Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Forum and governor of Bauchi State, who read out the points, empathised with the masses over the current economic crunch.

Mohammed called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, find ways of cushioning the effects of its policies or have a review.

“The forum expresses empathy for Nigerians suffering from economic difficulties and calls for a review of Federal Government’s policies to improve citizens’ welfare,” he said.

Similarly, the party addressed issues confronting its unity and called for more collaboration among members.

“The forum has emphasised the need for unity within the party, addressing concerns about divisions among its members.

“It expresses a commitment to maintaining the party as a trusted platform for democratic governance.

“The forum’s discussions reflect a strong commitment to party unity and addressing internal divisions while also focusing on the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.

“The forum aims to position the PDP as a proactive and responsive political entity in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

“The party is also making a clear call for action regarding electoral integrity and governance, emphasising the need for reforms to ensure fair representation and accountability

“The party acknowledged recent tragedies such as the demise of the First Lady of Akwai-Ibom, and also expressed gratitude for local hospitality reinforcing the party’s connection to the electorate.(NAN)

You’ve been contesting for President for 31 years, you need to step down – Bode George advises Atiku

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has advised Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, not to run in the next presidential race.

George, reflecting on Atiku’s unsuccessful attempts at the presidency since 1993, urged him to step aside and act as an elder statesman by leaving the presidential contest to others.

He urged Atiku who would be 81 by 2027, to end his 31-year-long bid to be President and assume the position of an elder for posterity sake.

George said this while addressing newsmen in Ikoyi, on Thursday, November 21.

He said: “My advice to Atiku is this, you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah that you serve to take it easy and leave everything to posterity.”

Lagos Speaker, Obasa clears air on Governorship ambition to succeed Sanwo-Olu

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on Thursday dispelled rumour making the rounds that he was desperate of becoming the next governor of the state.

Obasa made the declaration when the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented a budget of ₦3,005,935,198,401 for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

The Speaker, in his remarks, noted that the budget was presented at a time of complaints by Nigerians about the economy, appealing to Nigerians to be hopeful as President Bola Tinubu’s administration works to ensure the nation’s economic recovery.

On speculation that the speaker was aspiring to be Governor in 2027, Obasa said, “I have not given a serious thought about becoming the next governor of the state”.

He stated that the major concern now is to strengthen the party in the state, saying that was why he continued to enjoin more people to support the party at all times, an act he noted to have been misconstrued by ‘political detractors’ to mean that he was chasing a governorship ambition.

He added, “I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.

“To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.’

Obasa said becoming governor is secondary to him, adding that “it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”