In response to the widespread discontent among Nigerians over the country’s hardships, the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on the federal government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), to step down if it is unable to handle the challenges.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, in a statement delivered by its Director General, CID Maduabum, emphasized that the difficulties faced by Nigerians go beyond tribal, religious, or party affiliations.
According to The Independent, they highlighted the interconnected issues of food shortages, insecurity, and the high exchange rate, attributing them primarily to federal matters.
They asserted that the President, as the Chief Executive Officer, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and leader of Nigeria, holds the ultimate responsibility.
Despite being stakeholders in governance, they expressed their commitment to collaborating with the President to address the challenges that have worsened or emerged since the APC came into power in 2015.
Expressing dissatisfaction with criticism from officials of the APC-led federal government, including the Minister of Information and the APC Governors’ Forum, they stressed the need for the APC to focus on solving Nigeria’s problems rather than making them worse.
They urged the government to be guided by its original intention to address issues and not engage in blame-shifting, grandstanding, or propaganda.
They emphasized the false assertion that PDP-governed states are responsible for issues such as food shortages, highlighting the need for the federal government to play a disproportionate role in mobilizing the nation for sustainable solutions.
They also reiterated their support for cooperative federalism and encouraged the president to work towards effective solutions in the shortest possible time.
Recalling their meeting on February 12, 2024, the PDP Governors, led by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State, reiterated their patriotic advice for the federal government to initiate collaborative efforts between the federal and sub-national governments to address security and economic challenges.
They also reiterated their call for the creation of a state police force and urged monetary and fiscal authorities to work together to find appropriate solutions.
The Chairman of the Forum warned of a potential situation similar to Venezuela if urgent measures are not taken in Nigeria. These suggestions were presented as contributions from a group of patriotic governors participating in governance.