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Hardship: Beggars, PLWD Beg Tinubu “We are Hungry, Give Us Palliatives”

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Persons Living With Disabilities, PLWD, have made a clarion call to the federal and Lagos government to save them from the current hardship.

The Coordinator and Convener of the group Kehinde Oshilaja made the call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu in a statement in Lagos at the weekend, saying they need to be supported too, like other Nigerians who are facing hardship due to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

From the palliatives that government are sharing to citizens, the PLWD said they should also be considered, saying this would go a long way to ameliorate their sufferings.

The governments at the federal and subnational level have been sharing palliatives to groups and other Nigerians as a way of softening the current economic hardship on them, even though not a few Nigerians insist that the palliatives don’t really get to those who need them, as they are hijacked by government officials.

Speaking Oshilaja said some well-meaning Nigerians who would normally assist them could no longer do so due to the hardship in the country.

The government should come to their aide, the PLWD stressing   that disabled people are   ‘suffering’ and  “could no longer eat, even once daily,” due to the current economic downturn.

Oshilaja said: “There is hunger in the land. People living with disability are hungry. We are disappointed, as inflation is biting hard. We are using this medium to appeal to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State House of Assembly members to fast track and implement budget proposal for people living with disability. Despite the hunger in the land, no one is willing to help us.”

Catholic Bishops Hit Tinubu: You Have No ‘Compassion’ For Nigerians

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Catholic Bishops in Orlu

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing economic policies which are now threatening to ground the country to a halt.

The umbrella body of Catholic Church in the country made its position known on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital during the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly.

According to the bishops ‘millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty,” due to the unfriendly economic policies of the administration.

The bishops are referring to the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira last year, amongst others which not a few Nigerians led to the current hardship in the country.

The President of CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji said the country is experiencing the worse state of insecurity and economic hardship that have not been experience in Nigeria’s short history.

Taking a holistic look at the administration, Ugorji accused the administration’s officials of living in affluence while many Nigerians are struggling to eat, despite the huge sums of many the government is spending with nothing to show on the part of the masses.

Ugorji said, “If we cast a cursory glance at the present state of our nation, we are inclined to conclude that this seems to be the worst of times for our country in the areas of security and the economy. Despite the huge sums of money appropriated monthly as security votes, our communities have continued to experience persistent insecurity.

“Recently, there has been an upsurge in kidnapping for ransom and increasing incidents of senseless bloodshed across the nation. Unarmed citizens are brutally slaughtered on our highways, in their homes and even in the sacred precincts of places of worship. Killer herdsmen, bandits and unknown gunmen seem to be on rampage. Many communities across the nation have been taken over completely by criminals. Families have lost their ancestral lands to armed invaders and land-grabbers. The social and economic lives of communities have been paralysed due to insecurity.

“Schools have been shut down, and children can no longer continue their education. Farmers are unable to access their farms out of fear of either losing their lives or being kidnapped. Businesses have closed down. Many displaced families have no sources of livelihood and are daily afflicted by hunger and starvation.

“The reform agenda of the present government has added to the plight of Nigerians. With the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, there has been a sharp increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the Naira. Indeed, there is a free fall of the national currency. High spiralling inflation has made it difficult for the average Nigerian to access basic commodities, including food items and medication.

“As a result of the government’s reform agenda, millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty, wanton suffering, and untold hardship as never before in our national history. In a bid to survive, an increasing number of the poor have resorted to begging. With more than 80 million Nigerians living under the poverty line of less than two dollars a day, our country, according to the recent disclosure of the World Bank, is the world’s second-largest poor population after India.

“While many impoverished Nigerians continue to suffer and die as a result of the hardship caused by the government’s economic reforms, the president has continued to urge the populace to make even more and more sacrifices with the assurance that brighter days lay ahead.

“As the government demands additional sacrifice from the struggling masses, one would expect to see a drastic cut in the cost of running the government at all levels. On the contrary, it is worrisome to watch top government functionaries living by the sweat, toil and tears of the poor. They continue spending huge public funds on ostentatious and luxurious lifestyles and seem incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor.”

Labour Party: What’s Next For Abure, Will He Resign?

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There is no respite yet for the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP.

This followed the decision, on Sunday, by 36 state chairmen of the party who demanded the resignation from his position to allow investigation into his alleged misappropriation of over N3.5 billion campaign fund.

The magazine reports that the National Treasurer of the party accused Abure last week of misappropriating the sum, and has refused to be accountable.

Some party officials including its presidential candidate in last year’s election, Peter Obi has demanded a thorough probe of the alleged financial scam.

Abure has however defended himself saying he is innocent of the allegation. In spite of this, not a few watching what is going on in the party, insist that the current pressure on the National Chairman may be too much for him to retain his position.

“The fact that Obi has waded into the matter is a pointer that the problem is a serious one which may likely consume Abure. The party prides itself as incorruptible. They would need to show Nigerians that they mean it. What happens to Abure next would determine whether the party is serious,’ a political analyst said on Sunday.

Demanding that Abure gave up his position, the 36 state chairmen stated during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital that this is to allow thorough investigation into the alleged financial scam.

Abure cannot be a judge in his own case, Solomon Ndem, Plateau State labour Party Chairman and the leader of the Forum, said.

According to the forum: “We stand before you with a profound appreciation for the responsiveness of HE Peter G. Obi, a stalwart in our party, for his swift action in response to the call for the external auditing of the LP accounts. This gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to transparency and the principles of the New Nigeria project.

“However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria, we wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention,” the Forum stressed.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Peter G. Obi, Senator Ahmed Datti, and other distinguished personalities within the party to join us in requesting Barrister Julius Abure to step aside.

“This step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a lot of our party aggrieved members.

“It is crucial that no one acts as a judge in his own case, and we believe this measure will ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.”

Meanwhile, the question on the lips of not a few Nigerians is whether Abure will bow to pressure to resign.

Kebbi State Moves To Curtail Spread Of Avian Influenza, 14 Peacocks Already Killed

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By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State government has assured that the outbreak of Avian influenza in the state is under control

Dr Alheri Ibrahim-Sanchi, the Director, Veterinary Services, Kebbi State Ministry of Animal Husbandry, explained that government has stepped-up efforts to mitigate the spread of avian influenza that reared its ugly head in the state.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the director made the disclosure while addressing journalists shortly after fumigating a farm infected with the disease located at Amanawa village, Kalgo, outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.

The official confirmed that the disease had so far killed 14 peacocks in the affected facility.

The fumigation was carried out by a team of professionals under “One Health”, comprising experts from ministries of Animal Husbandry, Health, Environment, Information, as well as Principal Partners.

He explained that some peacocks were reported to have been ill and the pattern of mortality became worrisome, “so, we send a team of veterinary doctors for preliminary investigation.

“Upon investigation, we found it necessary to take samples and those samples were sent to Veterinary Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in Jos.

“When those samples were analysed, unfortunately for us, they returned positive for ‘Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)’,

“So, this is what necessitated this exercise, to first of all come to the scene where these birds were resident and  do the needful.”

The director pointed out that the main task was to ensure that the incident did not go beyond the affected facility, assuring that the team would go ahead and take active surveillance, “which is a pathern of seeking for other likely cases that may be occuring in our state.”

He said that considering the fact that “highly pathogenic avian influenza is zoonotic infection that has the tendency to spread to humans”, the team also undertook the veterinary component of it, while colleagues in human health would identify individuals in contact with the animals for necessary action.

Ibrahim-Sanchi appealed to poultry owners to remain calm but be vigilant, and intensify bio-security, adding that “it is a disease that potent high economic lose for poultry owners.”

To curtail possible spread to human beings, he advised that the number of persons who visit the poultry should be minimized and also enjoined them to restrict movement of birds, avoid sharing of farm implements to curb spread of the disease.

Ibrahim-Sanchi added that the ministry, in collaboration with sister ministries and agencies like ministry of health, environment and information and principal partners, were making efforts to sensitize the public on the disease.

Also in an interview, the Director, Public Health, Kebbi Ministry of Health, Abubakar Bagudu-Muhammad, confirmed that the disease had the potency to affect humans, adding that “it is also pathogenic; meaning it can be transmitted from one person to another.”

He, however, said they were working as a team, involving animal, human, environment, information and other stakeholders to coordinate emergency health activities at the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to curtail any outbreak.

Ilorin Emirate Council Dismisses Viral Video Showing Protest In Front Of Emir’s Palace

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Emir Of Ilorin

By Ayodele Oni

Feelers from the Kwara state capital indicate that the Emir Of Ilorin reportedly sneaked out of his palace as some protesters occupied it seeking for food.

Report, as shown in a viral video, indicated that on Saturday, there was chaos at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin, as the brunt of hardship faced by Nigerians worsens.

The protesters chanted “We are hungry, we need food,” as they  stormed the Emir’s palace in protest.

The protesters also called out the federal government during the demonstration saying, “The state is hungry.”

The Ilorin Emirate Council has reacted to the incident describing the viral video as not the true reflection.

In a statement, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, Spokesman to Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council said that the viral video was an old event.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video in circulation on social media platforms where some people are shouting and lamenting over poverty and hardship in front of the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.

“We want to state categorically that the said video was part of the events that characterized and witnessed during the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

“The video does not have any connection with the current situation in the country and it would be recalled that in occasions of such, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara Traditional Rulers Council,  Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, always express his concern on the need to ensure that peace and harmony continue to prevail in the society.

“At the height of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the emir expressed high level of concerns and joined governments at all levels in the campaign towards ensuring that the unfortunate situation was contained

“He also played frontline roles in championing the pains and interests of the masses during the scarcity of Naira currency which inflicted hardship nationwide with no exemption to anyone irrespective of social, political and economic status.

“On the current economic hardship, the Emir and his colleagues at the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council level are engaging government at all levels on the need to continue to improve on the welfare, security and social life of the people of the state with commendations to the state government for being responsive to masses-oriented issues.

“We thereby appeal to the general public to disregard the video in circulation in order to avoid any misrepresentation of the scenario vis a vis the location of the gathering as reflected in the video, even as he plead with the people of Ilorin and Kwara State at large to remain peaceful and pray always.”

Jonathan’s Moving Tribute To Late Sister: My Heart Is Heavy

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By Goodluck Jonathan

“Our mother gave birth to 10 of us. Eight died before they were one year old. Two of us survived. I had a special bond with you. Now, I am alone. My beloved sister, I cannot process your death. Our mother is in her 90s. How can she survive this?”

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has penned an emotional tribute to his late elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, who died on January 11, 2024 at the age of 70 years.

In a  tribute published in the funeral brochure presented at last Friday’s burial ceremonies in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Dr. Jonathan described the death of her only surviving sibling from his aged mother as traumatising. In the two-page tribute, the former President also noted that he shared a special bond with his late elder sister, adding that he would continue to carry on her legacy with honour.

Below is the full text of the tribute:

“Can I, in all honesty, say adieu to my dear loving sister Obebh?

“Sister Obebhatein is gone! How I wish I could turn back the hands of time. How can she depart the world now when our mum is in her nineties and knowing that our mum has only two of us as her surviving children.

“No! I still find it hard to believe that the only sibling I have from my mum is dead. The news of her death was the most devastating and unkind news that my ears suffered to hear for as long as I can remember. It was too hard to process and bear now that the family has come to accept the Grim Reaper’s cold jab.

“Yes, I knew she was ill, but I believed she would pull through. Little did I expect death to come knocking so soon.

“I was in Bayelsa State on December 27, 2023, and stayed through the New Year period. During that period, I spent some time with her. I noticed that my elder sister was up and about, even attended some ceremonies but a bit frail in her gait. Even then,  she assured me that it was no longer so much of a concern. I still insisted that her doctor should conduct a comprehensive check on her and advise on the best course to take for her full recovery.

“I had a personal matter to sort out abroad. As I travelled on January 8, my thoughts were squarely on my sister. In my head, I had worked out a plan to send her to a specialist hospital for a follow-up and comprehensive examination once I returned. But that was not to be.

“Later, I got to hear that the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa did their best to avail her of the necessary care, especially when her condition suddenly worsened. They assembled many consultants, including endocrinologists and neurologists, and carried out an MRI scan and other required tests in a bid to stabilise her.  But her health deteriorated so fast, such that the cold hands of death could not be stopped.

Her death is terribly traumatising. We know we will all die, but the time and circumstances of death are critical and significant.

Now that she is gone, can our mother take this news? Can she survive it? I did not brief my mother in detail about why I had to travel abroad, but I reckon that someone might have told her that I could also see a doctor during the trip.

“That must have been a piece of information too dense for her to digest. Is she losing her only two surviving children at the same time, at such an advanced age?  This is a woman who had ten live births, but eight died before their first birthday. I could only imagine the devastating storm the development had triggered in her psyche.

“Sister Obebh exited this world at the wrong time. Mama will have to contend with the eternal absence and loss of a daughter who had, over time, become a mother and grandmother and her companion in her old age.

Since she retired from teaching ten years ago, my sister has become our mother’s associate, friend, confidant, and key support system.

“There was a special bond between me and my sister. She was the only sister I knew growing up, and I was her only brother from childhood. Together we lived, dreamed, played, laughed, loved, fought, and stood for each other.

In the tapestry of my life, there are threads of love, humility, companionship, and an unbreakable bond that belongs solely to Obebh, my dear elder sister. As I write this, my heart is heavy with sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude for all that God led her to do for me.

“Obebh, from the beginning, you were not just a sister but also a guide, a confidant, and a fellow dream-weaver. Together, we navigated the labyrinth of life, chasing shared dreams with a determination known only to those who truly understand the power of close sibling camaraderie.

“I am eternally grateful, blessed beyond measure, to have grown up alongside you, my beloved sister.

Even though you are no longer with us in body, your memory, and the love we shared will forever remain in my heart. Thank you for the cherished moments, the unspoken understanding, and the unwavering support. You will always be a part of me, and I will carry your legacy with honour.

“We are all grieving now, but we are hoping for Almighty God to comfort and strengthen all of us. We will take solace in the fact that you were an exemplary woman and role model who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity.

“Farewell, my dear sister, until we meet again.


“Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, GCON
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015)”

Oyo Govt Flags Off Biometric Enumeration Of Traders, Industrialists For Empowerment

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By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has flagged off the Biometric enumeration of people in the informal sector of the economy with a view to empower the.

Those in the category include  Traders, Artisans, industrialist and members of cooperative societies in the State, that will be captured under the state government ‘Ise D’otun programme.

While unveiling the programme  in Ibadan, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni explained that it would help the government ascertain the details of traders, Artisans Industrialists and members of cooperative societies in the State.

She said that this would facilitate sharing the dividends of democracy and ensure they get to the targeted members of the public.

The Head of Service hinted that the present administration was working tirelessly and putting up necessary measures to ensure life is worth living, hence the initiative of ‘Ise D’otun’.

She therefore urged them to cooperate with the State Government to ensure the successful collation of their data as it will enhance their business through various support opportunities from government, stockholders and NGOs.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, stated that having accurate data of the informal sector would enhance the State Government’s access to facilitate local and international grants, loans and other supports for the participants.

He added that the programme would also give the beneficiaries the opportunity to use their numeric strength to enjoy affordable insurance plans in case of fire outbreak and also give them other business opportunities.

The Commissioner further stressed  that ‘Ise D’otun’ is a laudable business development solution for traders, artisans, Cooperatives and small scale industrialists in Oyo State, which is aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the State, anchored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.

According to him, the consultant engaged by the State Government to carry out the programme, had equally concluded arrangements with one of the leading network service providers in the country to move those to be enumerated under the Close Users Group (CUG) which would give them opportunity to make telephone calls to one another at a very discounted rate of Five Hundred Naira monthly.

No Ban On Movement Of Food Supplies To Southern Part – Niger Govt

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By Ayodele Oni

Niger state government has clarified report of an alleged blockage of foodstuff supplies from the northern part of the country to the south.

A video had gone viral on Saturday in which some trucks loaded with food items such as tomatoes, pepper, yams and others on their way to southern part of the country were hooked up at a village in Niger state with some persons in uniform ordering them to return.

However, the Niger state government has distanced any of its officials from the order, saying it was an attempt to invite crisis.

The Government’s statement reads: “The attention of the Niger State Government has been drawn to a recorded video where a number of heavy vehicles parked, believed to be their usual resting place after a long journey.

“This has been a practice of all heavy vehicle drivers for over 50 years; there’s always a spot where they all converge to rest, pass the night, wash their vehicles, etc.

“The story that the vehicles carrying food items have been asked not to take food items to the southern or eastern part of the country but to return to the northern part is untrue.

“The liars, who did the video should’ve known that an operation of this magnitude would require a task force, indeed, along with security men.

“Their attempt to incite crisis has failed. Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State did not give such an order.

“As the entire country passes through a challenging period, these unscrupulous characters have decided to chance upon the situation as an opportunity for mischief and political profit.

“To the characters responsible, know that, firstly, God is in the know of your machinations and will judge you accordingly. Secondly, the Government will trace the perpetrators like before and will be hard on both the authors and those responsible for amplifying the lies.

“We cannot permit mischievous individuals to deepen the anxiety of our people and exacerbate an already difficult situation. The Government will come down hard upon these criminals and see they are made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Edo 2024: Dennis Idahosa, Reps Member, Wins APC Edo Governorship Primary, Beats Eight Others

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Dennis Idahosa

By Ayodele Oni

Despite several allegations of irregularities and non-compliance with guidelines, the Edo State APC Governorship  Primary, has produced a candidate.

A serving member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, has been declared winner.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, who is the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, declared Idahosa, who, he said, polled 40, 448 votes winner.

Two aspirants, out of the 12  vying for the party’s ticket,  withdrew from the race allegedly in protest. They are Lucky Imasuen, a former Deputy Governor and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

A preliminary report as observed by seven Civil Society Organizations  had observed a lack of awareness among party members about the process, a dearth of stakeholders meetings to inform party members, and the absence of the party voters register for aspirants who had made payments.

Party members openly expressed their confusion and ignorance about the primary’s procedures and guidelines.

“This knowledge gap resulted in a sense of disillusionment and frustration among the party faithful, who had expected a more inclusive and transparent election.

“Aspirants who had paid for access to the party voters register, as part of their preparations for the primary, faced an unexpected hurdle – the unavailability of the register. This setback impeded their ability to effectively engage with and mobilize potential voters within the party.

“The absence of the required voters register not only hindered the aspirants’ campaign strategies but also raised questions about the transparency and efficiency of the registration system within the party.”

When contacted on the alleged irregularities, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka simply said “I don’t think that’s true; I have to come back to you.”

PDP Governors Urge President Tinubu To Resign Over Economic Hardship

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Governors Forum has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign his position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if he lacks ideas on how to change the fortunes of the nation, following the economic downturn Nigeria is facing.

Protests and anger and disappointment have followed the economic hardship which has forced not a few people to lose hope in the ability of the Presidrnt to restore hope.

Following this development, the PDP Governors Forum has advised the APC-led  President Tinubu Government to honourably throw in the towel if it cannot mobilise Nigerians as well as all organs and tiers of government for sustainable solutions to the various problems plaguing the nation.

The PDP Governors said that specifically the hardship and suffering being faced by Nigerians have no tribal, religious or party colouration, stressing that “a hungry man is an angry man”.

The PDP-GF gave the advice in a statement at the weekend by its Director-General, Hon CID Maduabum in Abuja.

The PDP Governors expressly pointed out that the buck ultimately stops on the President’s table as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Chief Salesman and leader of Nigeria.

The PDP Governors, nonetheless, assured that as stakeholders in governance, it would continue to work collaboratively with the President in finding lasting solutions to “a very difficult situation created or exacerbated by the APC since 2015”.

They, however, frowned at the Minister of Information, APC Governors’ Forum and other officials of the APC-led Federal Government who criticised  the PDP-GF for its suggestions, advice and patriotic intervention on the way forward for the country in a communique issued at the end of their recent meeting in Abuja.

They also reminded the APC-led government of the pertinent need to be guided by the fact that it (the APC) sought power to solve the problems of Nigeria not to compound them or shift blame, or grandstand or use propaganda to obfuscate or confuse issues.

In a Statement at the weekend, it categorically declared, “It must be noted that even though Nigeria is a Federation, there is indeed only one economy.

“Hardship and suffering being faced by Nigerians have no tribal, religious or party colouration. A hungry man is an angry man.

“While all tiers of government have a role to play, the APC led Federal Government has a disproportionate role to play in mobilising Nigerians and all organs and tiers of government for sustainable solutions.

“If it can not do so or is unable to do so, it should graciously throw in the towel.

“Attempts by the Honourable Minister of Information, APC Governors’ Forum and other officials of the Federal Government who criticised the PDP Governors’ Forum for their patriotic intervention should be guided by the fact that the APC sought power to solve the problems of Nigeria not to compound them or shift blame, or grandstand or use propaganda to obfuscate or confuse issues.

“PDP governed States are comparatively the best in Nigeria in terms of developmental policies, programmes, and projects that benefit their States positively, regular payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, and minimum wage to their workforce.

“State governments that are delinquent on these issues are not of PDP extraction. It is false to say so.

“Even the food crises are exacerbated by insecurity and high exchange rate issues, among others, which are largely federal subjects.

“The PDP Governors as stakeholders in governance would continue to work collaboratively with Mr. President to find lasting solutions to a very difficult situation created or exacerbated by the APC since 2015. We believe in co-operative Federalism.

“The buck ultimately stops at Mr. Presidents table as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Chief Salesman and leader of Nigeria.

“We are not in doubt that he is trying his best. We only hope and pray that his best is good enough to take Nigeria out of the woods in the shortest possible time”, the PDP Governors emphatically said.