Don’t make us look bad, palliatives can’t solve problems – PDP Governors tell Tinubu

Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s interventions in the states, saying they are insufficient.

This stance was made clear in a communiqué issued on Friday following a meeting held in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

The federal government has been providing palliatives to states to mitigate the economic challenges facing the country.

The governors called on President Bola Tinubu to caution his appointees against publicizing the federal government’s support to the states in a manner that might tarnish their image.

“The Forum regrets that instead of reassessing macro-economic and social policies to make them more humane, the federal government has resorted to blackmail,” the communiqué states.

“We urge Mr. President to demonstrate statesmanship by preventing his officials from engaging in blame games that cast sub-national governments in a negative light by highlighting minor interventions that do not address the core issues.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand with the suffering Nigerian masses and to take all lawful measures to alleviate their hardship.”

Regarding the upcoming governorship election in Edo, the forum claimed there are efforts to manipulate the election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that security forces are allegedly intimidating PDP supporters in the state.

The governors also called on the federal government to ensure a fair and expedited trial for those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

“The governors acknowledged with relief the conclusion of the #EndBadGovernance protest, which was on the verge of escalating into a major national crisis,” the communiqué reads.

“We commend the skillful handling of the situation by the governors, particularly those from the PDP, who managed the protests in their respective states with maturity, thus preventing hoodlums and other undesirable elements from hijacking the demonstrations.

“The Forum reaffirms that peaceful protests are the inalienable rights of citizens to express their legitimate grievances.

“The Forum extends condolences to the families of the innocent victims and urges the Federal Government to ensure a fair and prompt trial for those arrested.”