Governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reiterated their stance on state policing as a viable solution to the escalating security challenges in the country during a meeting on Monday.
Expressing concern over the depreciating value of the naira and its repercussions, the opposition governors urged the Federal Government’s economic team to devise suitable measures to address the economic challenge.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Chairman of the Forum, briefed journalists in Abuja after the meeting. He highlighted the country’s high cost of living and the diminishing value of the naira, drawing a parallel to Venezuela’s economic struggles.
Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for urgent initiatives involving all subnational governments to address the prevailing economic and security crises.
The Forum emphasized its earlier call for the establishment of state police with appropriate safeguards to prevent abuse or overreach by any level of government.
The governors also voiced their concerns about the falling value of the naira and called on monetary and fiscal authorities to explore suitable solutions.
Governor Mohammed explained the collaborative efforts across party lines within the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Economic Council to mitigate the impact of policies affecting citizens.
Acknowledging their collective support for subsidy removal, the governors expressed disappointment at the observed free fall of the naira, escalating living costs, and drew parallels with the economic challenges faced by Venezuela.
Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), Kefas Agbu (Taraba State), and Godwin Obaseki (Edo State) attended the meeting, along with Deputy Governor Monday John Onyeme of Delta State.