The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has responded to criticism from the African Democratic Congress regarding a meeting held in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday. The gathering took place amid recent attacks in parts of Zamfara that resulted in loss of life.
The African Democratic Congress had called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state, criticizing the PDP governors for holding a meeting instead of showing empathy to victims. According to ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the images of PDP governors in ceremonial attire were inappropriate given the current atmosphere of mourning in the state.
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum stated that the meeting was pre-scheduled and focused on national issues, including security. Emmanuel Agbo, Director-General of the forum, explained that the governors commended Zamfara State’s efforts to address insecurity but condemned the ongoing killings in other parts of the country, such as Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue. The forum called on the federal government to take action to address the situation.
The PDP Governors’ Forum also criticized the ADC for a perceived lack of understanding and urged the party to demonstrate genuine remorse if it wished to reconcile with the PDP. The meeting in Gusau was part of the forum’s regular gatherings to discuss issues affecting the country.
The recent attacks in Zamfara have raised concerns about insecurity in the region, prompting calls for increased action from the federal government. The PDP Governors’ Forum’s meeting and the subsequent criticism from the ADC reflect the ongoing debate about how to address the security challenges facing Nigeria. As the situation continues to unfold, the federal government is likely to face increased pressure to develop effective solutions to combat insecurity and protect citizens.