Venezuela Allusion: FG Replies PDP Governors, Says Nigeria’s Economy Meeting Financial Obligations.

The Federal Government on Tuesday said that Governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status and roles as leaders.

The government was responding to comments by PDP Governors concerning the economic crisis and suggestion for a bipartisan approach to solving the economic and security problems in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement said comparing Nigeria to Venezuela was laced with mischief as most of the PDP Governors have defaulted in thr payment of minimum wage, gratuities and pensions.

He said, “Governors elected on the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) platform met yesterday (Monday) in Abuja and addressed a press conference, where their Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, read out their position on the country’s economic and security situation.

“We welcome their call for a bipartisan approach to solving our nation’s economic and security problems. As critical stakeholders and leaders at the sub-national level, the PDP governors certainly have the right to state their position on national concerns as is expected.

“However, as leaders in the country who are members of two important constitutional organs of government – the National Economic Council, which is the highest economic management organ of the country, and the National Council of States, we believe the PDP governors did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as leaders.

“It is far-fetched when PDP governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela.

“We want to state categorically that though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.

“The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record a 3 per cent GDP growth this year. The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad. The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide.

“While opposition politicians are expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts. It is unconscionable of PDP Governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about our country’s true state of affairs.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, the revenue available to the three tiers of government has more than doubled. All 36 States, including the 774 Local Governments, have been receiving significantly larger allocations on the back of the reforms being pursued by President Tinubu to reposition our national economy.