From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Bayelsa State has announced plans to open a new state secretariat and receive defectors from other political parties on May 26.
The committee, led by Acting Chairman George Turnah, also revealed the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee to strengthen party operations.
These decisions were outlined in a communiqué issued after the committee’s first State Working Caretaker Committee meeting, signed by Publicity Secretary Alasuote Wright Derri.
The communiqué stated that Turnah’s leadership aims to revitalise and reposition the PDP in Bayelsa. Two ad hoc committees were formed: one, chaired by the State Acting Deputy Chairman, to review the activities of the party across the eight local government areas and 105 wards, and another to assess and recommend improvements to salaries and allowances for party officials at state, local government, and ward levels. Both committees are expected to submit reports by May 8, 2025.
The communiqué read: “The Committee approved the establishment of a reconciliation committee and the reconstitution of the previously dissolved Disciplinary Committee and Elders Advisory Council for the party in the State. The Acting State Chairman is authorised to appoint party members with proven integrity, honesty, and commitment to these committees. The Committee has also constituted an ad hoc committee to review the activities of the eight Local Government Areas and 105 Wards Executives of the Party.”
The salary review committee is tasked with proposing a harmonised salary structure to enhance the welfare of party officials, staff, and political appointees, with recommendations due at the next meeting on May 8, 2025.