Jubilation in Bayelsa PDP as SWC approves new salary for party executives

…Maclver declares for governor, announces N70m monthly subvention

There was wild jubilation at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State following the announcement of new salaries for party executives from the ward to the state levels.

This is even as the leader of the party in the state, Great Joshua Maclver, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Bayelsa State governorship election.

The State Working Committee SWC), at its 129th meeting at the secretariat of the party, stated that the increment in remuneration of the elected party officials and staff was part of efforts to strengthen the party structures, enhance productivity, and improve the welfare of the workforce across the state.

Under the new salary structure, the take-home pay of the deputy chairman is one million naira as salary, while the state secretary and other members of the SWC would receive ₦800,000a and ₦500,000 respectively.

Also, a party local government chairman would go home with ₦200,000, the Vice- Chairman, ₦100,000, local government secretary ₦70,000, while other local government party executives, ward chairmen and ward vice-chairmen would go home with ₦50,000 and ₦40,000 respectively.

The new salary structure, which is expected to pile pressure on the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to improve the welfare of its party executives, also covers the ward secretary, other members of the ward executive, directors, administrative staff, personal assistants, special assistants and other supporting staff.

Members of SWC commended the State Chairman, Chief Alabh George Turnah, for his focused, committed and welfare-driven leadership, particularly his efforts to strengthen the party’s institutional structures and prioritise the well-being of its officials and staff.

Meanwhile, the Malver, in a letter to the party through the state chairman, which was read during the SWC meeting, noted that as a dedicated Bayelsan from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, having gained experience from his educational background and party politics, he is convinced that he is qualified to lead Bayelsa State.

Maclver, who disclosed in his letter a ₦ 70 million monthly subvention to the party, noted that Bayelsans deserve a leader who would prioritise effectiveness, welfare of the people and development of the state.

Members of SWC commended Maclver on his letter and described it as a welcome development, noting, however, that as a democratic party, open to all Bayelsans, every aspirant with legitimate political ambition is free to pursue such ambition within the framework of the party’s constitution and guidelines.

The SWC further clarified that the issue of zoning for the 2027 governorship election remains open for further consideration.

It stressed that the party would take a definite position on the zoning arrangement after due consultation with relevant organs of the party.

Furthermore, the party at an expanded caucus meeting passed a vote of confidence in the national leader of the party and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and support for the growth of the party.

It also passed a vote of confidence in Maclver and Turnah for their efforts that have turned the fortunes of the party around in the state.