APC governors held a closed-door meeting in Abuja to discuss the Supreme Court's verdict on LGA financial autonomy, the proposed N60,000 minimum wage, and the planned August 1 protest. Key topics included sustainable wage solutions and strategies to address the court ruling's impact on state finances and governance.
Governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform convened in Abuja for a closed-door meeting, marking their first assembly since the Supreme Court's ruling on local government financial autonomy. The agenda, though not officially disclosed, is believed to focus on the implications of the court's decision, the implementation of a new minimum wage, and the upcoming nationwide protest planned for August 1.
The Supreme Court's recent judgment, which granted financial independence to local government areas (LGAs), has stirred considerable debate among political leaders. The APC governors are expected to discuss strategies to align with this ruling while addressing its potential impact on state finances and governance.
Additionally, the contentious issue of the proposed N60,000 minimum wage by the federal government is likely to be a key topic of discussion. In June, APC governors expressed concerns about the sustainability of this wage increase, arguing that it could lead to states using their entire monthly federation account disbursements solely for salary payments. They have called for a fair and sustainable minimum wage that balances the needs of workers with the financial realities of state budgets.
The planned nationwide protest, scheduled for August 1, also looms large over the meeting. The governors are expected to deliberate on how to address the grievances fueling the protest and explore ways to mitigate its impact.
This high-stakes meeting underscores the critical juncture at which the APC governors find themselves, navigating complex issues that have significant implications for governance and public policy in Nigeria.
