PDP approves salary increase for party officials

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved a new salary structure for its officials across various levels.

The decision, made by the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC) led by acting Chairman George Turnah, follows a report submitted by an ad-hoc committee tasked with reviewing the salaries of party officials.

The review led to a consensus to increase the salaries of elected officials, addressing concerns about the inadequate welfare and difficult working conditions faced, particularly by ward executives.

In a communique signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, the leadership acknowledged the insufficient monthly salaries of ₦5,000 for ward executives and ₦20,000 for local government executives, deeming these amounts unacceptable.

The new salary structure reflects the party’s commitment to improving the welfare of its officials, particularly those at the grassroots level.

Under the revised system, the Local Government Party chairman will now earn ₦621,000 monthly, aligning with the salary of a Special Adviser in the state government.

The Local Government Vice-Chairman and Secretary will earn ₦336,000, the same as a Senior Special Assistant, while other local government executive members will earn ₦196,000, equivalent to a Special Assistant.

At the ward level, the Chairman will earn ₦336,000, while the Vice Chairman and Secretary will receive ₦196,000.

The remaining ward executive members will receive ₦120,000, equivalent to Grassroot Mobilization appointees.

Additionally, elected officials at the Senatorial District levels and non-working committee members at the state level will now receive ₦621,000 per month, comparable to Special Advisers in the state government.

State Working Committee members, placed on par with Cabinet Commissioners, will now earn ₦1,048,500 per month. These adjustments will take effect from May 31, 2025.

The SWCC also instructed the Acting State Secretary to communicate the new salary structure to Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, for his attention and necessary action.

The SWCC emphasized that the new salary structure, with a cumulative monthly wage bill of ₦306,496,000, is both reasonable and affordable for a party in power.

The adjustments aims to enhance the capacity and performance of party officials while improving their welfare as they serve the party, government, and people of Bayelsa State.

In addition to the salary increase, the SWCC passed a vote of confidence in Chief Dan Osi Orbih, the National Vice Chairman of the South-South Zone, and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the party, for their ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the PDP.