By Seyi Odewale
In a significant policy shift, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved a new harmonised salary structure for its officials across all levels, from the wards to the state.
The decision followed the submission of a report by an ad-hoc committee tasked with reviewing the existing salary regime. The report’s recommendations received unanimous approval during a meeting of the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC), chaired by the acting Chairman, George Turnah.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, highlighted the party’s concern over the inadequate welfare and poor working conditions of its officials, particularly at the grassroots level. It described the existing monthly stipends of ₦5,000 for ward executives and ₦20,000 for local government executives as demeaning and inconsistent with the party’s commitment to the well-being of its elected officers.
Under the new harmonised structure, “Local government party chairmen will receive ₦621,000 monthly, equivalent to the salary of a Special Adviser in the state government.
“Vice chairmen and secretaries at the local government level will earn ₦336,000, aligning with that of Senior Special Assistants.
“Other local government executive members will receive ₦196,000, on par with Special Assistants.”
At the ward level, “Ward chairmen will earn ₦336,000, equivalent to a Senior Special Assistant.
“Ward vice chairmen and secretaries will each receive ₦196,000.
“The remaining 14 ward executive members will receive ₦120,000 each, aligning with the remuneration of grassroots mobilization appointees in the state government.
Additionally, the communique stated, “Elected party officials at the Senatorial District level and non-working committee members at the state level are now classified as equivalent to Special Advisers and will earn ₦621,000 monthly.
“Members of the State Working Committee, placed at the level of Cabinet Commissioners, will now earn ₦1,048,500 monthly.”
The revised salary structure takes immediate effect, with implementation set to begin on May 31, 2025.
The SWCC directed the Acting State Secretary to formally communicate the resolution to the Party Leader in the state, Governor Douye Diri, for his attention and necessary action.
The committee expressed optimism that the improved remuneration would enhance the performance and welfare of party officials and reaffirm the PDP’s commitment to supporting its grassroots structure.
The cumulative monthly wage bill for elected party officials under the new arrangement stands at ₦306,496,000.
The committee noted that for a ruling party in the state, the figure is both reasonable and sustainable.
Meanwhile, the SWCC used the meeting to review developments within the party at the national and zonal levels.
It passed a vote of confidence in Chief Dan Osi Orbih, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary, commending their efforts to reposition and strengthen the party.
