By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Bayelsa
BAYELSA: In a bold move aimed at revitalising party administration and strengthening grassroots loyalty, the Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has approved a sweeping increase in salaries for all elected party officials, from ward to state level.
The decision, reached at the end of a meeting of the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC) led by Acting Chairman George Turnah, will see top officials of the party earning monthly allowances on par with Bayelsa State Government appointees. The new structure takes effect from May 31, 2025.
According to a communiqué issued by the committee and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, members of the State Working Committee will now receive N1,048,500 monthly — the same amount paid to state cabinet commissioners. Local Government Chairmen of the party will earn N621,000, equating to the salary of a Special Adviser in the government.
The salary overhaul follows the recommendations of an ad-hoc committee set up to address what party leaders described as unacceptable and “demeaning” monthly stipends previously paid to officials. Ward Chairmen, who previously earned as little as N5,000, will now take home N336,000. Other ward executives will earn between N120,000 and N196,000, depending on their roles.
“It is unacceptable that our party officials, especially those at the ward and local government levels, who work under tough conditions to mobilise support and uphold the party’s structure, are paid peanuts,” the communiqué read.
The PDP leadership stressed that the wage increase is not only a welfare measure but a strategic investment in party performance. “With a total monthly wage bill of N306,496,000, this is a reasonable and affordable commitment for a party in power. It will enhance the effectiveness and morale of our officials across all tiers,” the statement added.
The committee also called on Governor Douye Diri, the party leader in the state, to take necessary steps to implement the resolution without delay. “It is our hope that this action will demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of those who serve the party diligently,” the party noted.
In a related development, the SWCC passed a vote of confidence in the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, commending their efforts to reposition the PDP at the zonal and national levels.
This salary review comes amid renewed political mobilisation ahead of future elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its dominance in Bayelsa and the South-South region.