Bayelsa PDP approves new salary structure for party officials

DDM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved a new and harmonized salary structure for its officials, ranging from the ward level to the state level.

This decision was taken following a comprehensive review by the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC), which examined the previous remuneration packages for party functionaries and found them to be inadequate and demotivating.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the PDP leadership in Bayelsa took the step in a bid to enhance the welfare and productivity of its political structure at all levels.

According to DDM, a special committee was set up by the SWCC to assess the existing salary regime.

After its deliberations, the committee submitted a report that recommended a substantial increment in pay for party officers across the board.

The SWCC, through a communiqué signed by its Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, expressed dissatisfaction with the poor conditions previously faced by elected party officials, particularly at the grassroots.

Previously, PDP ward officials earned as little as ₦5,000 monthly, while local government officials received ₦20,000—a wage that was considered grossly insufficient in light of their responsibilities.

With the new structure, Local Government Area (LGA) Party Chairmen will now earn ₦621,000 monthly.

This figure aligns with the salary of a Special Adviser in the state civil service.

The new structure also pegs the monthly salary of LGA Vice-Chairmen and Secretaries at ₦336,000.

This places them on par with Senior Special Assistants in the Bayelsa State Government.

Other members of the Local Government Executive Council will receive ₦196,000.

This sum is equivalent to that of Special Assistants.

At the ward level, the new salary for Ward Chairmen is also ₦336,000 per month.

This aligns with the pay of Senior Special Assistants.

Ward Vice-Chairmen and Secretaries will now receive ₦196,000 each.

The remaining 14 members of the Ward Executive Committee are to earn ₦120,000.

This matches the salary scale for grassroots mobilization officers in the state.

In addition, party officials at the senatorial district level and non-working members of the State Party Committee will earn ₦621,000.

This is the same salary as that of Special Advisers.

State Working Committee members are now entitled to a monthly pay of ₦1,048,500.

This figure reflects the salary of Cabinet Commissioners in Bayelsa State.

The implementation date for the new salary structure is May 31, 2025.

The PDP in Bayelsa estimates that the cumulative monthly wage bill for all elected officials will amount to ₦306,496,000.

The party has described this total as affordable and sustainable, considering its influence and role in the state government.

The revised pay scale is expected to significantly improve the morale, capacity, and performance of the party’s officials.

Party leaders believe that better remuneration will enhance political loyalty, reduce internal friction, and help build a more effective leadership structure.

Meanwhile, the SWCC also used the opportunity to evaluate party affairs across the South-South geopolitical zone.

The committee passed a vote of confidence in the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Osi Orbih.

It also praised the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

They were commended for their dedication to the growth and stability of the PDP in the region.

This latest move underscores the Bayelsa PDP’s commitment to internal reform and the promotion of equity within its leadership ranks.

Political analysts view the new salary structure as a strategic move to fortify the PDP’s grassroots machinery ahead of future elections.

It also reflects a broader trend among political parties in Nigeria that are beginning to place more value on internal governance and personnel welfare.

Founded in 1998, the Peoples Democratic Party has long been one of Nigeria’s major political parties.

Although its national dominance has waned in recent years, it remains a strong force in the Niger Delta, particularly in Bayelsa State.

Bayelsa, a predominantly Ijaw-speaking state in the South-South region, has historically leaned heavily toward the PDP in both state and national elections.

The approval of this salary adjustment marks a new chapter in the party’s effort to professionalize its operations and retain loyalty among its ranks.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook