The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has enacted a sweeping overhaul of its elected officials’ salaries, implementing a substantial increase that aligns their compensation with that of state government appointees. Effective May 31, 2025, this new salary structure will result in a monthly wage bill of N306,496,000, a figure the party deems both reasonable and affordable given its governing status in the state. This decision, stemming from concerns over the previous inadequate welfare and challenging working conditions, particularly for ward and local government area executives, was formalized during a State Working Caretaker Committee meeting held on May 8, 2025, in Yenagoa. The communiqué released following the meeting emphasized the necessity of this adjustment to bolster the capacity and performance of party officials while simultaneously improving their overall well-being.
The restructuring establishes a tiered system mirroring the state government’s hierarchy. At the local government level, the chairman’s salary will surge to N621,000, equivalent to a special adviser, while the vice chairman and secretary will receive N336,000, matching the salary of a senior special assistant. The remaining 15 members of the local government executive committee will each receive N196,000, equivalent to a special assistant’s salary. This represents a significant leap from their previous salaries of N50,000, N45,000, N40,000, and N20,000 respectively. This harmonization aims to recognize the crucial role played by these officials at the grassroots level.
The upward revision extends to the ward level as well, with the chairman’s salary now set at N336,000. The vice chairman and secretary will each earn N196,000, while the other 14 ward executive members will receive N120,000, aligning with the compensation for grassroots mobilization appointees in the state government. This represents a substantial increase from the previous meagre N5,000 monthly stipend, acknowledging the significant contributions of these officials at the most fundamental level of the party structure. The party believes that by adequately compensating these individuals, it can enhance their effectiveness in mobilizing support and strengthening the party’s presence within their communities.
At higher levels, elected officials at the senatorial district levels and non-working committee members at the state level are categorized as equivalent to special advisers and will earn N621,000 monthly. Members of the State Working Committee, now placed on par with cabinet commissioners, will receive a monthly allowance of N1,048,500. This significant upward adjustment reflects the increased responsibility and demands placed on these officials in shaping the party’s strategic direction and policy initiatives. The party rationale is that by aligning their compensation with that of their government counterparts, it underscores their importance within the overall political landscape.
The decision to link the party officials’ salaries to those of government appointees reflects a deliberate strategy to attract and retain competent individuals within the party structure. By providing competitive compensation and benefits, the PDP aims to ensure that its elected officials are adequately equipped to execute their duties effectively and contribute to the party’s success. The party’s justification for this substantial increase emphasizes that it not only enhances the capacity and performance of elected officials but also improves their welfare and well-being, thereby fostering greater dedication and commitment to the party, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State.
The implementation of this new salary structure has been formally communicated to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who also serves as the party leader, for his review and necessary action. The caretaker committee has directed the Acting State Secretary to convey the resolution and the approved salary structure to the Governor, highlighting the anticipated positive impact this change will have on the party’s overall functioning and effectiveness. The expectation is that the Governor, as party leader, will endorse and facilitate the implementation of this new structure, further strengthening the symbiotic relationship between the party and the government in Bayelsa State.
