‘Broke’ PDP cuts staff salaries by half

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a cost-cutting policy that includes reducing staff strength by 50 percent and cutting staff salaries and allowances by the same margin.

The announcement, which comes less than two months after losing its ruling status to the All Progressives Congress (APC), will also affect members of its national working committee.

According to a letter signed by Wale Oladipo, a professor and national secretary of the party, and addressed to all directors and administrative staff of the party, the number of the party security officers will also be reduced by 50 per cent.

The memo, titled ‘Re-organisation and restructuring of staff at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party’ and dated July 29, 2015, said the decision was taken at the 406 meeting of the NWC.

The memo read: “The NWC, at its 406th meeting held on 29th July, 2015, considered the Report on the reorganization and restructuring of staff at the National Secretariat and approved the following: i. Reduction of the allowances of all NWC members by 50%; ii. Reduction of the number of personal staff of the NWC members by 50%; iii. Reduction in the number of security personnel attached to the National Officers by 50%; iv. The reduction of the salaries and allowances of all staff (Establishment and Staff of NWC members) by 50% effective August, 2015; v. Abolition of the Research Directorate and transfer of its functions to the Peoples Democratic Institute.

“Furthermore, Establishment staff who would remain are required to obtain individual letter of revalidation from their State Party Chapter within one month of this circular as to their suitability for service at the National Secretariat.”

Before the 2015 general election, PDP controlled majority of the states. However, by the time governorship election was over, it was only retaining 13 states, four of which were not subject to the election.

Meanwhile, APC won 20 states; and added to the two it controlled (where election did not hold), total number of states under the new ruling party rose to 22.

PDP also lost the presidential election to APC, consequently losing its major source of funding.