It does look like things are not going well for the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party has concluded plans to sack half of its workforce.

The National Secretary of the party, Wale Oladipo communicated the party’s decision via a memo on Wednesday. The memo was directed to all directors and PS/DD/HOD/SAs/PAs and Establishment Staff of the party in Abuja.

Oladipo said the decision to cut down on the number of staff and other measures were taken at the 406 meeting of the NWC. The report on the reorganization and restructuring of staff at the national secretariat was approved at the meeting.

He also said the salaries and allowances of those to be left behind would also be cut by as much as 50 per cent.

He listed the decisions to include “reduction of the allowance of all NWC members by 50 per cent and reduction in the number of security personnel attached to the national officers by 50 per cent.”

“Other measures included reduction of the salaries and allowances of all staff (Establishment and Staff of NWC members) by 50 per cent, effective August, 2015.

“Establishment staff who would remain are required to obtain individual letter of revalidation from their state chapters within one month of this circular as to their suitability for service at the national secretariat,” Oladipo said.

Punch reports that the decision to reduce the staff strength of the party was taken about a month ago by its NWC. The report says NWC was upset bythe workers’ request for furniture allowance.

A source in the party told Punch, “We are in trouble in this party. The NWC members are lords unto themselves.

“There is no one to control them and the finances of the party. They have paid themselves several allowances. Even during the last Sallah break, they took money.

“But because we demanded for our furniture allowance, see the memo they gave us. The idea behind this is to sack us and then they will bring in their cronies.”

Janeth J