Bayelsa PDP Demands Urgent Action from Diri on Worsening Poverty, Hunger

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly advised Governor Douye Diri to prioritize combating the increasing levels of hunger and poverty within the state, particularly as the year 2026 progresses. The opposition party, through its Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, issued a statement on Friday, highlighting that severe economic difficulties are making it challenging for many residents to afford basic necessities.

The PDP noted that despite the state receiving higher revenues from increased derivation receipts and federal allocations, the cost of living continues to climb while the buying power of many Bayelsans has significantly reduced. The party emphasized that hunger affects all segments of society, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, and therefore requires immediate attention from any responsible government.

The PDP also expressed disappointment that numerous memoranda of understanding previously announced by the state government have not yet resulted in actual investments that could generate employment and stimulate industrial expansion. It pressed the government to initiate programmes designed to boost economic activities, provide assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empower young people and women, and ultimately enhance living standards.

“The time has come for the administration to refocus its policies and programmes to become genuinely people-centred,” the party stated. Furthermore, the PDP affirmed its readiness, in its role as a responsible opposition, to support any sincere efforts aimed at alleviating the current hardship, hunger, and poverty faced by Bayelsans. The party declared its willingness to offer “robust and constructive policy ideas and practical solutions in the overriding interest of the state.”

The statement further urged the government to cultivate stronger institutions, invest in sectors with substantial employment potential, and implement a comprehensive strategy for wealth creation and job generation. Specifically, the PDP called on the state government to “immediately develop strong and effective institutions, invest in industries with high employment potential, pursue aggressive skills acquisition and capacity-building programmes for youths and women, and urgently articulate a deliberate wealth creation and employment generation blueprint capable of restoring economic confidence.”

In response to the PDP's criticisms, the Bayelsa State Government released a statement to PUNCH Online on Friday, refuting the accusations. The government maintained that the Diri administration has consistently implemented initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and improving the well-being of its citizens.

Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, dismissed the opposition's assertions as misleading. She highlighted that over the past six years, the government has made considerable investments in crucial areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Koku-Obiyai specifically mentioned projects like the Nembe-Brass Road, the second phase of Glory Drive, the new state secretariat complex, and various road and bridge constructions across the state, emphasizing their role in improving connectivity and fostering economic opportunities.

The commissioner also drew attention to several agricultural programmes, including the Bayelsa State Livestock Development Programme and support extended to cassava and rice farmers, all designed to boost food production and enhance food security. Additionally, she noted that the administration has rolled out skills acquisition schemes, provided grants for small businesses, offered scholarships, and initiated employment programmes targeting youths and women.

“The claim that nothing has been done to address poverty does not reflect the realities on ground. Governor Douye Diri’s administration has deliberately pursued policies that place the welfare of Bayelsans at the centre of governance,” she asserted. While acknowledging that the prevailing economic difficulties are largely due to national factors affecting all states nationwide, she affirmed that Bayelsa State has continuously worked to mitigate these impacts through strategic investments and social intervention programmes.