Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on Governor Douye Diri to make the fight against hunger, poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship the foremost priority of his administration in the second half of 2026, expressing deep concern over the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Bayelsans.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, by the Party's State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the PDP noted that many families are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs, with hunger and poverty becoming daily realities across communities. The party stressed that hunger knows no political affiliation, tribe, religion, or social status, adding that every responsible government must place the welfare of its people above every other consideration.
The PDP expressed concern that despite improved revenues accruing to the state through increased derivation and enhanced federal allocations, the living conditions of many citizens have continued to deteriorate. The party argued that the present administration's "Prosperity Agenda" mantra has not translated into tangible improvements for the people, with many Bayelsans still grappling with unemployment, economic hardship, and declining living standards.
According to the statement, despite numerous Memoranda of Understanding announced by the current administration over the years, Bayelsans are yet to witness the level of tangible local and foreign investments capable of driving industrial growth, creating sustainable jobs, and boosting the state's economy. The party urged the government to move beyond signing agreements and ensure that such partnerships translate into measurable benefits for the people.
The PDP therefore urged the state government to invest directly in the people through programmes that create jobs, stimulate economic activities, support small and medium-scale enterprises, empower youths and women, and improve the overall standard of living of Bayelsans. The party called on the government to strengthen public institutions, invest in labour-intensive industries, aggressively pursue skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes for youths and women, and articulate a deliberate wealth creation and employment generation strategy capable of restoring economic confidence and improving livelihoods.
The party maintained that the time has come for the administration to refocus its policies and programmes towards genuinely people-centred governance. According to the PDP, Bayelsa needs a policy direction that responds directly to the hardship confronting families, traders, farmers, workers, and unemployed youths, arguing that government spending should be felt more clearly in the lives of citizens, particularly in communities where poverty and lack of opportunity continue to limit livelihoods.
The PDP reaffirmed its readiness, as a responsible opposition party, to support every sincere effort aimed at addressing the hardship confronting Bayelsans, stating that it remains willing to offer constructive policy ideas and practical solutions in the overriding interest of the state. However, the party also alleged that the APC-led Federal Government had failed to provide the innovative policies needed to confront Bayelsa's growing economic challenges, noting that the present administration has yet to demonstrate the people-focused policy direction required to effectively tackle the state's socio-economic challenges.
As Bayelsans begin the second half of the year, the PDP felicitated with its members and the good people of the state, urging them to remain hopeful and steadfast in the belief that better days lie ahead. The party reassured Bayelsans of its unwavering commitment to providing purposeful, compassionate, and people-centred leadership, insisting that a brighter future is possible and that the state can achieve a visible reduction in poverty if the government places citizens' welfare at the heart of governance.
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