Tackle rising hunger, poverty in Bayelsa, PDP slams Diri

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The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has urged Governor Douye Diri to prioritise tackling rising hunger and poverty in the second half of 2026, saying worsening economic hardship has left many residents struggling to meet basic needs.

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The opposition party, in a statement on Friday by its Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, said the cost of living had continued to rise while the purchasing power of many Bayelsans had declined despite increased revenue accruing to the state through higher derivation receipts and federal allocations.

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According to the PDP, hunger cuts across political, religious and ethnic divides and should be treated as a priority by any responsible government.

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The party also expressed disappointment that several memoranda of understanding announced by the state government had yet to translate into investments capable of creating jobs and driving industrial growth.

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It urged the government to implement programmes that would stimulate economic activities, support small and medium-sized enterprises, empower youths and women, and improve living standards.

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“The time has come for the administration to refocus its policies and programmes to become genuinely people-centred.

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“The PDP reiterates its readiness, as a responsible opposition party, to support every genuine effort aimed at addressing the current hardship, hunger, and poverty confronting Bayelsans.

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“The Party is willing to contribute robust and constructive policy ideas and practical solutions in the overriding interest of the state,” the party said.

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It further called on the government to develop stronger institutions, invest in industries with high employment potential and implement a comprehensive wealth creation and job generation strategy.

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“The party therefore calls 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,” the statement added.

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Reacting in a statement to PUNCH Online on Friday, the Bayelsa State Government rejected the allegations, insisting that the Diri administration had consistently implemented programmes targeted at reducing poverty and improving residents’ welfare.

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Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the opposition’s claims as misleading, saying the government had made significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment over the past six years.

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She cited projects including the Nembe-Brass Road, the second phase of Glory Drive, the new state secretariat complex, as well as road and bridge projects across the state, saying they had improved connectivity and created economic opportunities.

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The commissioner also highlighted agricultural initiatives, including the Bayelsa State Livestock Development Programme and support for cassava and rice farming, which she said were aimed at boosting food production and enhancing food security.

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She added that the administration had implemented skills acquisition programmes, grants for small businesses, scholarships and employment initiatives for youths and women.

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“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.

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“We acknowledge that the current economic challenges are largely driven by national economic realities affecting every state of the federation. However, Bayelsa has continued to cushion the impact through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and social empowerment programmes,” she said.

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She acknowledged the country’s broader economic challenges but maintained that the state government had continued to cushion their impact through strategic investments and social intervention programmes.

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