Bayelsa PDP Says Diri’s Prosperity Agenda Has Failed, Demands Answers on Poverty, Unemployment
The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the administration of Governor Douye Diri, describing its Prosperity Agenda as a “ruse” and accusing the government of resorting to propaganda instead of addressing the worsening socio-economic conditions in the state.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, on Wednesday, the opposition party said the government’s response to its earlier criticisms failed to address key issues affecting Bayelsans, including poverty, hunger, unemployment, wealth creation and the absence of a clear economic development blueprint.
The PDP said its concern was not over who issued statements or published reports but the deteriorating living conditions of residents.
According to the party, after more than six years in office, the Diri administration owes Bayelsans explanations on why poverty persists despite what it described as unprecedented financial inflows to the state.
It questioned why many youths remain unemployed, businesses are struggling, investments have failed to materialise and many families find it difficult to afford basic necessities.
The party further argued that the state’s much-publicised Prosperity Agenda had failed to deliver the economic opportunities and shared prosperity promised to the people.
It also criticised what it described as the government’s reliance on public relations and ceremonial project commissioning, insisting that Bayelsa requires innovative leadership backed by people-centred policies capable of improving citizens’ welfare.
The PDP maintained that holding the government accountable was a constitutional and democratic responsibility, adding that it would continue to speak on behalf of traders, civil servants, unemployed graduates, farmers, artisans and other residents facing economic hardship.
The opposition party also dismissed claims that it was factionalised, insisting that it remains united, strong and the dominant political platform in Bayelsa State.
According to the statement, the PDP has produced five governors in the state and recently fielded candidates for elective offices, adding that it is strengthening its structures across the state’s 105 wards and eight local government areas ahead of future elections.
The party urged the Diri administration to focus on tackling hunger, creating jobs, attracting investments, improving workers’ welfare and restoring hope to residents rather than responding to political criticism.
“The suffering of Bayelsans is too serious to be politicised. The government must stop arguing and start governing,” the statement added.
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