BAYELSA PDP FAULTS DIRI GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE ON HUNGER, SAYS INFRASTRUCTURE ALONE CANNOT END POVERTY

...Blaming the APC-led Federal Government for hunger and poverty in Bayelsa State, height of irresponsibility; disservice to President Tinubu

...Inability to name any clear wealth creation, employment generation and poverty alleviation programmes, an admission of failure

...PDP is ready to help proffer urgent solutions in the interest of the suffering masses

...Bayelsans poorer and hungrier than they were before the birth of the Diri administration

Yenagoa – The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its criticism of the Douye Diri administration over the worsening economic situation in the state, insisting that infrastructure development alone cannot address the growing challenges of hunger, poverty and unemployment confronting residents.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the opposition party described the Bayelsa State Government's response to its earlier call for stronger poverty alleviation measures as "evasive" and indicative of an administration allegedly disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens.

The PDP was reacting to comments credited to the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, in response to the party's recent statement on the state of the economy and the welfare of Bayelsans.

According to the PDP, rather than addressing concerns over rising hunger, unemployment and the declining purchasing power of residents, the government focused on highlighting infrastructure projects while attributing the prevailing economic hardship to the policies of the APC-led Federal Government.

While acknowledging the importance of roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, the party argued that physical development must be matched with deliberate investments in human capital and economic empowerment.

"Infrastructure without food on the table and money in the pocket cannot defeat hunger or lift people out of poverty," the statement said.

The opposition party maintained that despite increased statutory allocations and improved receipts from the 13 per cent derivation fund, many Bayelsans are experiencing greater economic hardship than before the present administration assumed office.

It further argued that after more than six years in office, the state government has yet to demonstrate clearly defined and impactful wealth creation, employment generation and poverty reduction programmes capable of significantly improving the lives of citizens.

According to the PDP, the government's inability to identify such initiatives in its response amounts to an admission that it has not met public expectations in those critical sectors.

The party also criticised the continued attribution of the state's economic challenges to the Federal Government, describing the approach as an abdication of responsibility.

It argued that every level of government has a constitutional obligation to improve the welfare of its people and should therefore focus on practical solutions rather than assigning blame.

The PDP questioned why unemployment remains widespread, why many residents struggle to afford basic food items, and why the numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) announced by the government have yet to translate into visible industries and sustainable employment opportunities.

It also expressed concern over what it described as poor welfare for civil servants and political appointees, alleging that Bayelsa workers remain among the least motivated in the country despite the state's financial resources.

"The Bayelsa State worker is the least motivated across the Federation, while political appointees are the least paid under the Madam Must Go Market pay scale operated by the administration. This is a bitter pill for hardworking public servants and political office holders to endure, especially in a state blessed with significant financial resources."

As part of its recommendations, the party urged the state government to immediately launch a comprehensive Economic Recovery, Wealth Creation, Employment Generation and Food Security Initiative with clearly defined targets and transparent implementation mechanisms.

The proposed initiative, according to the PDP, should prioritise industrial development, entrepreneurship support, agricultural value chains, skills acquisition, access to finance, sustainable job creation and the payment of bursaries to students in tertiary institutions.

The party reiterated its readiness to support the government with constructive policy ideas and practical solutions aimed at addressing the worsening socio-economic challenges confronting the state.

It added that governance should ultimately be measured by the ability of citizens to feed their families, secure decent employment, build sustainable livelihoods and live with dignity rather than by the number of infrastructure projects executed or agreements signed.

The statement concluded by urging the Bayelsa State Government to translate its Prosperity Agenda into tangible improvements in the living conditions of the people, stressing that Bayelsans deserve "a government that makes prosperity a reality, not merely a slogan."This version follows the editorial style of major Nigerian newspapers such as The Punch, Vanguard, The Nation, Leadership, Daily Trust, and ThisDay, presenting the PDP's position in a clear, news-oriented format while maintaining professional journalistic language.