The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has criticised the state government for allegedly blaming the Federal Government for worsening hunger and poverty in the state.
The party described the response of the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, to its recent statement on hardship as disappointing and insensitive.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the PDP said the government’s reaction showed it was disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Bayelsans.
The party said instead of addressing concerns over hunger, unemployment, poverty and the declining purchasing power of residents, the government focused on listing infrastructure projects.
It also accused the state government of shifting responsibility by blaming the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the prevailing economic hardship.
According to the PDP, roads, bridges and public buildings are important but cannot, on their own, eliminate hunger or improve people’s living standards.
“Infrastructure without food on the table and money in the pocket cannot defeat hunger or lift people out of poverty,” the statement said.
The party maintained that Bayelsans are poorer and hungrier today than they were before Governor Douye Diri assumed office.
It argued that this situation persists despite what it described as unprecedented revenues accruing to the state through statutory allocations and the 13 per cent derivation fund.
The PDP questioned why an administration that has spent more than six years in office could not point to clearly defined and impactful wealth creation, employment generation or poverty alleviation programmes.
According to the party, the government’s inability to identify such programmes amounts to an admission that it has fallen short of public expectations.
The PDP also faulted the state government’s continued criticism of the Federal Government over economic challenges.
It said every level of government has a constitutional responsibility to protect the welfare of its people and should be accountable for available resources.
The party added that Bayelsans deserve practical solutions rather than excuses.
The statement further alleged that there is little evidence that industries have emerged from the numerous Memoranda of Understanding and investment announcements made by the administration.
It claimed that the lack of tangible investments has forced many young people to leave Bayelsa in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
The PDP urged the Diri administration to immediately launch a comprehensive State Economic Recovery, Wealth Creation, Employment Generation and Food Security Initiative.
It said the programme should be backed by measurable targets, clear timelines and transparent implementation.
The opposition party also called for greater investment in industrial development, entrepreneurship, agricultural value chains, skills acquisition, access to finance and sustainable job creation.
It further advocated the payment of bursaries to students in tertiary institutions as part of measures to ease the economic burden on families.
The PDP said it remained committed to supporting the government with practical policy ideas capable of addressing the hardship facing Bayelsans.
According to the party, the current economic situation requires collaboration, innovation and decisive action in the interest of the people.