The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Chapter, 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.
The Party expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Bayelsans, noting that many families are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs.
According to a statement on Wednesday signed by Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, State Publicity Secretary of PDP, it stated 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, with hunger and poverty becoming daily realities across communities.
The PDP 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.
It therefore urged the state government to invest more directly in programmes that create jobs, stimulate economic activities, support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), empower youths and women, and improve the overall standard of living of Bayelsans.
The Party also expressed concern that, despite numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) announced by the present 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.
It urged the government to move beyond signing agreements and ensure that such partnerships translate into measurable benefits for the people.
According to the PDP, “although the current administration assumed office on the promise of a Prosperity Agenda, the prevailing realities of widespread hardship, unemployment, and economic distress have left many Bayelsans feeling that the promise of prosperity has not been reflected in their daily lives”.
The Party therefore 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.
It maintained that the time has come for the administration to refocus its policies and programmes towards genuinely people-centred governance.
The PDP reaffirmed its readiness, as a responsible opposition party, to support every sincere effort aimed at addressing the hardship confronting Bayelsans.
It stated that it remains willing to offer constructive policy ideas and practical solutions in the overriding interest of the state.
However, the Party noted that the present APC administration has yet to demonstrate the innovative and people-focused policy direction required to effectively tackle Bayelsa’s growing socio-economic challenges.
“As Bayelsans begin the second half of the year, the PDP felicitates 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, expressing confidence that a brighter future is possible through governance that truly reflects the hopes, aspirations, and wellbeing of the people.
