The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Douye Diri to make tackling hunger and poverty a top priority in the second half of 2026, arguing that worsening economic hardship has left many residents struggling to meet their basic needs.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, the opposition party said the rising cost of living had continued to erode the purchasing power of Bayelsans despite increased revenue accruing to the state through higher derivation funds and federal allocations.
According to the PDP, hunger and poverty affect people regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity and should therefore receive urgent attention from the government.
The party also criticised the Diri administration over what it described as the failure of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) announced by the government to attract investments capable of creating jobs and driving industrial development.
It urged the state government to adopt policies that would stimulate economic growth, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empower youths and women, and improve the standard of living across the state.
“The time has come for the administration to refocus its policies and programmes to become genuinely people-centred,” the party said.
The PDP maintained that it remained committed to supporting genuine efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing the state.
“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.
“The party is willing to contribute robust and constructive policy ideas and practical solutions in the overriding interest of the state,” the statement added.
The opposition further called on the government to strengthen public institutions, invest in industries with high employment potential, expand skills acquisition programmes for youths and women, and implement a comprehensive wealth creation and job generation strategy to restore economic confidence.
