Bayelsa PDP criticizes ₦1.24tn budget, highlights rising poverty

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has accused Governor Douye Diri's administration of not tackling growing poverty, hunger, and unemployment. This is happening even with large budget allocations.

The party also criticized the proposed ₦1.24tn budget for 2027. They called it unrealistic, especially after what they see as poor implementation of the 2026 budget.

In a statement on Friday, signed by Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the State Publicity Secretary, the PDP expressed worry about the reported 15 percent performance of the 2026 budget. They see this as proof of weak execution and failure to bring real development to the people.

They pointed out that many families in the state are still facing multidimensional poverty, high living costs, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services.

The party said, "For many Bayelsans, the 2026 budget has yet to translate into improved living conditions, as a significant proportion of residents continue to grapple with multidimensional poverty, rising living costs, unemployment, and limited access to essential services."

The PDP argued that the success of a government budget should be measured by its effect on people's lives, not just the amount of money allocated.

"A budget's true measure is not the amount appropriated, but the positive difference it makes in the lives of the people," the statement said.

They questioned how the ₦1.24tn budget for 2027 could be justified. They believe the state government has not shown it can effectively implement its current budget commitments.

The party also criticized the proposed budget for not offering clear plans to fight poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

The PDP insisted that residents need real improvements in important areas such as electricity, healthcare, education, food security, and jobs instead of just big budget numbers.

"Bayelsans need more than huge budget figures; they need reliable electricity, functional healthcare, affordable education, food security, job opportunities, and an enabling environment for businesses and industries," they added.

The opposition party emphasized that government spending should be transparent, accountable, and focused on measurable outcomes that can improve the lives of ordinary people.

They challenged the Diri administration to explain how the proposed 2027 budget would help families facing economic difficulties and create jobs for the unemployed.

The PDP also called on the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to carefully review the proposed budget. They warned against approving it without a thorough examination of its details.

"Lawmakers must discharge their constitutional responsibility by interrogating the assumptions, examining the allocations, and demanding clear implementation targets that address the pressing needs of Bayelsans," the party said.