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 the growing issues of poverty, hunger, and unemployment despite large budget allocations.

The opposition party also criticized the proposed ₦1.24tn 2027 budget, calling it unrealistic given what it sees as poor execution of the state’s 2026 budget.

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

The party lamented that many families in the state are still struggling with serious 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.”

They argued that the success of any government budget should be based on how it affects the welfare of the people, 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.

The PDP questioned the need for the proposed ₦1.24tn 2027 budget. They said the state government has not yet shown it can effectively handle its existing budget commitments.

They also criticized the proposed budget for not offering clear and practical ways to deal with poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

The party insisted that the people need real improvements in key areas like electricity, healthcare, education, food security, and job creation 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,” it added.

The opposition party emphasized that government spending should be transparent, accountable, and lead to measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary people.

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

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

“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.