PDP laments celebration of Bayelsa’s creation amid hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has criticised the state government over the ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations, questioning the priority given to elaborate festivities amid what it described as worsening economic hardship among residents.

The party said the anniversary should have been an opportunity for the government to account for the state’s development over the past three decades and address challenges including unemployment, poverty and the abandonment of major projects.

The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Yenagoa.

Mark particularly cited the Bayelsa Tower Hotel project in the state capital, which he said had remained incomplete for 22 years despite the huge public resources committed to it.

He described the uncompleted project as a symbol of the failure, adding, “The Bayelsa Tower Hotel, which has hung over the heart of Yenagoa for 22 years despite the enormous public resources committed to it, has become a monument of disgrace and ridicule to our dear state.”

The opposition party also accused the present administration of neglecting the Tower Hotel and other abandoned projects while allocating resources to anniversary activities.

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It said the situation was particularly concerning given the economic difficulties faced by many Bayelsans.

“At 30, Bayelsa deserves more than pomp and pageantry; it deserves accountability, completed projects, jobs, economic opportunities and a government that prioritises the welfare of its people,” the PDP said.

The party urged the government to review its spending priorities and channel more resources towards projects and programmes capable of improving the living conditions of residents.

It also called for greater attention to employment creation, infrastructure development and the completion of abandoned projects across the state.

According to the PDP, celebrating three decades of statehood should go beyond ceremonies and provide an opportunity to assess the impact of government policies on ordinary citizens.

The party urged the government to “reflect on the real condition of Bayelsans” and redirect public resources and attention towards addressing what it described as the pressing needs of the people.