There is no let-up in the raging debate over the poverty and hunger index in Bayelsa State between the opposition People’s Democratic Party PDP) and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation and Strategy, Hon Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, in a statement had accused the PDP of peddling falsehood and seeking relevance by attempting to pit the Senator Douye Diri government against the President and the Federal Government.

However, the PDP has insisted that the Assured Prosperity Agenda of the government is a ruse that has made Bayelsa the hunger and poverty capital of the world.

PDP publicity secretary, Ikaebimo Mark in a statement, while accusing the state government of attempting to distract Bayelsans from the main issues, questioned the inability to provide verifiable data to Bayelsans on how it has addressed hunger and poverty in the last six years.

“After more than six years in office, Bayelsans deserve to know why poverty continues to deepen despite unprecedented financial inflows to the state. They deserve to know why thousands of young people remain unemployed, why businesses are collapsing, why investments have failed to materialise, and why the average family today struggles to put food on the table.

“The much-celebrated Prosperity Agenda, which promised abundant opportunities and shared economic growth, has sadly become a ruse. The people are now wiser because they judge governments not by slogans or publicity, but by the realities they experience every day. Sadly, those realities are characterised by hunger, unemployment, hopelessness, and declining purchasing power,’’ it stated.

The party equally expressed concern over what it called a lack of policy depth in the Diri administration, stressing that as an opposition party it would continue to hold the government accountable in line with its democratic obligation.

According to the party, until the acclaimed cordial working relationship between Senator Diri and President Tinubu puts food on the table and money in the pocket of Bayelsans, it remains an illusion.

The party seized the opportunity to dismiss claims of factions within the PDP, adding that the attempt by government officials to describe the party as “factional” is merely wishful thinking intended to create a false narrative.

The PDP insisted that it remains united, strong, vibrant, and the most formidable political platform in Bayelsa State that continues to enjoy the confidence and trust of the overwhelming majority of Bayelsans.

‘’As we continue to strengthen our structures across the 105 wards and eight local government areas, the PDP remains firmly focused on its mission of reclaiming the mandate of the people and returning responsive, accountable, and people-oriented leadership to Creek Haven on February 14, 2028. The suffering of Bayelsans is too serious to be politicised. The government must stop arguing and start governing.’’ (The Sun)

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