Bayelsa PDP criticises anniversary spending amid economic hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has criticised the state government’s 30th anniversary celebrations, arguing that public attention and resources should instead be directed towards economic hardship and unfinished development projects. The party’s state publicity secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, made the criticism in a statement issued on Wednesday in Yenagoa. He said the anniversary should have provided an opportunity to account for the state’s development over three decades.

Mark cited unemployment, poverty and the abandonment of major projects among the issues requiring attention. He specifically referred to the Bayelsa Tower Hotel project in the state capital, saying it had remained incomplete for 22 years despite substantial public expenditure. The PDP described the unfinished hotel as evidence of what it called the failure to complete important projects.

It accused the current administration of neglecting the Tower Hotel and other abandoned schemes while allocating funds to anniversary activities. The party said the spending priorities were especially concerning because many Bayelsans were experiencing economic difficulties. It argued that the anniversary should involve more than ceremonies and should assess the effect of government policies on ordinary residents.

The PDP called for greater investment in employment creation, infrastructure and the completion of abandoned projects. It also urged the government to redirect resources towards programmes intended to improve living conditions. The party said Bayelsa at 30 deserved accountability, jobs, economic opportunity and completed projects.

The statement contained the opposition party’s criticism and did not include a response from the state government or details of the expenditure on the anniversary celebrations.