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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised what it described as the lavish celebration of Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary amid prevailing hunger, poverty and unemployment, saying the festivities showed insensitivity to the plight of residents.
Bayelsa State PDP Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, in a statement, expressed disappointment that while the state government rolled out elaborate activities to mark the anniversary, many Bayelsans continued to grapple with severe economic hardship and limited opportunities.
Mark cited the Bayelsa Tower Hotel, which he said had remained abandoned for 22 years, as evidence of what the opposition party described as misplaced priorities.
“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 continued neglect of this and several other abandoned projects under the present administration, while huge sums of the state’s commonwealth are expended on lavish celebrations, is a disturbing indication of misplaced priorities and reckless disregard for the prevailing economic hardship confronting Bayelsans,” he said.
Mark said Bayelsans deserved accountability, completed projects, jobs and greater economic opportunities rather than what the PDP described as excessive expenditure on celebrations.
“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 therefore urges the government to reflect on the real condition of Bayelsans and redirect public resources and attention from extravagant celebrations towards addressing the pressing needs of the people,” he said.
