The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Governor Douye Diri’s proposed ₦100 billion 25,000-capacity stadium project, urging the state government to focus on job creation, food security and poverty reduction.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, the opposition party said it was not opposed to infrastructure development but argued that government spending should prioritise projects capable of improving the livelihoods of residents.
The PDP accused the Diri administration of responding to criticism with political attacks instead of addressing pressing economic concerns such as hunger, unemployment and rising poverty.
According to the party, Bayelsans deserve explanations regarding the economic justification for spending over ₦100 billion on a stadium, including the project’s expected returns, sustainability and long-term employment opportunities.
The opposition maintained that infrastructure should be designed to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards rather than serve as standalone projects.
It also questioned why the Samson Siasia Stadium is only now being considered for an upgrade after years of the current administration, arguing that the move suggests the facility had not received adequate attention.
The PDP further criticised the condition of public transportation and water supply in the state, alleging that residents continue to depend on commercial tricycles while Yenagoa still lacks a functional public water system.
The party argued that Bayelsa’s dependence on federal allocations makes the proposed expenditure difficult to justify at a time of economic hardship.
It therefore called on the state government to launch a comprehensive economic recovery programme with clear targets for employment generation, industrialisation, investment attraction, food security and poverty reduction.
The PDP added that it would continue to support policies that improve the welfare of Bayelsans while holding the government accountable.
