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The local branch of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has expressed disapproval of Governor Douye Diri’s plan to build a N100bn stadium with a capacity of 25,000, advising his government to focus on generating employment, ensuring food supply, and tackling poverty.

A statement released on Thursday by the opposition party’s Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, indicated that although the party is not against infrastructure development, it believes government spending should prioritize projects that generate jobs, boost local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The PDP criticized the Diri-led All Progressives Congress government for reacting to criticism with “abuse and political insults” rather than tackling increasing food shortages, joblessness, and deprivation in the region.

The APC administration, led by Diri, should address the issues of hunger, unemployment, and poverty rather than targeting the person delivering the message.

“Abuse and political insults cannot lower food prices, generate jobs for our growing youth population, revive struggling businesses, or enhance the buying capacity of regular Bayelsans. The public deserves responses, not derogatory remarks,” stated the PDP.

The party stated that the planned stadium development brought up valid concerns regarding government focus and the wise allocation of taxpayer money.

It stated, “Infrastructure development holds the greatest significance when it generates opportunities, raises living standards, and elevates the quality of life for the population.”

This explains why the Governor’s announcement that the 25,000-seat stadium will exceed N100bn naturally leads to valid concerns regarding priorities and the worth of public spending. The people of Bayelsa have a right to understand the project’s economic rationale, its lasting viability, the anticipated benefits, and the quantity of permanent jobs and business prospects it will generate.

The PDP also raised the question of why the Samson Siasia Stadium had not yet evolved into a center for sports growth and economic initiatives, noting that the government’s recent choice to renovate the venue suggested it had been overlooked.

“The recent disclosure that the Samson Siasia Stadium is set to undergo improvements following more than six years under the current administration serves as an implicit acknowledgment that the facilities had been overlooked, despite ongoing assertions of extraordinary investment in sports development,” it said.

The opposition party also condemned the condition of public transport and water services, claiming that locals were forced to use private tricycles while Yenagoa continued to have an operational water supply system.

“A state that relies entirely on monthly federal funds cannot logically argue for spending a staggering N100bn on a stadium just to host the National Sports Festival. This reflects an incorrect focus,” the PDP stated.

The PDP urged the state administration to initiate a thorough economic revival, wealth development, and food stability initiative, featuring clear objectives for job creation, industrial growth, attracting investments, and reducing poverty.

It mentioned that it will keep backing initiatives that enhance the well-being of Bayelsans while ensuring the government is answerable.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).