In a shocking revelation, Bayelsa State has been ranked as the second poorest state in Nigeria, following Sokoto State, according to the recently unveiled Multidimensional Poverty Index of 2022 report by data technology company StatiSense and the National Bureau of Statistics. Engr. Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party governorship candidate, has expressed deep concern over this alarming and disastrous ranking, attributing it to the failure of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Douye Diri.
Speaking in Yenagoa on Thursday, Eradiri highlighted the poor performance of Bayelsa in various economic and developmental indices, emphasizing that it is evidence of the PDP’s incompetence and the current administration’s lack of understanding in addressing the state’s issues. Despite Bayelsa’s small population and substantial revenue allocations from different sources, the state continues to grapple with poverty, leaving him perplexed.
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Eradiri firmly believes that the woes of Bayelsa can be traced back to years of cluelessness, incompetence, avarice, profligacy, and anti-people policies of the PDP. He questions why Governor Douye Diri and the PDP are still campaigning for a second term, considering the damning statistics presented in the poverty index report. The LP candidate accuses the PDP leadership and the current government of diverting and squandering the state’s commonwealth, leaving a significant portion of the population in abject poverty.
The statistics are indeed distressing. Out of the 2.9 million people in Bayelsa, a staggering 2.61 million are living in extreme poverty, accounting for 88% of the population. This revelation is particularly disheartening for an oil-rich state like Bayelsa, which should ideally be reaping the benefits of its resources. It is even more astonishing when compared to Sokoto, a desert state, which occupies the first position in the poverty index.
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Eradiri argues that these figures are a clear indication that the PDP has failed the people of Bayelsa. He firmly believes that the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for the people to reject Diri and his party, as they have demonstrated their inability to bring positive change to the state. According to him, Diri and the PDP have no business seeking reelection, as their track record speaks for itself.
The LP candidate urges the people of Bayelsa to consider the evidence at hand and give the PDP a resounding red card. He emphasizes that this election is a chance to usher in new leadership that will prioritize the welfare and development of the state. Eradiri is determined to bring about positive change and tackle the issues that have plagued Bayelsa for far too long.
As the election draws near, it is crucial for the people of Bayelsa to critically assess the performance of the current administration and the PDP. The poverty index serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for a change in leadership. Bayelsa deserves better, and it is up to the voters to make their voices heard and choose a candidate who will prioritize the well-being of the state and its people.
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In conclusion, the shocking revelation of Bayelsa’s ranking as the second poorest state in Nigeria is a clear indication of the failure of the PDP and Governor Douye Diri. Engr. Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party governorship candidate, urges the people to seize the forthcoming election as an opportunity to bring about positive change and reject the underperforming leadership. The poverty index serves as a stark reminder that Bayelsa deserves better and that the time for change is now.
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