The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Governor Douye Diri’s proposed ₦100 billion Bayelsa stadium project, urging the state government to channel resources toward job creation, food security and poverty reduction instead.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, the opposition maintained that while infrastructure development remains important, government spending should focus on projects capable of improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.
The party argued that residents were more concerned about unemployment, rising food prices and declining purchasing power than the construction of a new 25,000-capacity stadium. According to the PDP, government officials have responded to criticism with political attacks rather than addressing the economic challenges confronting Bayelsans.
“The government should answer questions about hunger, unemployment and poverty instead of attacking critics,” the statement said, adding that political rhetoric would not reduce food prices, create jobs or revive struggling businesses.
The opposition said the proposed stadium project deserved closer public scrutiny because of its estimated cost of more than ₦100 billion.
It urged the government to provide details on the project’s long-term economic benefits, expected returns on investment, sustainability and the number of permanent jobs and business opportunities it would generate. The PDP stressed that infrastructure projects should deliver measurable improvements in living standards and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The party also questioned why the Samson Siasia Stadium had not become a thriving centre for sports and commercial activities despite years of government administration. According to the PDP, the recent decision to upgrade the facility suggests it had been neglected for years despite repeated claims of significant investment in sports development.
Beyond the stadium proposal, the opposition criticised the condition of public infrastructure in the state, alleging that residents continue to depend largely on commercial tricycles for transportation while Yenagoa still lacks a functional public water supply system. The party argued that a state heavily reliant on monthly federal allocations should prioritise investments that directly improve citizens’ welfare rather than commit substantial public funds to a sports facility.
The PDP called on the Bayelsa State Government to introduce a comprehensive economic recovery programme centred on employment generation, industrialisation, investment attraction, food security and poverty reduction. It added that it would continue to support policies that improve the welfare of Bayelsans while holding the government accountable for decisions affecting public resources.
