Diri under fire over Bayelsa’s 88.5% poverty index amid N2.3trn FAAC inflow

A kinsman of Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has questioned the State’s 88.5% poverty index in view of inflows from the Federation Account amounting to N2.3 trillion in six years.

Francis Dufugha, Publisher of the Niger Delta Herald Newspapers, who also hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, said in a statement made available to BusinessDay on Tuesday that the governor must explain.

Governor Diri assumed power on February 14, 2020 and won a second term two years ago, and christened his administration, Prosperity Government, promising to turn around the fortunes of the state.

With less than two years left of his administration, Dufugha said: “time has come for an honest conversation about Bayelsa’s development trajectory under the administration of Governor Douye Diri.”

Dufugha questioned the measurable improvement the enormous resources accruing to the state have produced in the lives of ordinary citizens, as National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest Multidimensional Poverty Index placed Bayelsa’s rate at 88.5 per cent.

The statement said, “The index goes beyond income to examine deprivation in areas including health, education, living standards and work. Child multidimensional poverty in the state was also reported at over 95 per cent.

“This is deeply troubling, particularly when considered against Bayelsa’s enormous revenue inflows.

“Available fiscal data indicate that the state received approximately N2.3 trillion in gross FAAC allocations between 2020 and 2025, while federal transfers and other revenues have continued to provide substantial resources to government.

“The question therefore is not simply how much money has come into Bayelsa, but what has the money achieved for the people?”

While acknowledging Diri’s housing policy, he queried why a State grappling with severe poverty would prioritise the building of residential quarters for legislators and commissioners.

“I acknowledge the Diri administration’s completion of Housing estate inherited from the previous administration, as well as its construction of residential quarters for legislators and commissioners at the New Yenagoa City/New GRA.

“However, I believe we must ask whether, in a state confronting severe poverty and a housing affordability crisis, scarce public resources should continue to prioritise accommodation for political and senior government officials who already enjoy substantial official privileges.

“This is a question of priorities. A truly people-oriented housing policy should give greater attention to low-income families, young workers, teachers, health workers, civil servants, first-time homeowners and vulnerable households struggling with high rents, land costs and the prohibitive cost of building a home,” the statement said.

According to Dufugha, the State Government ought to have expanded affordable housing schemes, service plots, rent-to-own programmes, low-interest housing finance and public-private partnerships to give the people realistic way to own houses.

He therefore challenged Governor Diri to publish his scorecard in poverty reduction, employment and youth development, education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, agriculture and economic development and household living standards.

“This request is made in the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and pursuant to Section 39(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which protects freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information.

“As a media practitioner and publisher, I believe asking questions about public resources and development outcomes is not an act of hostility. It is part of democratic accountability,” Dufugha stated.

The publisher said as the State marks 30 years on October 1, Bayelsans should be courageous enough to ask if the development priorities are people centred, As Bayelsa marks 30 years of statehood, saying “I am not against Governor Douye Diri or his administration.”

“Bayelsans deserve facts, figures and measurable results – not propaganda or social-media hype. Let us plan for the people. Let us build for the people. Let us house the people. I come in peace. But Bayelsans deserve answers, Dufugha stressed.(BusinessDay)