A governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Domor Mienye, has urged Bayelsans to hold their state government accountable for the high level of poverty in the state, arguing that governors have primary responsibility for driving economic development, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
Mienye’s remarks follow recent public debates over Bayelsa’s poverty profile, stressing that while federal policies influence the national economy, the constitutional responsibility for developing the state’s economy rests largely with the governor and his administration.
According to him, poverty should not be viewed merely as a social problem but as an indication of the quality of governance, planning, and economic management.
“Every level of government has responsibilities, but Bayelsans must ask a simple question: after receiving substantial statutory allocations, 13 per cent derivation, and other federation revenues over the years, what measurable improvements have been made in reducing poverty, creating jobs, and expanding economic opportunities?” he asked.
The APGA governorship aspirant noted that Bayelsa possesses abundant natural resources, vast agricultural land, rich marine resources, and one of the highest per-capita public revenues among Nigerian states, yet many young people continue to struggle with unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
“Civil society budget reports, official Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) records, and Bayelsa State’s published financial documents indicate that the state has received well in excess of ₦2 trillion through statutory allocations, 13 per cent derivation, and related federation-account revenues over the last decade. Those resources should have laid the foundation for industries, modern infrastructure, agricultural value chains, tourism, and thousands of sustainable jobs,” he said.
Mienye argued that governments should increasingly be judged not by the amount of money they receive or the number of projects they announce, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Development is measured by outcomes. Are more people employed? Are businesses growing? Are young people finding opportunities at home? Is poverty reducing? These are the questions that matter.”
He maintained that Bayelsa’s economy must undergo a deliberate transformation from dependence on monthly federal allocations to one driven by production, enterprise, and private-sector growth.
According to him, sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and the blue economy have the capacity to diversify the state’s economy if backed by deliberate policy, infrastructure, and disciplined implementation.
“Our challenge is not that Bayelsa lacks resources. Our challenge is that we have not consistently converted those resources into productive assets that improve people’s lives. Leadership must be measured by its ability to create opportunities, not merely manage allocations.”
Mienye, a data scientist recognised among the world’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2024 and 2025, said governance should increasingly be driven by evidence, measurable targets, and long-term planning rather than short-term political considerations.
He added that Bayelsa needs a new development model built on accountability, economic diversification, and transparent execution.
“Bayelsans deserve a government that prepares for the future, builds productive industries, supports entrepreneurs, empowers young people, and ensures that public resources translate into visible improvements in people’s lives.
“The conversation should not be about shifting blame between Yenagoa and Abuja. It should be about who has the constitutional responsibility to solve problems, and whether those responsibilities are being fulfilled. That is the standard by which every government should be judged,” Mienye stated.
