A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Bayelsa State, Dr. Domor Mienye, has called on residents to hold the state government responsible for tackling poverty, insisting that the constitutional responsibility for economic development, job creation, and improved living standards rests primarily with the governor.
His comments come amid growing public discourse over Bayelsa’s poverty profile. Mienye argued that although federal policies have an impact on the broader economy, state governments bear the greater responsibility for driving economic growth and addressing local socio-economic challenges.
He described poverty as more than a social issue, saying it reflects the quality of governance, planning, and economic management within a state.
“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 hopeful noted that despite Bayelsa’s vast natural wealth, including extensive agricultural land, rich marine resources, and one of the highest per-capita public revenues among Nigerian states, unemployment and limited economic opportunities continue to affect many young residents.
“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.
According to Mienye, governments should be assessed based on the impact of their policies on citizens rather than the volume of revenue they receive or the number of projects they announce.
“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 further stressed the need for Bayelsa to move away from dependence on monthly federal allocations by building a productive economy anchored on enterprise, investment, and private-sector participation.
Mienye identified agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and the blue economy as sectors capable of transforming the state’s economy if supported by deliberate policies, improved infrastructure, and effective 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.”
The governorship aspirant, a data scientist recognised among the world’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2024 and 2025, also advocated evidence-based governance, saying policy decisions should be guided by measurable targets and long-term development planning instead of short-term political interests.
He added that the state requires a new development framework centred on accountability, economic diversification, and transparent implementation of public policies.
“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.
