The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, expressed his view that Nigeria has failed the Niger-Delta region and Bayelsa State due to the level of underdevelopment and poverty that persists 67 years after oil was discovered in the area.

Obi made this comment during a town hall meeting of Labour Party stakeholders in Yenagoa on Tuesday while presenting the party’s flag to the gubernatorial candidate.

He pointed out that a region where oil was first discovered should not still suffer from underdevelopment and pervasive poverty. Obi emphasized that Bayelsa should not be among the poorest states, considering the natural resources it possesses. He attributed the state’s challenges to bad leadership and stressed the need for change.

Obi called for a new Bayelsa where public servants are dedicated to serving the people and using public funds for the common good. He emphasized the importance of shifting from a consumption-focused economy to one that promotes production, supports small businesses, and creates jobs.

Obi encouraged the audience to verify the promises made by political candidates during campaigns, emphasizing the need for an informed electorate.

The Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, outlined their manifesto, the “PEAP Agenda,” which he believes can address the challenges faced by the people of the state. He stressed the importance of looking inward to solve local problems and pledged to prioritize capacity building and access to clean water. Eradiri also expressed a commitment to discouraging medical tourism and providing scholarships for medical students to improve healthcare services in the state.

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, called on Bayelsans to support candidates who genuinely understand their issues and urged them to vote out irresponsible governments that prioritize looting over the welfare of the people.