By Emem Idio, Yenagoa
A governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr Domor Mienye, has urged indigenes of the state 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.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mienye, a data scientist recognised among the world’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2024 and 2025, said : “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?
