Bayelsa Cannot Build Tomorrow with Yesterday’s Politics — Mienye

Governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Bayelsa State, Dr Domor Mienye, has said the state cannot achieve long-term prosperity by relying on political approaches that have failed to produce broad economic growth over the past three decades.

In a statement on Saturday, Mienye said Bayelsa possesses the resources and human capital to become one of Nigeria’s strongest state economies, but warned that meaningful progress would require a departure from familiar political habits.

He said, “We cannot expect different outcomes if we continue doing the same things. Bayelsa’s future requires new ideas, disciplined execution and institutions that outlive political administrations.”

According to him, governance should increasingly be measured by improvements in employment, incomes, healthcare, education and infrastructure rather than the number of projects commissioned.

“Our young people should not have to leave Bayelsa simply because opportunities are scarce. Government must focus on creating an environment where businesses can invest, industries can grow and families can build their future,” he stated.

Mienye said the transition away from heavy dependence on crude oil revenue presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

“We still have time to prepare, but time is not unlimited. Today’s oil revenues should be used to build tomorrow’s economy.”

He argued that agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, marine services, tourism, technology and light manufacturing should become major drivers of Bayelsa’s economic growth.

“Our politics must become less about sharing resources and more about creating wealth. That is how prosperous societies are built.”