The Bayelsa State Government, under Governor Douye Diri, is facing backlash after it was revealed that the administration allocated N700 million for the purchase of 50 torchlights and 100 walkie-talkies for the Bayelsa Community Safety Corps, a local vigilante group. This information was shared by Tracka, a BudglT Foundation service delivery platform, which criticized the state’s 2024 budget for showing a lack of sensitivity to the current economic hardships residents are facing.
In its post, Tracka questioned the appropriateness of such a large allocation for basic security tools, labeling it as an example of financial mismanagement. The post also highlighted the allocation of N4.6 billion for 20 vehicles (Hilux and SUVs) and N1.2 billion for government printing machines, asking how these expenditures would benefit the average citizen in Bayelsa.
Further criticism has come from the Bayelsa Coalition for Accountability and Good Governance, which had previously condemned the government’s decision to approve a N25 billion expenditure for a new aircraft. The coalition labeled this move as financially reckless, especially given the state’s debt profile. They noted that the governor had already spent N11 billion on the same project with no visible results and called for greater financial accountability, given that the state had received N147 billion in derivation arrears between 2021 and 2023.
These revelations have raised concerns among citizens and civil society groups about the prioritization of public funds in Bayelsa, urging residents to demand answers from their government.