Hon. Tare Porri Raises Alarm Over Soaring House Rents in Yenagoa, Calls for Urgent Action
By Passman Akpos
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — In a passionate presentation on the floor of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Tare Porri, member representing Ekeremor Constituency 1, has drawn attention to the growing concern over the excessive increase in house rents, agency charges, and legal fees across Yenagoa and other urban towns in the state.
Hon. Porri, while addressing his colleagues during plenary, lamented the economic hardship being faced by residents as a result of skyrocketing accommodation costs. He emphasized that many families are struggling to cope with the rising rent rates and exploitative charges imposed by landlords and property agents.
According to him, “The current situation has made life unbearable for many Bayelsans, especially civil servants, students, and low-income earners who find it difficult to afford decent housing. It is time for the government to step in and regulate these arbitrary increases.”
The lawmaker urged the House to investigate the trend and engage relevant stakeholders, including property developers, estate agents, and tenant associations, to formulate a policy framework that would protect residents from exploitation and ensure affordable housing for all.
His motion received commendations from several members who described it as timely and people-oriented, considering the economic realities in the state.
Observers say Hon. Porri’s intervention has rekindled public debate on the need for rent control and housing reforms in Bayelsa, especially in Yenagoa where accommodation costs have surged in recent months.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly is expected to deliberate further on the matter in subsequent sittings, with hopes that concrete measures will be taken to address the rising cost of living.
