Bayelsa State has called for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s governance framework, proposing the creation of 25 additional local government areas, the establishment of state police, and far-reaching reforms to the country’s fiscal, judicial, and electoral systems.
The proposals were presented on Saturday by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), during the South South Centre A Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. The event, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, was held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
Overcrowded Councils, Need for Equity
Justifying the demand for 25 new local councils to add to the existing eight, Dambo noted that many of Bayelsa’s LGAs are overcrowded, with some containing more than 150 communities. He said the creation of the new LGAs had already been endorsed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in line with Section 8(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He further asserted that Bayelsa possesses the financial capacity to sustain the proposed LGAs.
Call for Resource Control, True Federalism
The state also strongly advocated for fiscal federalism, including full control of natural resources located within state boundaries—both onshore and offshore. Under the proposed revenue-sharing formula, states would retain 60% of resource revenue, remitting 40% to the federal government.
“We believe this formula reflects equity and the spirit of federalism,” Dambo said.
Push for State Police, Judicial and Electoral Reforms
On security, Bayelsa backed the creation of state police to bolster internal security, fight crime more effectively, and bring Nigeria closer to a federal structure that works.
The state also called for a review of the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists to decentralize power and enhance state autonomy. Proposals also included granting full autonomy to local governments, strengthening INEC through electoral reforms, and restructuring the judiciary to make it more independent and efficient.
Diri: Constitution Must Reflect the People’s Aspirations
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the Nigerian Constitution must evolve to meet the changing aspirations of the people. He emphasized that the current structure has left the Niger Delta region with historical injustices and gross underrepresentation.
“The people of Bayelsa State strongly desire that these longstanding inequities—especially in local government creation and resource control—be addressed through this review process,” Diri said.
He urged the National Assembly to adopt a truly federalist posture that is “just, equitable, and responsive to the development of all regions.”
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South-South Leaders Support Overhaul
The event also saw participation from top government and traditional leaders across the South-South region. Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by Attorney General Samson Osagie, both expressed support for constitutional amendments to correct the flaws in the 1999 Constitution.
They agreed that the current constitution remains controversial and does not adequately reflect Nigeria’s diversity or democratic maturity.
Reps Leader: All Voices Will Be Heard
Chairman of the South South Centre A Committee and House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured stakeholders that all submissions will be reviewed thoroughly and fed into the final report of the House Committee on Constitution Review.
“Every opinion matters. We are determined to ensure that this review results in a more democratic, inclusive, and functional constitution,” he said.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Also in attendance were the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Bayelsa Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Delta State Speaker Emomotimi Guwor; federal lawmakers including Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Mitema Obordor, and Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; as well as royal fathers from Delta and Edo states.