Bayelsa Seeks Creation Of 25 Additional Local Government Areas

Bayelsa State has appealed for the creation of 25 new local government areas, aiming to raise the total number of councils in the state from eight to 33.

‎This request was presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), during a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held on Saturday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

‎The session, which included participants from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, was part of the South-South Centre A zonal consultation for the constitutional amendment process.

‎Dambo justified Bayelsa’s proposal by stating that the existing eight local government areas are overburdened, with some overseeing more than 150 communities.

‎He maintained that Bayelsa possesses both the administrative capacity and financial resources to support the establishment of the proposed new local government councils.

‎According to a statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, the state also made compelling arguments for a comprehensive review of the local government structure, the enforcement of local government autonomy, and reforms to the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.

‎Bayelsa also pushed for broad constitutional amendments, including electoral reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as judicial reforms to enhance the efficiency of the justice system.

‎The state called for a restructured federation rooted in the principle of fiscal federalism. It recommended that federating units be granted full ownership and control of both onshore and offshore natural resources within their territories, with 60 per cent of the revenue retained and 40 per cent remitted to the Federal Government.

‎Regarding security, the state reaffirmed its backing for the establishment of state police, asserting that Nigeria is ready for decentralised policing consistent with the principles of true federalism.

‎“State police will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security,” the state asserted, adding that “the agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism.”

‎Earlier in his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the constitutional review as a timely initiative designed to align the nation’s legal framework with present-day realities and the aspirations of its citizens.

‎According to him, Bayelsa is committed to the emergence of a “truly federal system and structure that is genuinely just, equitable, responsive, and demonstrably dedicated to the holistic development of not just the state or the Niger Delta region but also the Nigerian federation.”

‎He stressed the importance of correcting “historical injustices related to the inequitable allocation of resources, alongside the glaring disparities in the creation and distribution of local government areas.”

‎Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented at the event by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, while Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was represented by the Attorney General, Mr. Samson Osagie.

‎Both governors voiced their support for the constitutional review process, describing it as a vital opportunity to correct the shortcomings and close the gaps in the existing 1999 Constitution. They characterised the current Constitution as a “very controversial document” that requires urgent reform.

‎Presiding over the session, the Chairman of the South-South Centre A and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, gave the assurance that all submissions would be carefully evaluated by the Constitution Review Committee before being presented to the House.

‎“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” Ihonvbere said.

‎The public hearing drew a large turnout, with notable attendees including the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and Bayelsa’s representatives in the House of Representatives—Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw).

‎Also present were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; along with other traditional rulers from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.


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