Bayelsa State has called for far-reaching constitutional amendments, including the creation of 25 additional local government areas (LGAs), establishment of state police, and implementation of fiscal federalism, among other key reforms aimed at deepening Nigeria’s federal structure.
According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, the state’s position was presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, at the South South Centre A public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held on Saturday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa. The event was organised by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution Review.
Dambo stated that the request for more LGAs stemmed from the growing population and vast number of communities within the current eight LGAs. He emphasized that some councils accommodate over 150 communities, overstretching existing administrative structures. He noted that the state has the financial capacity to sustain the proposed LGAs, which were created by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in accordance with Section 8(3) of the Constitution.
Highlighting the need for fiscal federalism, Dambo advocated full control of natural resources—both onshore and offshore—by states, with a proposed revenue sharing formula where 60% would be retained by states and 40% remitted to the federal government.
He further underscored the demand for the creation of state police, describing it as essential to improving security and combating crime effectively at the grassroots level. He argued that the call for state police aligns with the principles of true federalism and reflects the nation’s readiness for such a system.
Bayelsa also called for the overhaul of the local government system to grant true autonomy, a review of the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists, reforms to enhance the credibility and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and comprehensive judicial reforms to ensure faster and more equitable justice delivery.
Speaking at the event, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, emphasized the importance of periodic constitutional amendments to reflect evolving realities and citizen aspirations. He said the Constitution must remain a dynamic document that promotes justice, equity, and balanced development across all regions.
Governor Diri also called for redress of “historical injustices” relating to the lopsided creation of LGAs and inequitable resource allocation, particularly affecting Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states.
Also represented at the hearing were the governors of Delta and Edo states. Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, while the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was represented by the state’s Attorney General, Samson Osagie. Both governors expressed support for the constitution amendment process, noting the deficiencies in the 1999 Constitution.
Chairman of the South South Centre A Committee and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured that all submissions will be rigorously evaluated and presented to the full Constitution Review Committee before consideration on the floor of the House. He said the engagement is vital to building a more democratic and inclusive Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the event included the wife of the Bayelsa Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and his Delta counterpart, Emomotimi Guwor.
Also present were traditional rulers including the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; and other royal fathers from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.
