Bayelsa State has formally requested the creation of 25 additional local government areas (LGAs), aiming to raise its current number from eight to 33.
The demand was presented during the South-South Centre A Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Yenagoa on Saturday.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), made the case before the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, arguing that the existing LGAs are overstretched with some covering more than 150 communities.
According to him, Bayelsa has the capacity, both structurally and financially, to support the proposed new councils.
A statement from Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, revealed that Bayelsa also used the platform to advocate broader reforms.
These included a restructuring of the local government system, the guarantee of local government autonomy, and an overhaul of the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.
In addition, the state called for significant amendments to the Constitution that would enhance the credibility of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary.
Central to Bayelsa’s proposals was a push for a truly federal system, based on fiscal federalism.
Bayelsa proposed that states should control natural resources, both onshore and offshore within their jurisdictions, retaining 60% of the revenue and remitting 40% to the Federal Government.
On the issue of national security, Bayelsa reaffirmed its support for the creation of state police, describing it as essential for decentralised governance and effective crime control.
“State police will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security,” the state argued, adding that “the agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism.”
Speaking earlier at the session, Governor Douye Diri described the constitutional review exercise as long overdue and necessary to reflect modern realities.
“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,” Diri stated.
He further emphasised the need to address historic injustices stemming from the unequal creation and distribution of LGAs and natural resources.
Also at the hearing were representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, while Dr. Samson Osagie, the Attorney General, represented Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo. Both states backed the constitutional reform process, describing the current constitution as outdated and flawed.
“The Constitution is a very controversial document that requires urgent reform,” both states echoed.
Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chair of the South-South Centre A, assured participants that all submissions would be carefully reviewed.
“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” he said.
The event drew a large crowd of dignitaries, including Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Bayelsa governor; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa – Fred Agbedi, Marie Ebikake, Dr. Mitema Obordor, and Rodney Ambaiowei.
Others in attendance included Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, Delta Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and traditional rulers such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff and King Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside leaders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.
