Bayelsa State has called for the creation of 25 new local government areas, which would increase the number of councils in the state from the current eight to 33.
The demand was presented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo (SAN), during a public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The event, part of the South-South Centre A zonal consultation, was held on Saturday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
Dambo said the state’s existing eight LGAs are overstretched, with some encompassing over 150 communities. He maintained that Bayelsa has the administrative and financial capacity to manage the proposed councils.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, revealed that the state also made strong recommendations on local government autonomy, restructuring the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists, and reviewing the current local government framework.
Bayelsa’s submissions also touched on broader constitutional reforms, including a call for electoral changes to strengthen the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and judicial reforms to enhance justice delivery.
The state pushed for a restructured federal system anchored on fiscal federalism. It proposed that states should control natural resources located within their borders—both onshore and offshore—and remit 40 percent of the revenue to the Federal Government while retaining 60 percent.
On security, Bayelsa reiterated its support for the creation of state police, describing it as essential for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and deepening federalism.
“State police will improve the capacity of states to tackle crime and protect their citizens,” the state declared.
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri described the constitutional review as a timely step toward a more equitable and representative system. He emphasized the need to correct historical imbalances in resource allocation and LGA creation.
Diri reaffirmed Bayelsa’s commitment to a truly federal structure that is just, inclusive, and development-focused—not only for the Niger Delta but for Nigeria as a whole.
The event also featured contributions from other South-South states. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, while Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo was represented by Attorney General Mr Samson Osagie. Both expressed strong support for the review, describing the 1999 Constitution as outdated and flawed.
Presiding over the session, the Chairman of the South-South Centre A and House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured participants that all proposals would be carefully considered by the committee.
“The aim of this engagement is to foster a more inclusive democratic process,” Ihonvbere said.
The hearing drew a wide array of dignitaries, including the wife of the Bayelsa governor, Dr Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; several National Assembly members from Bayelsa; the Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; his Delta State counterpart, Emomotimi Guwor; traditional rulers including King Alfred Diete-Spiff and King Bubaraye Dakolo; and other stakeholders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo.
