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Bayelsa State has presented a memorandum for the creation of 25 additional local government areas separate from the existing eight in the state.
The state also proposed fiscal federalism, establishment of state police, electoral as well as judicial reforms.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN presented the state’s position at the ongoing public hearing organised by the South-South Centre A which comprises Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States of the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Yenagoa at the weekend.
According to Mr. Dambo, creating new councils in the state had become necessary as the extant local government areas were over-populated with some having more than 150 communities.
The state also contended that it had the resources to fund the proposed councils, which were created by the House of Assembly in line Section 8(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In proposing the restructuring of the country based on the principles of fiscal federalism, Bayelsa canvassed full control of all natural resources located onshore and offshore the federating states and that 40 per cent tax be paid to the federal government while states retain 60 per cent of the revenue from their resources.
On state police, the state averred that its establishment will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security.
It also noted that the agitation for state police was in the spirit of true federalism and that Nigeria was ripe for state policing.
The state’s position equally included review of the local government system and local government autonomy, review of the exclusive and legislative list, electoral reforms to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as judicial reforms.
Speaking earlier, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the cornerstone of any robust democracy lies in the fundamental right of the citizens to amend the Constitution that laid the foundation of their governance.
He stated that a review of the Constitution ensures that it is not a static document, but rather a dynamic instrument that evolves in response to the changing needs and aspirations of the populace.
Governor Diri stressed that the crux of the demands of Bayelsa State was a firm commitment to the establishment of a federal system and structure that was “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 further stated that the people of Bayelsa were desirious that “historical injustices related to the inequitable allocation of resources, alongside the glaring disparities in the creation and distribution of local government areas were corrected.”
Meanwhile, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his Edo State counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebolo, represented by the Attorney General, Samson Osagie both expressed confidence and support in the exercise.
The governors in their separate memoranda noted that the review would address the flaws and fill the gaps in the existing Constitution.
The Delta and Edo States Governors also said the 1999 Constitution had become a very controversial document.
In his remarks, Chairman of the South-South Centre A Committee, and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said every document submitted will be carefully reviewed and presented to the full Constitution Review Committee before it would be presented on the floor of the House.
Ihonvbere stated that the stakeholders engagement would make Nigeria better, more democratic and inclusive for democracy to be more participatory and accommodating.
National Wire reports that the review had participants and dignitaries from various walks of life.
