Constitution Review: Bayelsa Canvasses Creation Of 25 more LGs, Fiscal Federalism, State Police, Electoral, Judicial Reforms
Bayelsa State has made a request for the creation of 25 additional local government areas, separate from the existing eight in the state.
The state also proposed fiscal federalism, the establishment of state police and electoral as well as judicial reforms.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, who presented the state’s position at the ongoing public hearing organised by the South-South Centre A (comprising Bayelsa, Delta and Edo) of the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, said creating new councils in the state had become necessary as the existing local government areas were overpopulated, 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 with 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 percent tax be paid to the Federal Government, while states retain 60 percent of the revenue from their resources.
On state police, the state averred that its establishment would 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.
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.
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.”
