Bayelsa Seeks 25 New Local Government Areas during constitutional review, pushing for autonomy, equity and stronger federalism at South-South zonal hearing
Bayelsa Seeks 25 New Local Government Areas to expand its council structure from eight to thirty-three, citing overstretch and imbalance in the current framework.
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The state made the demand at the House of Representatives’ constitutional review hearing held on Saturday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo (SAN), presented the request, stating that many councils in Bayelsa currently host over 150 communities.
He said the state has the administrative capacity and financial resources to manage the proposed councils.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, the state also called for sweeping constitutional reforms.
These included changes to the legislative lists, local government autonomy, and a review of electoral and judicial systems to improve governance and service delivery.
Bayelsa Seeks 25 New Local Government Areas as part of a broader push to restructure Nigeria into a more equitable and functional federation.
The state proposed that resource control be handed to the federating units, allowing them to retain 60 per cent of revenue while remitting 40 per cent to the Federal Government.
On security, Bayelsa renewed its call for the creation of state police, arguing it would enhance crime fighting and bring policing closer to the people.
“The agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism,” the state said.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, praised the review initiative, calling it timely and necessary.
“Bayelsa is committed to the emergence of a truly federal system that is just, equitable, and responsive to all Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the current distribution of local councils does not reflect Nigeria’s population and settlement realities, especially in the Niger Delta.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was represented by Attorney General Mr Samson Osagie.
Both leaders agreed that the 1999 Constitution remains flawed and must be thoroughly reviewed.
House Majority Leader and Chairman of the South-South Centre A Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, assured that all proposals would be carefully reviewed.
“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” he said.
The hearing drew wide attendance, including Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the wife of the Governor, Dr Gloria Diri; and members of the National and State Assemblies.
Traditional rulers such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff and King Bubaraye Dakolo were also present, reinforcing the cultural backing for the proposals.
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Bayelsa Seeks 25 New Local Government Areas not only to meet growing administrative demands, but also to strengthen its voice in the national structure.
