The demand for fiscal federalism, resource control, devolution of powers to federating units, an upward review of the derivation formula, electoral and judicial reforms, the establishment of state police, and the right of states to create local government areas took the centre stage at the South-South Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The public hearing, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (South-South Centre A), brought together stakeholders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo States, including state officials, ethnic nationalities, traditional rulers, civil society groups, women’s organisations, and youth bodies. Bayelsa State government at the well attended forum called for the creation of 25 additional local government areas separate from the existing eight in the state.
Presenting the Bayelsa position, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, said 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. 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 the 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 desirous 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.”
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented at the event by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his Edo State counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was also represented by the Attorney General, Samson Osagie. Both governors expressed support for the Constitution review exercise, which they said would address the flaws and fill the gaps in the existing Constitution. They equally noted that the 1999 Constitution had become a very controversial document. Edo State’s position, presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, supported robust legislative, judicial, and electoral reforms. These include the adoption of electronic transmission of election results and the establishment of state police to enhance security. However, the Edo delegation opposed the proposed excision of any part of the state for the creation of a new state, a position that sparked vocal opposition from members of the Ijaw National Congress present at the hearing. Dr. Osagie noted, “While we support greater autonomy and reforms that deepen democratic governance, Edo State will not endorse the division of its territory under any guise. Our position is rooted in the need to preserve our territorial integrity and communal harmony.”
The hearing attracted a massive turnout, with various stakeholders presenting memoranda and making passionate appeals for constitutional amendments that reflect the aspirations of the South-South people. Traditional rulers, women’s coalitions, youth groups, professional bodies, and socio-political organisations all took turns to present position papers. Chairman of the South South Centre A Committee and House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, stated that the objective of the exercise was to harvest the collective views and aspirations of the people of the South-South region and formally transmit them to the Tenth National Assembly for consideration in the ongoing constitutional review process. Ihonvbere stated that the stakeholders’ engagement would make Nigeria better, more democratic and inclusive for democracy to be more participatory and accommodating.
