Bayelsa Proposes Constitutional Reforms.

Bayelsa State is proposing several reforms in the ongoing review of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, for the creation of 25 additional local government areas in the state, bringing the total to 33. 

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, presented the state's position at a public hearing organized by the South-South Centre A (comprising Bayelsa, Delta and Edo) of the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Yenagoa.

The State Government proposed fiscal federalism, giving states full control of onshore and offshore natural resources, suggesting 40% tax payment to the federal government and 60% revenue retention for states. 

Speaking earlier, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, stressed the need for a federal system that's "genuinely just, equitable, responsive", advocating for state police establishment to enhance security and align with true federalism, as well as the review of local government autonomy, electoral reforms, and judicial reforms.

In separate remarks, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebolo, represented by the Attorney General, Samson Osagie, declared support for the Constitution review exercise, which they said, would address the flaws and fill the gaps in the existing Constitution.

The South-South Centre A Committee is expected to review submissions before presenting them to the full Constitution Review Committee.

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