Advocating for Constitutional Reforms: A Call for True Federalism in Nigeria

By Douye Diri

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During the weekend in Yenagoa, I joined other critical stakeholders in the South-South region for a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution organized by the House of Representatives’ Committee, led by Prof. (Hon.) Julius Ihonvbere.

At the meeting specifically called for the three states of Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo, I firmly maintained that the current constitution, as it is structured, cannot guarantee the political and economic growth of Nigeria, particularly in the oil-rich South-South region.

In the submission from Bayelsa State, presented by our Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, we put forward recommendations for a genuine practice of fiscal federalism, the establishment of state police, and the urgent need for reforms in our electoral and judicial systems.

Bayelsa State advocates for the restructuring of the country based on the principles of fiscal federalism, which includes full control of all natural resources located onshore and offshore within the federating states. We propose that 40 percent of the tax be paid to the federal government, while states retain 60 percent of the revenue generated from their resources.

Additionally, Bayelsa State has requested the creation of 25 new local government areas, separate from the existing eight, to rectify the years of injustice done to the state.

In my view, the creation and management of Local Government Areas should rest with the State Government, not the Federal Government.

Moreover, it is disheartening that the country has been subjected to a ritual of constitutional amendments since the return to democratic rule in 1999, without the implementation of recommendations from previous processes.

However, I remain hopeful that the current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a democrat, will work closely with the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the implementation of reforms that will provide Nigerians with a constitution that truly reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people and brings justice to all segments of Nigeria.