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Bayelsa pushes for 33 LGAs, State Police, and fiscal federalism in constitution review
Bayelsa State has proposed the creation of 25 additional local government areas (LGAs) to add to its existing eight, highlighting the strain of overpopulation in some LGAs, with certain areas hosting over 150 communities.
The state also advocated for fiscal federalism, the establishment of state police, and sweeping electoral and judicial reforms during a public hearing on the 1999 Constitution review.
The event, organized by the South-South Centre A (Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo) of the House of Representatives’ Committee, took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Saturday.
The Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr.Biriyai Dambo, presented the state’s position, stressing that the proposed LGAs, already created by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly under Section 8(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), are financially viable.
He emphasized that Bayelsa has the resources to sustain the new councils, which are intended to address administrative and developmental challenges caused by overpopulated LGAs.
On fiscal federalism, Bayelsa urged that states gain full control over their onshore and offshore natural resources, proposing a revenue-sharing model where states retain 60% of resource-derived income and remit 40% as tax to the federal government.
Dambo noted that the creation of new councils would enhance service delivery and representation in underserved communities, particularly in rural areas where access to government resources remains limited.
He cited examples of LGAs struggling to manage large populations, which has hindered effective administration and infrastructure development.
The state also strongly supported the creation of state police, arguing it would bolster security and crime-fighting capabilities, aligning with the principles of true federalism.
Bayelsa further called for reforms to grant greater local government autonomy, revise the exclusive and legislative lists, strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission, and overhaul the judicial system.
Governor Douye Diri emphasized the necessity of constitutional amendments to reflect the evolving aspirations of Nigerians. “A robust democracy hinges on the people’s right to amend the Constitution, ensuring it remains a dynamic instrument responsive to our needs,” Diri said.
He underscored Bayelsa’s commitment to a federal system that is equitable and addresses historical injustices in resource allocation and LGA distribution, promoting holistic development across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
Representatives from Delta and Edo states, including Delta’s Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and Edo’s Attorney General, Samson Osagie, endorsed the review process, describing the 1999 Constitution as controversial and in need of updates to address its gaps.
They expressed optimism that the exercise would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and chairman of the South-South Centre A Committee, assured attendees that all submissions would be meticulously reviewed and forwarded to the full Constitution Review Committee for deliberation in the House.
He highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
The hearing saw the presence of prominent figures, including Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Bayelsa governor, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, federal lawmakers such as Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw), as well as Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and his Delta counterpart, Emomotimi Guwor. Traditional rulers, including the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and the chairman of the state traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, also attended.Bayelsa’s push for additional LGAs stems from the need to address developmental disparities and improve governance at the grassroots level.
The state’s advocacy for state police and fiscal federalism reflects growing regional demands for decentralization.
Bayelsa argued that state-controlled police forces would be better equipped to address localized security challenges, such as militancy and oil theft, which have plagued the Niger Delta. By retaining a larger share of resource revenue, the state believes it can fund critical infrastructure and social programs, reducing dependence on federal allocations and fostering economic self-sufficiency.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced that members can now decide whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood based on their personal conscience.
The organisation made this known in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York and made available on its website on Friday.
According to the statement, “the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood is a matter of personal conscience.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce adjustment to blood transfusion policy
It added that “each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.”
However, the organisation said its position on whole-blood transfusion had not changed.
“The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to ‘abstain from blood’ (Acts 15:20), is unchanged,” the statement said.
International spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the organisation’s World Headquarters, Paul Gillies, said, “Blood remains sacred to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God.
“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah.”
The organisation said the adjustment “follows earlier updates regarding blood fractions and the use of one’s own blood during medical procedures.”
It added, “Since the Bible does not comment on such decisions, they are a matter of individual conscience. That same reasoning has now been extended to the four main components of blood.”
On medical care, the statement said, “Jehovah’s Witnesses love life and want the best available medical care. They do not practise faith healing, and they seek out doctors who can provide effective treatment in accord with their wishes, values and beliefs.”
Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in members’ personal decisions.
“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers.
“We are grateful, too, for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects our personal wishes regarding blood,” he said.
The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses number “over nine million worldwide, in congregations across more than 200 lands.”
Recall that the religious group had clarified its position on the use of a member’s own blood during surgery and other medical procedures.
The clarification allowed individual Witnesses to decide whether their blood could be removed, stored and returned to them during medical treatment, while the organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.
Punch
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as fake and unverified a purported intelligence alert warning of planned Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks on schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public institutions across the country.
Anele said the Army was aware of the circulation and had heightened vigilance across its formations and commands to prevent attacks on vulnerable facilities.
She described the purported intelligence as speculation and urged the public not to treat the document as an official Army security alert.
The response followed the circulation of a document purportedly signed by one A.M. Sodiq, which claimed that Boko Haram and ISWAP were planning coordinated attacks across several parts of the country.
The document listed churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets and alleged that suspected ISWAP operatives had begun surveillance of selected locations.
It further claimed that the alleged attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
However, the Army disowned the document, maintaining that it did not originate from the institution.
The Army assured Nigerians that security formations remained on heightened alert and were taking necessary measures to protect schools, places of worship and other vulnerable public facilities.
MINNA, Niger State — An engine oil seller in Minna, the Niger State capital, has reportedly sustained serious injuries after allegedly being shot during a police operation to disperse protesters.
The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his shop at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.
Ibrahim’s brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, said the victim was not part of the protest and was attending to customers at his engine oil stall when the incident occurred.
According to him, Ibrahim was simply trying to earn a living and support his family when a police officer allegedly fired a shot that hit him in the head and severely injured his face.
«“He was not among those protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face,” Yakubu said.»
Ibrahim is currently receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital, where his condition was reportedly described as critical.
The incident occurred amid protests in Minna over the reported deaths of 37 miners who were allegedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Reports indicate that 65 miners were arrested on September 15 and 16, with 37 subsequently reported dead while in security custody.
The protests, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday as security personnel moved to disperse demonstrators. Security forces were reportedly accused of using tear gas and live ammunition during the operation.
However, the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, appealed for calm and said the incident would be investigated.
The case has since heightened concerns over the conduct of security personnel during the ongoing protests.
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce fresh adjustment to blood transfusion policy
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