'Eight LGs for Oil-Rich Bayelsa State is Unjust', Diri raises alarm
Yenagoa, Bayelsa – In a fervent call for national dialogue, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has reignited the debate on local government administration and true federalism in Nigeria.
Speaking at a forum in Yenagoa, the state capital, Governor Diri emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the current structure of local government areas (LGAs) across the country, arguing that the existing framework perpetuates injustice against oil-producing states like Bayelsa.
Governor Diri, addressed a gathering that included state officials and community leaders, asserting that Bayelsa's contribution to Nigeria's oil and gas production is disproportionately underrepresented by its mere eight local government areas.
"We cannot persist with a scenario where a Bayelsa that produces oil and gas for Nigeria has only 8 LGAs, while others would have 40 and 44 LGAs. It is injustice," he declared, his voice resonating with urgency.
The governor's remarks come at a time when Bayelsa, despite being a significant contributor to Nigeria's petroleum resources, faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, flooding, and high poverty rates. With an estimated population of over 3.7 million as of 2024, Bayelsa remains the least populous state in Nigeria, yet it grapples with infrastructure deficits and economic disparities.
Diri called for a national dialogue to address these imbalances, proposing that states should have the autonomy to create and fund their own local governments based on their unique needs and capacities.
"A Local Government creation should be the functions of state governments with the ability to fund local government that they can create," he stated, advocating for a shift towards true federalism.
The forum, part of the Bayelsa State Government Conference, saw a mix of support and skepticism on social media.
While some users echoed Diri's sentiments, calling for a reevaluation of resource distribution and governance structures, others questioned the state's progress with its current local governments.
Criticisms ranged from accusations of mismanagement to calls for transparency regarding the utilization of the substantial federal allocations and derivation funds received by Bayelsa.Bayelsa's plight is not new.
The state, carved out from Rivers State in 1996, has long been at the forefront of demands for a fairer share of resources and representation.
Governor Diri's call for dialogue aligns with broader discussions on constitutional amendments and fiscal federalism in Nigeria.
As the nation approaches another round of political and economic reforms, the debate over local government autonomy and resource allocation is likely to intensify.
Speaking at a forum in Yenagoa, the state capital, Governor Diri emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the current structure of local government areas (LGAs) across the country, arguing that the existing framework perpetuates injustice against oil-producing states like Bayelsa.
Governor Diri, addressed a gathering that included state officials and community leaders, asserting that Bayelsa's contribution to Nigeria's oil and gas production is disproportionately underrepresented by its mere eight local government areas.
"We cannot persist with a scenario where a Bayelsa that produces oil and gas for Nigeria has only 8 LGAs, while others would have 40 and 44 LGAs. It is injustice," he declared, his voice resonating with urgency.
The governor's remarks come at a time when Bayelsa, despite being a significant contributor to Nigeria's petroleum resources, faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, flooding, and high poverty rates. With an estimated population of over 3.7 million as of 2024, Bayelsa remains the least populous state in Nigeria, yet it grapples with infrastructure deficits and economic disparities.
Diri called for a national dialogue to address these imbalances, proposing that states should have the autonomy to create and fund their own local governments based on their unique needs and capacities.
"A Local Government creation should be the functions of state governments with the ability to fund local government that they can create," he stated, advocating for a shift towards true federalism.
The forum, part of the Bayelsa State Government Conference, saw a mix of support and skepticism on social media.
While some users echoed Diri's sentiments, calling for a reevaluation of resource distribution and governance structures, others questioned the state's progress with its current local governments.
Criticisms ranged from accusations of mismanagement to calls for transparency regarding the utilization of the substantial federal allocations and derivation funds received by Bayelsa.Bayelsa's plight is not new.
The state, carved out from Rivers State in 1996, has long been at the forefront of demands for a fairer share of resources and representation.
Governor Diri's call for dialogue aligns with broader discussions on constitutional amendments and fiscal federalism in Nigeria.
As the nation approaches another round of political and economic reforms, the debate over local government autonomy and resource allocation is likely to intensify.
Whether this latest push will lead to tangible changes remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing struggle for equity in Nigeria's federal structure.
For now, Governor Diri's words hang in the air, a challenge to both the federal government and the international community to address the imbalances that have long plagued the Niger Delta.
For now, Governor Diri's words hang in the air, a challenge to both the federal government and the international community to address the imbalances that have long plagued the Niger Delta.
Comments
Post a Comment