- Backs State Police
THE Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called for an upward review of the derivation formula to ensure that a greater share of revenue generated from the state’s land and waters is retained for local development.
He also threw his weight behind the creation of State Police and the review of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that “a robust, people-oriented constitution is the foundation that true federalism and national stability must rest upon.”
Governor Oborevwori made this call, yesterday, at the Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where he was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
According to him, “This exercise reflects a deep commitment to building a more inclusive, just and forward-looking Nigeria, and we commend the Committee’s dedication to engaging citizens across regions and ensuring that the Constitution emerges to serve the needs of our diverse nationalities better.
“Delta State remains a strong advocate for a constitutional order that promotes equity, justice, good governance and sustainable development,” he noted.
Governor Oborevwori went on to outline Delta’s key demands and proposals, advocating for resource control, genuine fiscal federalism, and an upward review of the derivation formula, which he stressed should also apply to states with solid mineral resources.
He further called for a more equitable and transparent revenue allocation system that reflects each federating unit’s contribution, needs and challenges, alongside clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing host communities’ rights to benefit from natural resources, including mandatory environmental remediation.
On maritime issues, he called for removing maritime matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, arguing that granting states constitutional authority to legislate on maritime affairs would unlock economic potential, attract investment in ports, blue economy development, and enhance security and environmental management in coastal communities.
The Governor reaffirmed support for full administrative and financial autonomy for local government councils, noting that empowered local governments are critical to grassroots development and delivery of essential services.
On security, Oborevwori strongly supported the creation of State Police to better tackle local security challenges. He said a decentralised policing system would improve intelligence gathering, build community trust, enhance rapid response to security threats and complement federal security efforts.
He also called for genuine devolution of powers to the states in key areas such as transport, energy, environment, taxation and education, saying this would promote efficiency, strengthen democratic accountability, and encourage innovation and regional development.
On environmental justice, he proposed constitutional provisions to guarantee the right to a clean and healthy environment, binding obligations on oil companies for environmental remediation, and legal mechanisms to hold polluters accountable and provide redress to affected communities.
Governor Oborevwori further advocated for judicial reforms to ensure timely access to justice, strengthen judicial independence and uphold the rule of law and due process, all of which, he noted, were vital for national cohesion and investor confidence.
He also urged for transparent constitutional review and implementation, recommending clear timelines, institutional safeguards to protect the integrity of constitutional provisions and interpretative guidelines to promote justice, equity and the rule of law.
The Governor emphasised that “the constitutional review offers a historic opportunity to reset our constitutional foundations in line with the aspirations of all Nigerians.”
In his remarks, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri expressed hope that the South-South region would speak with one voice, saying, “The resources owned by the people should be managed by the people, who would then pay tax to the Federal Government.” Likewise, the Chairman of the South South Centre A of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, explained that the hearing was an opportunity for citizens to make meaningful input into the ongoing constitutional review.
