…Issues 21-day ultimatum to FG
By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), a prominent Ijaw group, has declared its readiness to take legal action against the Federal Government and the National Assembly over local government creation in Bayelsa State and issues of resource control.
SEA is demanding recognition of 24 Local Government Areas created during the administration of the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, as well as acknowledgment of the Ijaw people’s right to participate in decisions regarding their natural resources.
Speaking at a press conference in Yenagoa, SEA Secretary-General Dr. Felix Tuodolo, alongside delegation members, emphasized that Bayelsa’s development and political future are closely tied to the broader interests of the Ijaw nation.
He noted that the state’s current eight local government structure and federal allocation formula put Bayelsa at a disadvantage despite being a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
“The late Governor Alamieyeseigha followed constitutional procedures, including a referendum and approval from the State House of Assembly, to create 24 new LGAs. However, the National Assembly did not grant recognition, and the state government converted the proposed LGAs into Rural Development Areas (RDAs),” Tuodolo said.
He explained, “Revenue is shared among the federal, state, and local governments. States with more LGAs receive higher allocations. Bayelsa currently has only eight LGAs, which affects its share of allocations.”
Tuodolo further noted that the number of LGAs affects representation at the federal level, including in the National Assembly’s committee structure. States with more LGAs have broader representation, while Bayelsa’s smaller structure limits its influence in national decision-making.
SEA affirmed that it will pursue its demands through legal means.
“We have chosen due process to protect our youths and ensure a lawful resolution,” Tuodolo said. “Our lawyers have issued a pre-action notice to the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation. We are requesting recognition of the 24 LGAs created during the Alamieyeseigha administration. If no action is taken within 21 days, we will proceed to court.”
On resource control, SEA said it is seeking a review of the revenue allocation system to ensure that oil-producing states have meaningful participation in decisions affecting local resources.
Tuodolo concluded that the legal action aims to secure fairness and equitable representation for the Ijaw people and called on Nigerians to support the lawful and constitutional process.
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