OBOREVWORI LEADS BOLD PUSH FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM: Demands Resource Control, State Police, Fiscal Justice

In a strong call for constitutional reform, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advocated for an upward review of the derivation formula, full local government autonomy, and the establishment of state police, among other critical national reforms.

Governor Oborevwori made these remarks, delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, at the Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday.

The Governor emphasized the need for a robust and people-oriented constitution, stating that “a robust, people-oriented constitution is the foundation upon which true federalism and national stability must rest.”

He lauded the House of Representatives for conducting region-wide consultations, describing the process as “a deep commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and forward-looking Nigeria.” He stressed that the voices of citizens must shape a new constitutional order that reflects the nation's diversity and aspirations.

Delta State's Key Proposals for Constitutional Review

Governor Oborevwori outlined a comprehensive set of proposals that echo long-standing demands from the South-South and other resource-rich states:

1. Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism

Delta State, as a leading oil-producing state, called for:

An upward review of the derivation formula to allow producing states to retain a greater share of revenues for local development.

A more transparent revenue allocation system based on contribution, needs, and environmental impact.

Constitutional rights for host communities to benefit from natural resources and enforce environmental remediation.

2. Maritime Matters and the Legislative List

The Governor proposed moving maritime affairs from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, arguing this would:

Unlock economic opportunities across the state’s extensive coastline and waterways.

Attract both local and foreign investments in maritime transport and the blue economy.

Improve security and environmental management in coastal communities.

3. Local Government Autonomy

Oborevwori reaffirmed support for full administrative and financial autonomy for Local Government Councils, calling them the “critical tier” for grassroots development and service delivery.

4. State Police

To combat region-specific security threats, the Governor advocated for the creation of State Police, which would:

Improve community trust and intelligence gathering.

Ensure quicker response to local threats.

Complement federal security efforts with a more localized approach.

5. Devolution of Powers

A truly federal structure, the Governor said, demands a meaningful devolution of powers. States should control sectors such as:

Transportation

Energy

Environment

Taxation

Education

This, he emphasized, would foster innovation, efficiency, and accountability at the sub-national level.

6. Environmental Justice

Referencing the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, the Governor called for:

Constitutional guarantees for the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Mandatory remediation obligations for oil companies.

Legal accountability mechanisms for polluters, including compensation for affected communities.

7. Judicial Reform

Delta State proposed reforms to:

Strengthen judicial independence.

Accelerate access to justice.

Reinforce due process and the rule of law to bolster national unity and investor confidence.

8. Transparent Constitutional Implementation

Governor Oborevwori praised the consultative nature of the review but urged:

Clear timelines and responsibilities for implementation.

Institutional safeguards to protect the new constitutional provisions.

Interpretative guidelines anchored in justice, equity, and national cohesion.

> “This constitutional review presents a historic opportunity to reset our foundational governance structures in alignment with the hopes of the Nigerian people,” he noted.

Voices from the Region

Also speaking at the event, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, called for a united South-South voice, stressing that natural resources should be controlled by the people from whom they originate, with taxes remitted to the Federal Government.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Committee’s South-South Zonal Centre, emphasized that the hearing was a platform for all citizens to shape the future of Nigeria by participating in the constitutional amendment process.

Conclusion

Governor Oborevwori’s bold proposals reflect the collective aspirations of not just Delta State, but many federating units seeking a more equitable, accountable, and development-driven Nigeria. As the constitutional review process progresses, it remains to be seen how far the people's voices will go in shaping a more truly federal Nigeria.