SOUTH-SOUTH LEADERS UNITE AT CONSTITUTION REVIEW HEARING IN YENAGOA, ADVOCATE FOR DEVOLUTION OF POWERS, RESOURCE CONTROL, AND STATE POLICE.
Sunday, July 20th, 2025.
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – A significant milestone in Nigeria’s constitutional reform process was reached on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as stakeholders from across the South-South geopolitical zone gathered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for the Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The forum, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, served as a vital platform for regional voices to shape proposed amendments to the nation’s supreme law.
Hosted at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, the event brought together state executives, lawmakers, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo States. High-ranking government officials, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Delta State Deputy Governor Monday John Onyeme (representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori), and Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State (accompanied by the state’s Attorney General, Hon. Samson Osagie), led their respective delegations to the hearing.
In a display of regional solidarity, the South-South leaders presented a united front on key constitutional matters. Chief among their demands were the devolution of powers to states, greater control of natural resources, the removal of maritime authority from the Exclusive Legislative List, and the creation of additional local government areas. The governors also made a compelling case for the establishment of state police, citing the need for tailored security frameworks to address region-specific challenges.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, who chaired the Centre A session, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance. He stressed the importance of community-driven contributions to the amendment process, noting that “for any constitution to be effective and reflective of national aspirations, it must be anchored in the will of the people.”
The public hearing was not limited to political leaders. The gathering featured wide-ranging contributions from grassroots and institutional voices, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the Toru-Ebe State Creation Movement, as well as traditional institutions, religious organisations, labour unions, women’s groups, and various civil society organisations.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Fred Agbedi, Ph.D., member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman to the leader of the centre, A session on the Constitution Review, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Committee. He commended the region for its robust turnout, engagement and underscored the significance of collective participation in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future.
The session was held in alignment with the Summarised Compendium of Bills prepared by the House Committee on Constitution Review, which outlines various amendment proposals currently under consideration. These proposals were subjected to public scrutiny and input as part of the broader effort to democratise the constitutional reform process.
