By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State government has called for a clear Constitutional provisions guaranteeing host communities’ rights to benefit meaningfully from natural resources including mandatory environmental remediation.
In addition to other demands, the State is revisiting the call for Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism whereby a greater share of the revenue generated from our land and waters is retained for local development.
Governor Oborevwori made this position known at the Public Hearing Of The House Of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
He was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
According to the position paper, the governor stated that:
“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.
“We respectfully present the following key demands and proposals for your consideration in the ongoing constitutional review:
“i. Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism: As a major oil-producing State and a vital contributor to the national economy, Delta State strongly advocates for true fiscal federalism. We, therefore, call for:
“An upward review of the derivation formula to ensure that a greater share of the revenue generated from our land and waters is retained for local development. This should also apply to States where solid minerals are exploited.
“A more equitable and transparent revenue allocation system that reflects the contribution, needs and challenges of each federating unit.
“Clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing host communities’ rights to benefit meaningfully from natural resources, including mandatory environmental remediation.
“ii. Maritime Issues and the Legislative List: We advocate for the removal of maritime matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. Granting States the constitutional authority to legislate on maritime affairs will:
Unleash the economic potential of our vast coastline and waterways.
“Promote local and foreign investments in ports, transport and blue economy development.
“Enhance security and environmental management in our coastal communities. This should also apply in areas where solid minerals are processed.
‘iii. Local Government Autonomy: We reaffirm our support for full administrative and financial autonomy for local government councils. As the tier of government, which is closest to the grassroots, empowered LGAs are critical to delivering essential services and driving rural development.
“iv. State Police: To holistically address the unique security challenges across the country, we strongly support the creation of State police. A decentralized policing system will:
“Improve intelligence gathering and community trust.
“Enhance rapid response to security threats.
“Complement existing federal security arrangements.
“v. Devolution of Powers: A more balanced federation requires a genuine devolution of powers. States must be empowered to manage their affairs, especially in areas such as all spheres of transportation, energy, environment, taxation and education. This will promote efficiency in governance, strengthen democratic accountability and encourage innovation and regional development.
“vi. Environmental Justice and Remediation: Given the devastating environmental impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, we propose:
“Constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to a clean and healthy environment; binding obligations on oil companies to undertake environmental remediation; legal mechanisms to hold polluters accountable and provide redress to affected communities.
“vii. Judicial Reforms: We advocate for reforms that will ensure timely access to justice; strengthen judicial independence; uphold the rule of law and due process, which are essential for national cohesion and investor confidence.
“viii. Transparent Constitutional Review and Implementation
“We commend the inclusive nature of this process and urge that the final document reflects the will of the people. We also recommend:
Clear implementation timelines and responsibilities.
Institutional safeguards to protect the integrity and effectiveness of constitutional provisions.
Interpretative guidelines that promote justice, equity and the rule of law.
“The constitutional review offers a historic opportunity to reset our constitutional foundations in line with the aspirations of all Nigerians”, the position paper further stated.
