…seeks greater state’s control of natural resources
The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has urged the National Assembly to approve the creation of 24 additional local government areas for Bayelsa State and to grant states greater control over their natural resources.
Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa on Tuesday after the first hearing of a suit filed against the Federal Government and the National Assembly, the Secretary-General of SEA, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, said the group had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding action on the matter.
He explained that the assembly had proceeded to court following the expiration of the ultimatum without a response from the authorities.
Tuodolo said the suit before the Federal High Court in Yenagoa seeks, among other reliefs, the creation of more local governments in Bayelsa and the recognition of resource control by states.
“One of the issues that brought us to court is the creation of additional local governments in Bayelsa State, and the other is resource control by our people,” he said. “This is a long-standing struggle inherited from our forebears, and we are determined to see it through.”
He argued that the current structure, which leaves Bayelsa with only eight local governments, is unjust when compared to other states such as Kano with 44 local councils.
According to him, Bayelsa, as a major oil-producing state, contributes significantly to the nation’s wealth and deserves equitable representation and benefits tied to local government structures.
On resource control, Tuodolo maintained that true federalism requires states to manage their resources and remit an agreed percentage to the Federal Government.
“It is not fair for resources to be controlled centrally while producing states receive limited returns. What we seek is a system where states control their resources and pay taxes to the centre,” he added.
Counsel to the SEA, Barrister E. Kenneth Okorodas, said the Bayelsa State House of Assembly had, between 1999 and 2000, created 24 additional local governments, noting that the law is still pending before the National Assembly.
He said the suit is asking the court to compel the National Assembly to consider the proposal in line with constitutional provisions on the creation of local governments.
“We have written to the National Assembly, but there has been no response. That is why we are asking the court to mandate them to deliberate on the matter and approve the additional 24 local governments,” Okorodas said.
He also emphasized that Nigeria’s federal structure supports resource control by states, describing the current arrangement as inconsistent with the principles of true federalism.
Okorodas disclosed that the defendants have been served with the originating summons and have 21 days to respond.
The case, marked FHC/YNG/CS/64/2026, lists Felix Tuodolo and eight others as plaintiffs, while the Federal Government and the National Assembly are defendants.
Justice Ayo Emmanuel adjourned the matter to June 1, 2026, for hearing.
