By Our Correspondent
The Office of Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga has dismissed claims that the proposed amendment to the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) Act seeks to cede parts of Bayelsa State to neighbouring Rivers State, describing such assertions as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Senator’s office said the amendment bill was designed to expand access to federal government development programmes and interventions for border and coastal communities currently excluded from the BCDA framework.
The statement was in response to comments reportedly made by former Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, who raised concerns over the proposed legislation.
According to the statement, the bill does not alter state boundaries, local government boundaries, or territorial ownership of any community in Bayelsa State.
“The first and most important fact is that the proposed amendment does not seek to cede any part of Bayelsa State to Rivers State. It does not alter state or local government boundaries. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply incorrect,” the statement noted.
The Senator’s office explained that several communities across Bayelsa State, including those in Ogbia, Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas, are currently excluded from the BCDA framework and therefore unable to benefit from interventions provided by the agency.
It further stated that many communities in Nembe Local Government Area also remain outside the agency’s coverage despite their geographical characteristics and strategic importance.
The statement argued that the exclusion of these communities has denied residents access to critical federal development programmes, healthcare services, infrastructure projects and economic empowerment opportunities.
Expressing surprise over the opposition to the bill, the office noted that Degi-Eremienyo, having served as both Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area and Senator representing the district, should be familiar with the developmental challenges facing the affected communities.
The statement maintained that the amendment bill is aimed at correcting long-standing omissions and ensuring that neglected communities receive their fair share of federal interventions.
It stressed that the legislation should be viewed as a developmental initiative rather than a territorial adjustment exercise.
The office reaffirmed Senator Agadaga’s commitment to protecting the interests of Bayelsa State and pursuing legislation that promotes development, inclusion and equity for underserved communities.
While urging members of the public to disregard what it described as attempts to misrepresent the bill, the statement emphasized that the people of Bayelsa deserve factual information and meaningful development.
“The people of Bayelsa deserve facts, not fear. They deserve development, not distractions,” the statement concluded.
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