The Supreme Egbesu Assembly has declared its intention to institute legal action against the Federal Government and the National Assembly over what it described as the “structural marginalization” of Bayelsa State.
The group is demanding the immediate recognition of 24 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) allegedly created during the administration of the late former Governor, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, as well as the sovereign right of the Ijaw people to control their natural resources.
At a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Yenagoa, the Secretary General of the Assembly, Mr. Felix Tuodolo, addressed journalists alongside a delegation that included Weri Noel Digifa, Ebi Waribigha, Rosebella Jackson, Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei, Kabowei Akamambe, Jacklloyd Thomas, David Imole Reje, and Welman Warri Ombu.
Tuodolo stated that the development and political future of Bayelsa State are closely tied to the broader interests of the Ijaw nation. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current federal revenue allocation formula, arguing that Bayelsa is disadvantaged despite being a major contributor to the nation’s oil revenue.
According to him, the late Governor Alamieyeseigha followed constitutional procedures, including conducting a referendum and securing approval from the State House of Assembly, to create 24 new LGAs. However, the National Assembly did not grant the necessary recognition, leading the state government at the time to convert the proposed LGAs into Rural Development Areas (RDAs).
“Revenue is shared among the three tiers of government — federal, state and local governments,” Tuodolo said. “States with a higher number of LGAs receive more allocation. Bayelsa currently has eight LGAs and receives allocation based on that number, despite its significant contribution to national revenue. This situation amounts to economic injustice.”
The Assembly also argued that the disparity affects representation at the federal level, particularly in the committee structure of the National Assembly. It noted that states with more LGAs and larger delegations have broader representation in key committees, while Bayelsa’s comparatively smaller representation limits its influence in national decision-making processes.
While acknowledging the advocacy efforts of some political leaders from the state, including Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the group maintained that expanding the number of recognized LGAs remains critical to strengthening Bayelsa’s political and economic standing.
In what it described as a strategic shift from past approaches, the Assembly said it would pursue its demands strictly through legal means rather than protests or civil disruptions.
“We have chosen the path of due process to protect our youths and ensure a lawful resolution,” Tuodolo stated. “Our lawyers have issued a pre-action notice to the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation. We are demanding recognition of the 24 LGAs created during the Alamieyeseigha administration. If no action is taken within 21 days, we will proceed to court.”
Beyond the issue of LGA recognition, the Assembly said it would also challenge the Federal Government in court over the longstanding debate on resource control. The group reiterated its position that oil-producing states should have greater control over their natural resources and remit taxes to the federal government, rather than rely solely on the existing 13 per cent derivation principle.
Tuodolo maintained that the legal action is aimed at securing what the Assembly considers fairness, equity and justice for the Ijaw people.
The Supreme Egbesu Assembly called on Nigerians to support what it described as a lawful and constitutional effort to address perceived structural imbalances affecting Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region. Reps Clerk