The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for an upward review of the derivation formula and the establishment of state police.
He also, threw his weight behind the establishment of state police and generally, the review of the 1999 Constitution, saying, “a robust, people-oriented constitution is the foundation that true federalism and national stability must rest.”
Gov. Oborevwori spoke on Saturday at the public hearing held by he House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Gov. Oborevwori, said the constitution review exercise reflects a commitment to building a more inclusive, just and forward-looking Nigeria.
The governor said the state remains a strong advocate of a constitutional order that promotes equity, justice, good governance and sustainable development
He advocated an upward review of the derivation formula to ensure that a greater share of the revenue generated from oil or any solid minerals is the state is retained for local development.
Also, Gov. Oborevwori called for a more equitable and transparent revenue allocation system, that reflects the contribution, needs and challenges of each federating unit.
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He demanded constitutional provisions guaranteeing host communities’ rights to benefit meaningfully from natural resources, including mandatory environmental remediation.
Additionally, the governor advocated the removal of maritime matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, granting states the constitutional authority to legislate on maritime affair.
This, he submitted will unleash the economic potentials of the state’s vast coastline and waterways, promote investments in ports, transport and blue economy development.
“Similarly, Gov. Oborevwori said to holistically address the unique security challenges across the country, the state supports the creation of state police.
He argued that a decentralized policing system will improve intelligence gathering and community trust, enhance rapid response to security threats and complement existing federal security arrangements.
“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,” the governor added.
Given the devastating environmental impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, he proposed 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.
Furthermore, the governor advocated 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.