Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s federalism practice, describing it as “lopsided” and detrimental to the development of states.
He emphasized the need for a review of the revenue derivation formula to promote fiscal federalism and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Speaking at an event in Houston, Texas, where he was honoured with the “Icon of Unity and Social Justice” award by Ijaws in the United States of America and Canada, Governor Diri highlighted the challenges faced by resource-endowed states like Bayelsa.
He criticized the current practice where states in the Niger Delta region receive only 13 percent of monthly allocation from their resources, while the bulk of revenue is shared among other states.
Governor Diri expressed his frustration with the situation where Bayelsa, despite its resource wealth, is labeled as insolvent due to its reliance on federal allocation.
He argued that the state’s resources are being expropriated to Abuja and redistributed to other states, hindering Bayelsa’s development potential.
In his address, Governor Diri envisioned a scenario where states like Bayelsa could harness 100 percent of their revenue from oil and gas resources, leading to significant development strides akin to cities like Houston.
He lamented the unfairness of the current revenue allocation system, which focuses solely on oil and gas revenue without considering other mineral resources like gold.
Highlighting the disparity in resource allocation, Governor Diri called for a more inclusive approach that takes into account all mineral resources in the country.
He questioned the logic behind sharing only oil and gas revenue through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), urging for transparency and equity in resource distribution.
Governor Diri urged the Ijaw community to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and equality, pledging his administration’s support for their cause.
He emphasized the importance of sustaining events like the one organized by the Ijaw National Congress (INC)-Americas, which promotes Ijaw tradition and culture even in the diaspora.
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