A leading Ijaw socio-cultural organization, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), has announced its intention to pursue legal action against the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly over the official status of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bayelsa State and broader resource-control issues.
At a press briefing in Yenagoa, SEA Secretary-General Dr. Felix Tuodolo explained that the group is demanding formal recognition of 24 local governments that were created under former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s administration but have not been acknowledged by the federal legislature.
Currently, Bayelsa is recognized as having only eight LGAs a number SEA leaders say undermines the state’s political representation and share of federal revenue.
Tuodolo stressed that Bayelsa’s smaller LGA count affects its allocation of federal funds and reduces its influence in national policymaking bodies, including committees in the National Assembly.
According to SEA, the 24 LGAs were established through constitutional procedures including a referendum and state assembly approval but were subsequently converted into Rural Development Areas (RDAs) instead of being officially recognized.
To address these concerns, SEA has served a pre-action notice on the National Assembly and Nigeria’s Attorney-General, giving them 21 days to respond before court proceedings begin.
The group is also pushing for reforms to Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula so that oil-producing communities have greater participation in resource-decision processes.
SEA characterized the move as a lawful effort to secure fair political representation and equitable resource participation for the Ijaw people, urging Nigerians to support a constitutionally grounded resolution.
