Ijaw Group Drags FG to Court Over 24 LGAs in Bayelsa

The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the Federal Government and the National Assembly over the status of local governments in Bayelsa State and matters relating to resource control. The group is seeking formal recognition of 24 local government areas created during the tenure of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Addressing journalists in Yenagoa, SEA Secretary-General Dr. Felix Tuodolo said the current structure of eight local government areas places Bayelsa at a disadvantage in federal revenue allocation and political representation. He argued that states with a higher number of LGAs benefit from larger statutory allocations and broader influence within the National Assembly system.

Tuodolo maintained that the 24 LGAs were established through constitutional procedures, including a referendum and approval by the State House of Assembly, but were not recognised at the federal level. He noted that the state government later converted them into Rural Development Areas, a move the group insists does not address the underlying issue of federal acknowledgment.

The assembly disclosed that its legal team has issued a pre-action notice to the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation, giving a 21-day window for response before heading to court. SEA said the move is aimed at securing equitable representation and ensuring oil-producing communities have a stronger voice in decisions concerning their resources.