Bayelsa governor calls for true federalism and rule of law to strengthen Nigeria's democracy
Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, has asserted that Nigeria's democracy is struggling due to a lack of justice, equity, and fairness. Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Governor Diri emphasized the necessity of fiscal federalism and the rule of law for a thriving democracy. He highlighted structural imbalances, particularly in resource exploitation, citing Bayelsa as an example where oil-bearing areas and the Niger Delta have not seen commensurate development despite generating significant national revenue for over 60 years. He also criticized the current system where revenue from Bayelsa, a state with only eight local government areas, is shared with states that have more local governments but no oil resources. Governor Diri drew a connection between resource exploitation and insecurity, noting increased insecurity in northern states following gold mining discoveries. He concluded that true federalism is essential for Nigeria's democracy to flourish, otherwise the country risks having pseudo-democratic or tyrannical governments. The event, themed "Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?", was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by various dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.
