Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, criticized Nigeria's federalism structure, citing its adverse effects on state development. He urged a review of revenue distribution to align with fiscal federalism principles, particularly highlighting the disparity in resource-endowed states' allocations.

Diri emphasized the injustice of Bayelsa being labeled as financially insolvent while its resources fuel the nation's coffers.

Speaking at an event in Houston, Texas, where he received the "Icon of Unity and Social Justice" award, Diri underscored the importance of preserving Ijaw heritage and unity.

Diri says: “You cannot take away the resources in my state and the internally generated revenue that would have accrued to us and expropriate it in the name of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Every month end, the 36 states in the country gather in Abuja to share resources accruing from my state and they still come back to insult us that our state is insolvent.”

He lamented the potential growth lost due to unequal resource sharing and called for a fairer distribution mechanism, inclusive of all mineral resources. Diri urged continued support for Ijaw causes and pledged his administration's commitment to their advancement.