Court to Rule on Suit Challenging NDDC Chairman's Appointment on October 31

 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set October 31, 2024, as the date to deliver a ruling and judgment on a lawsuit seeking the removal of Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. The case revolves around an alleged wrongful appointment.

The ruling date was set after the parties involved presented their written arguments for and against the originating summons. The plaintiffs, communities from Bayelsa and Delta States, argue that Ebie's appointment violates the NDDC Act, claiming he does not represent the highest oil-producing area, a requirement for the position.

The lawsuit was filed by Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, representing communities in Bayelsa State. The plaintiffs also sued President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Ebie himself.

In Tuesday’s hearing, the plaintiffs' lawyer, Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, urged the court to dismiss the objections raised by President Tinubu and the Attorney-General, insisting that the respondents' case lacked merit. On the other hand, the legal representatives for the respondents, including Mrs. Maimuna Lami Ashiru for President Tinubu, and Umaru Jibril for the National Assembly, called for the case to be dismissed on the grounds of jurisdiction.

The plaintiffs claim that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly acted unlawfully by appointing and confirming Ebie as NDDC Chairman, arguing that while he is from an oil-producing state, he does not come from the highest-producing area. They seek an injunction preventing Ebie from acting as chairman and want his appointment nullified.

Justice Abdulmalik will deliver the ruling and judgment on the case on October 31, 2024.