Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 for both a ruling and judgment in a case challenging the appointment of Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This follows claims from certain Niger Delta communities that Ebie’s appointment violated the NDDC Act.
The lawsuit, filed by plaintiffs from Bayelsa and Delta States, contends that Ebie is not qualified to serve as chairman because he does not hail from the highest oil-producing area.
The plaintiffs include Goodnews Gereghewei, Eddy Brayei, and Jonah Engineyouwei, who represent communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
During proceedings on Tuesday, the plaintiffs argued against preliminary objections raised by President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, urging the court to dismiss their case for lack of merit. The defense, represented by Maimuna Lami Ashiru and others, contended that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, filed on January 11, 2024, the plaintiffs allege that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly breached the NDDC Act by screening and appointing Ebie. They asserted that Ebie’s appointment should be declared null and void, citing it as “done in error and against the clear provisions of the law.”
The plaintiffs are seeking several orders, including the annulment of Ebie’s appointment and an injunction to prevent him from assuming office or being recognized as chairman.
As the court prepares to deliver its ruling, the outcome could have significant implications for the governance of the NDDC.
