ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 for its verdict on a lawsuit challenging the appointment of Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The case raises allegations of improper appointment and was presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who announced the decision during a court session following the submission of written addresses from both parties.
The lawsuit was initiated by certain communities from the Niger Delta, who contend that President Bola Tinubu violated the NDDC Act by appointing Ebie. The plaintiffs argue that Ebie lacks the necessary qualifications for the role, asserting that he does not come from “the oil-producing area with the highest quantum of oil production.”
Key plaintiffs in the case include Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, who represent communities from Bayelsa and Delta States, specifically the communities of Bisangbene, Agge, and Amatu1 in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The respondents in the lawsuit comprise President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Ebie himself, listed as the 1st to 5th respondents. Additional plaintiffs from Delta, including Jerry Mulade-Aroh representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr. Jolomi Itsekure for Itsekiri oil and gas-producing communities, and Friday Ugedi from Egbema Kingdom, have also sought inclusion in the case.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the plaintiffs, represented by attorney Mr. Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, requested the court to dismiss a preliminary objection raised by President Tinubu and the Attorney-General, arguing that the entire case lacked merit. In contrast, Maimuna Lami Ashiru, representing President Tinubu, along with Umaru Jibril for the Attorney General and Emmanuel Akumaye for the NDDC and Ebie, sought to dismiss the case, claiming lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Abdulmalik confirmed that the ruling on both the preliminary objection and the main suit will be delivered on October 31, 2024. The case, designated as FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, was filed on January 11, 2024, with plaintiffs alleging that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly breached the NDDC Act in Ebie’s screening and appointment.
In their affidavit, the plaintiffs stated that Ebie’s appointment was “done in error and is against the clear provisions of the law.” They claim that Ebie’s background from a community with limited oil production renders him ineligible for the position. The plaintiffs are seeking several court orders, including a declaration that Ebie’s appointment is null and void, an injunction restraining him from acting as the chairman, and an order preventing the NDDC from recognizing Ebie in that capacity.