Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by the oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, seeking to nullify the alleged illegal appointment in the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The communities had approached the court, seeking a nullification of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Chiedu Ebie, as Chairman of the NDDC.
In their suit, the plaintiffs argued that Ebie was not qualified to head the Board of the NDDC since he was not from the oil-producing area with the highest quantum of oil production.
Delivering judgment Justice Joyce Abdulmalki held that given section 24(2) of the NDDC Act, the plaintiffs had no locus standi.
The section read, “Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law or enactment, no suit shall lie against any member of the Board, the Managing Director, or any other officer or employee of the Commission for any act done in pursuance or execution of this Act or any other law or enactment, or of any public duty or authority or in respect of any alleged neglect or default in the execution of this Act or such law or enactment, duty or authority, shall lie or be instituted in any court.”
It is on this premise the court dismissed the suit in its entirety.
The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, has described the ruling as well-considered, intelligently delivered and courageously sound.
“By the ruling, the judiciary has once again proved that justice is never lacking in the Temple of Justice,” he said and expressed delight that the ruling has finally laid to rest every ambiguity, innuendo, half-truth and misrepresentation of facts surrounding the provisions of NDDC Act on appointments.
In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Jerome Utomi, Ebie noted that the judgment was a resounding watershed and underscored President Bola Tinubu as a foresighted leader reputed for acting in total compliance with extant laws when it comes to appointments into public office.
Dedicating the legal victory to God Almighty and all Niger Deltans of goodwill, he extended a hand of fellowship, calling on all critical stakeholders to join hands with NDDC governing board and management to consolidate the significant shift in the region’s infrastructural and socio-economic developmental trajectory.
He said, “The judgement is remarkable and will further spur my dedication in leadership to make invaluable contributions to the development of the region and I congratulate all Niger Deltans on the verdict.”
Ebie further stressed that the need for a holistic and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region has become overwhelmingly urgent and urged all stakeholders to shun divisiveness and rally round the present governing board and management in sustaining the unprecedented peace and harmony within the Commission which has become the hallmark of the present leadership since its inauguration about 11 months ago.
“Looking at the level of peace and harmony that has existed among members of the governing board and management, I am confident that we will continue to excel and reach new heights of excellent quality service delivery to the region and its people.
“I call on all Niger Deltans to shun all forms of distractions through frivolous litigations that distract the Commission’s governing board and management and, in its place, imbibe the virtues of commitment and other positive attributes needed for fostering peace and unity, promoting innovation for impactful strides for advancing development of the region,” he stated.
