The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed a lawsuit brought by oil-producing communities from Bayelsa and Delta State.
The plaintiffs challenged President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), arguing that Ebie was unqualified as he was not from the region with the highest oil production.
Read Also: Appeal Court Reserves Judgement on IPOB’s Terrorist Proscription Appeal
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, or the legal standing, to file the case. Citing Section 24(2) of the NDDC Act, the court concluded that members of the NDDC board and other officials are legally protected from lawsuits related to their official duties.
Ebie’s Reaction
Chiedu Ebie expressed satisfaction with the judgment, which he described as “well-considered” and “courageously sound.”
He emphasized that the ruling clarifies the provisions of the NDDC Act regarding appointments and supports President Tinubu’s compliance with relevant laws when appointing public officials.
Read Also: Many Feared Killed As Several Bandits Invade Benue Community, Attack Residents
In a statement, Ebie credited the judgment as a win for all well-meaning Niger Deltans, dedicating it to their collective progress.
He urged stakeholders to unite in supporting the NDDC’s mission for infrastructural and socio-economic growth in the region.
He also highlighted the need to avoid divisive litigation, calling for collaborative efforts to foster peace and sustainable development within the Commission and the regio
