The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, challenging the appointment of Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Background: Communities Challenge Ebie’s Appointment
Aggrieved Niger Delta communities from Bayelsa and Delta States filed the suit against the Federal Government, the Presidency, and the Senate, alleging that Ebie’s appointment was illegal. They argued that his screening and confirmation did not comply with provisions of the NDDC Act, requesting the court to void the appointment.
The plaintiffs contended that Ebie, appointed by President Tinubu, was unqualified to lead the NDDC board, as he is not from the “oil-producing area with the highest quantum of oil production.”
Court’s Ruling on the Suit
In delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik cited Section 24(2) of the NDDC Act, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing, or locus standi, to challenge Ebie’s appointment. Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that this section of the Act protects members of the NDDC Board and other officials from lawsuits related to acts performed in execution of their duties.
The section states:
“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.”
Final Judgment
Based on this statutory provision, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety, upholding the legality of Ebie’s appointment as NDDC Chairman.
