The Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by aggrieved Niger Delta communities challenging President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Chiedu Ebie as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The plaintiffs, represented by Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, argued that Ebie’s appointment violated the NDDC Act, claiming he did not represent the oil-producing area with the highest production quantum, as stipulated by the Act.
The plaintiffs, from Bisangbene, Agge, and Amatu 1 communities in Bayelsa State’s Ekeremor Local Government Area, named President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Ebie as defendants in the case.
They alleged that the appointment disregarded their communities’ stake in the region’s 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.
