The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 to deliver its judgement on a case brought by oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and Delta States against President Bola Tinubu, News About Nigeria reports.
The communities are challenging the legality of President Tinubu’s appointment of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The plaintiffs argue that Mr. Ebie, though from an oil-producing area, does not meet the legal requirements to head the NDDC board, as his community does not produce the highest quantum of oil.
They claim that the appointment violates provisions of the NDDC Act, and they have called on the court to nullify it.
The lawsuit also names the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Mr. Ebie as defendants.
The plaintiffs contend that Ebie’s appointment and confirmation by the Senate were done “in error” and in violation of the law.
They have asked the court to determine if Ebie’s appointment breaches the NDDC Act and have called for an injunction preventing him from assuming office or acting as NDDC Chairman.
They also seek an order restraining the NDDC from recognising Ebie in that capacity.
The case, originally filed by three communities from Bayelsa’s Ekeremor Local Government Area, later included plaintiffs from Delta State representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, Itsekiri Oil and Gas communities, and Egbema Kingdom.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel for President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Ashiru, along with lawyers representing the National Assembly, NDDC, and Ebie, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of merit.
The plaintiffs, represented by Mr. Egberipou Barakemi, countered these objections and insisted on the illegality of Ebie’s appointment.
After hearing final arguments, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until October 31 for judgement.
