by The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on a case seeking the removal of Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, until October 31.
The lawsuit, filed by some Niger Delta residents, claims that Ebie’s appointment as NDDC Chairman violated the NDDC Act. They argue that Ebie is not from the area with the highest oil production, making him ineligible for the position.
The plaintiffs include Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, who represent communities in Bayelsa State. They are challenging President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General, NDDC, and Ebie himself in court. Other representatives from Delta State communities have also joined the suit.
The plaintiffs want the court to declare Ebie’s appointment illegal and prevent him from assuming or continuing his role as Chairman. They also requested an injunction to stop the NDDC from recognizing him as its leader.
At the court hearing on Tuesday, government lawyers representing President Tinubu and the Attorney-General argued that the case should be dismissed, saying the court lacked the authority to hear it. Other defendants, including the National Assembly and NDDC, also asked the court to dismiss the case.
After hearing from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik announced that the final ruling would be delivered on October 31.
