The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by concerned members of 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 provisions outlined in the NDDC Act. Specifically, they contended that Ebie does not represent the oil-producing community with the highest volume of oil production, a requirement stipulated by the Act for such appointments.
The lawsuit, brought forward by individuals 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 himself as defendants in the case.
The plaintiffs alleged that the communities they represented had a significant stake in the region’s oil production, which they felt had been overlooked in the recent appointment process.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalki cited section 24(2) of the NDDC Act, which establishes a legal framework protecting the commission's members and officials from lawsuits related to their official actions. 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.”
Based on this provision, Justice Abdulmalki concluded that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to pursue their claim. Consequently, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety.