The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit aiming to remove Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The case, brought by oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, challenged Ebie’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu on grounds of eligibility and alleged breaches of the NDDC Act.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in her ruling on Thursday, found the case to be “statute-barred,” explaining that the plaintiffs filed it beyond the three-month window allowed by law for challenging such appointments. Ebie was appointed on August 29, 2023, but the lawsuit wasn’t filed until January 11, 2024. Abdulmalik cited section 24(1) and (2) of the NDDC Act, which imposes a limitation period on legal actions in such matters.
The court further noted procedural issues, stating that the plaintiffs failed to obtain the necessary leave for a judicial review, which rendered the suit improperly commenced. Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter and dismissed the suit, describing the issues raised as now academic.
The plaintiffs argued that Ebie, while from an oil-producing community, was not qualified to lead the NDDC as his community’s oil output was insufficient, making his appointment non-compliant with the NDDC Act. They insisted that the position should go to a representative from an area with higher oil production, adding that his appointment was unlawful.
Reacting to the verdict, Ebie praised the judgment as “courageously sound,” stating that it reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to justice. He added that the decision would strengthen his dedication to advancing the development of the Niger Delta region and congratulated Niger Deltans on the outcome.
