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Just in: Court Fixes Oct 31 To Decide Fate Of NDDC’s Chairman, Ebie
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Massive jubilation in the Oil and Gas producing communities of Delta State as Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, fixed October 31, to deliver ruling as well as judgement in a suit seeking the sack of the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, over alleged wrongful appointment.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed the date for both ruling and judgement on Tuesday, shortly after parties in the suit adopted their written addresses as their arguments for and against the originating summons
Recall that some Niger Delta communities had sued President Bola Tinubu, for allegedly violating the NDDC’s Act by appointing Ebie as NDDC.
The plaintiffs from Bayelsa and Delta States communities had told the court that Ebie was not qualified to occupy the seat of Board Chairman haven not come from, “the oil producing area with the highest quantum of oil production”.
Those who filed the suit include; Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei and Mr Jonah Engineyouwei, who sued on behalf of themselves and Bisangbene, Agge and Amatu1 communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
President Tinubu, Senate President, Attorney-General of the Federation, NDDC and Ebie are 1st to 5th respondents respectively.
Meanwhile, Jerry Mulade-Aroh representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr Mathew Itsekure, representing Itsekiri Oil and Gas producing communities and Hon Friday Ugedi, representing Egbema Kingdom all in Delta also sought to be joined as plaintiffs in the suit, demanding that is the turn of Itsekiri or Ijaw to produce the chairman as the highest quantum producers.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, plaintiffs through their lawyer Mr Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection filed by President Tinubu and the AGF, adding that the court should dismiss the entire case of all the respondents for lacking in merit.
Mrs Maimuna Lami Ashiru, representing President Tinubu and the AGF, Umaru Jibril, representing the National Assembly and Emmanuel Akumaye, representing NDDC and Ebie, in their respective reply urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.
After listening to all parties, Justice Abdulmalik announced that ruling in the preliminary objection to the suit as well as her judgement in the main suit would be delivered on October 31, this year.
In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, and filed January 11, 2024, the plaintiffs claimed that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly contravened the NDDC Act by screening and appointing Ebie Chiedu as NDDC Board Chairman.
Niger Delta activist Comrade Mulade Sheriff insists that although Ebie is from an oil producing State but, was however not qualified for appointment as board chairman because he was not from the highest oil producing area in Delta State.
Mulade argued that Ebie’s appointment “was done horribly in error for political reasons and is against the clear provisions of the NDDC law. Therefore, called on President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to immediate replacement him with someone with the requisite capacity and competence from core host communities in Delta State to give sense of belonging for participatory inclusiveness.
The Niger Delta-born renowned environmental rights activist has again urged the National Assembly lawmakers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law irrespective of political affiliation for the interest of Nigerians, especially host communities because we cannot continued to play politics with our daily bastardized environment and future.
“That the screening and confirmation of the 5th defendant by the Nigerian Senate was also done in error and was against the clear provisions of the law.
“That as a result of the facts above and in particular the facts in paragraphs 2 – 11, the appointment of the 5th defendant is null, void and of no effect”.
The plaintiffs through their lawyer, B. B. Abalaba, had asked the court to determine whether Ebie who is from a community with minimal oil production is qualifed to be the chairman of the 4th defendant (Niger Delta Development Commission)?
Other issues raised for determination are: Whether the appointment of the 5th defendant by the 1st defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant is not in contravention of the NDDC Act?
“Whether the appointment of the 5th defendant by the 1st defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant is not Illegal null and void?
They therefore prayed the court for an order “setting aside the appointment of the 5th defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant by the 1s defendant.
“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from assuming office or in any way acting as the chairman of the 4th defendant.
“An order of injunction restraining the 4th defendant from recognizing the 5th defendant as its chairman or allowing him access into its premises for the purpose of beginning or continuing work as its chairman.
“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from holding himself out as the chairman of the 4th defendant”.
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RESUMPTION SPEECH BY RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PHD, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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Environmental infractions: Lagos seals churches, businesses over
By Francesca Hangeior
In a bold move to tackle violations of Lagos State environmental laws, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed off prayer centres and business premises across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on X.com by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by LASEPA on Wednesday, the enforcement operation is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
The statement revealed that the establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from the agency.
It said, “In a decisive step towards tackling noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency @LasepaOfficial today sealed off multiple establishments across various parts of Lagos State.
“The enforcement operation, which targeted locations in Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland, is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
“Among the closed establishments are Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, Polite Anchorage and Suites, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Terrag Inn Apartment, Evening Class Guest House, Celestial Church of God, a printing press, Charley’s Bar, and 7th Heaven Hotel & Suites.
“These establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from LASEPA.”
The statement further revealed that the General Manager of LASEPA issued a stern warning, emphasising the agency’s stance on compliance with environmental laws.
It added, “The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi @thetundeajayi, emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance with environmental laws. ‘We will not tolerate non-compliance with our regulations.
“Dr Ajayi said all businesses must recognise their environmental responsibilities and collaborate with the state government to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun appears before Senate for screening
*** Vows to tackle corruption
By Francesca Hangeior
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the judiciary.
She emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach.
Kekere-Ekun, who appeared before the Senate for screening, assured lawmakers that, once confirmed, she would prioritise the speedy handling of petitions before the courts.
Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.
Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced the screening of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Before the screening began on Wednesday, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, allowing the screening of Kekere-Ekun to be the first item on the day’s business. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM.
Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to permit her and her entourage to enter, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
The Acting CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.
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