Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, has applauded the decision of the Federal High Court to uphold his appointment.
He described the ruling as “well-considered, intelligently delivered, and courageously sound.”
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding over the case in Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed the lawsuit filed by certain oil-producing communities from Bayelsa and Delta states seeking to nullify Ebie’s appointment.
The plaintiffs, led by Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, argued that Ebie’s appointment violated the NDDC Act, claiming he did not represent the oil-producing area with the highest production quantum.
Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling rejected these claims, affirming the legality of Ebie’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Following the judgment, Ebie expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing that the court’s decision reaffirms justice within the judiciary.
“The judiciary has once again proven that justice is never lacking in the Temple of Justice,” he stated.
In a statement by his Media Assistant, Jerome Utomi, Ebie celebrated the ruling as a “watershed moment” and highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to adhering to legal provisions in public appointments.
He dedicated the victory to God and all well-meaning Niger Deltans, extending an invitation to regional stakeholders to collaborate with the NDDC board in advancing the Niger Delta’s infrastructure and socio-economic development.
Ebie’s call for unity aims to consolidate recent strides in the commission’s projects and strengthen the path toward sustainable growth in the region.
He said, “The judgement is remarkable and will further spur my dedication in leadership to make invaluable contributions to the development of the region and I congratulate all Niger Deltans on the verdict.”
Ebie further stressed that the need for a holistic and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region has become overwhelmingly urgent and urged all stakeholders to shun divisiveness and rally around the present governing board and management in sustaining the unprecedented peace and harmony within the Commission, which has become the hallmark of the present leadership since its inauguration about 11 months ago.
He stated, “Looking at the level of peace and harmony that has existed among members of the governing board and management, I am confident that we will continue to excel and reach new heights of excellent quality service delivery to the region and its people.
“I call on all Niger Deltans to shun all forms of distractions through frivolous litigations that distract the Commission’s governing board and management and, in its place, imbibe the virtues of commitment and other positive attributes needed for fostering peace and unity, promoting innovation for impactful strides for advancing development of the region.”
