Delta Communities Join Suit to Remove NDDC Chairman Ebie

Communities in Delta State have expressed their interest in joining a suit seeking the removal of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The suit was initially filed by communities in Bayelsa State, who argued that Ebie was wrongly appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

The plaintiffs from Bayelsa State claimed that Ebie, who hails from Agbor-Alidinma Community in Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State, does not come from an oil-producing area with the highest quantum of oil production.

This, according to them, disqualifies him from the position of NDDC board chairman, as per the NDDC Act 2000.

Communities in the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State have also expressed their displeasure with the appointment of Ebie, stating that they will soon commence a formal process to be joined as an interested party in the suit.

They believe that the appointment of Ebie is an injustice and an oppression that should not be allowed to stand.

Moreover, the Itsekiri Oil and Gas producing communities in Delta State described the appointment as a wrong precedent that should not be allowed to continue.

They emphasized that their rights and opportunities cannot be used as political compensation and called on President Tinubu to withdraw Ebie’s appointment and follow due process.

The suit, which was filed in Federal High Court in Abuja, questions the legality of Ebie’s appointment, arguing that it goes against the provisions of the NDDC Act.

The plaintiffs seek to nullify the appointment and prevent Ebie from assuming office or acting as the chairman of the NDDC.

They also request an injunction to stop the NDDC from recognizing Ebie as its chairman or allowing him access to its premises for work.

The case has garnered significant attention and highlights the importance of adhering to the guidelines and provisions of the NDDC Act.

The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the region and the NDDC, as well as the rights and opportunities of the oil-producing communities in Delta State.