Federal High Court Abuja orders stop of screening and confirmation of NDDC chairman, MD

The National Assembly’s ability to screen and approve the nomination of Ms. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku has been ordered to stop by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The pair needed to be interviewed before being officially approved as the Niger Delta Development Commission’s chairman and managing director, respectively.

Justice J. K. Omotosho, the preeminent judge, issued an order suspending any further proceedings awaiting the outcome of the lawsuit.

The originating summons with the file number FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022, among other things, requests a restraining order against the National Assembly reviewing and confirming the pair.

The Itsekiri ethnic nationality’s plaintiffs, Chief Edward Ekpokpo Esq., Victor Wood, who is representing the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, and Mr. Edward Omagbemi, who is presenting Omadino Unity Forum, are contesting the nomination on the grounds that it is their turn to hold the seats.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, the House of Senate, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, and Chief Samuel Ogbuku are the first through sixth defendants in the lawsuit.

It claimed that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, which produces the majority of oil in Delta State, is due to produce the NDDC board chairman and MD.

After reading the affidavit and speaking with the plaintiff’s attorney, Justice J. K. Omotosho, the presiding court, adjourned the case to January 11, 2023, for further hearing.

“That leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs to serve the 5th and 6th defendants with the originating processes in this suit by substituted means to wit by advertising the processes in at least one national newspaper circulating within the jurisdiction of this to court and to deem the same as proper service.

“That an order is hereby made that no party in this suit shall take any step or act or action that may make the outcome of the pending motion on notice for injunction Dated and filed December 12, 2022, nugatory.