NDDC Establishment Act: LEDAP seeks restraining order on Appointment of Officer

The Legal Defence and Assistant Project. (LEDAP) has on Tuesday, asked a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging composition of the Management of the Nigerian Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The plaintiffs in the suit are : Iruo Onoruvwe, Anatole Osuji, Walter Avered and LEDAP.

Joined as defendants are: Minister of Nigeria Delta Affairs, The NDDC, Dr. JOI Nunnieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh. and Chief Ibanga Bassey.

The Plaintiff through their lawyer, Dr. Chino Obiagwu (SAN) is asking the court for a declaration, that the appointment of a three-man-interim Management committee for the NDDC consisting of the third to fifth defednant is contrary to the NDDC Establishment Act 2000

He is seeking a declaration that the appointment of the third to fifth defednant as acting Managing Director, Executive Director of Project, and Executive Director Finance and Adminstrtion respectively, is contrary to the provisions of the NDDC Establishment Act.

According to him, the Act provides that such appointment shall be by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, subject to confirmation by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Plaintif avers that by virtue of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000, the Managing Director of the Commission performs his function under general direction of the Board of the NDDC.

Plaintiff, therefore, wants an order, nullifying the purported appointment of the third to fifth defendant in their capacities.

He wants an order, restraining the second defendant from handing over or allowing the third to fifth defednant perform the aformentioend roles.

Plaintiff also wants an order restrainng the first defendant from interfering in the management of the NDDC in a manner that contevens the provisions of the Establishment Act.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the new suit.