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Jubilation in Delta Host Communities as Court Prepares to Decide Fate of NDDC Chairman Ebie on October 31
Jubilation in Delta Host Communities as Court Prepares to Decide Fate of NDDC Chairman Ebie on October 31
Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of NDDC.
By Admin
Activist Mulade Sheriff insists Chairman must hail from highest oil-producing areas of Delta State
Warri, Delta State – Oil-producing communities in Delta State are in high spirits as the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prepares to rule on a suit challenging the appointment of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The court is set to deliver both ruling and judgment on October 31, 2024, after parties in the suit submitted their written arguments.
The lawsuit, filed by communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, accuses President Bola Tinubu of breaching the NDDC Act by appointing Ebie, who they argue does not represent the area with the highest oil production in Delta State. The plaintiffs, led by Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei from Bayelsa’s Ekeremor Local Government Area, contend that Ebie’s appointment violates the commission’s laws. They are asking the court to annul his appointment.
The defendants in the case include President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Mr. Ebie. Representatives of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Itsekiri Oil and Gas Communities, and Egbema Kingdom from Delta State have also requested to join the lawsuit. These communities argue that the NDDC chairmanship should be given to someone from either the Itsekiri or Ijaw communities, which produce the most oil.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the plaintiffs’ legal counsel, Mr. Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, urged the court to dismiss objections raised by President Tinubu and the Attorney-General and to rule against the respondents for lack of merit. On the other side, counsel for the President, the National Assembly, the NDDC, and Ebie called for the suit to be thrown out for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Abdulmalik, after hearing both sides, announced the ruling and judgment would be delivered on October 31, 2024.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, was originally filed in January 2024. The plaintiffs claim that the appointments of Ebie by both President Tinubu and the National Assembly contravened the NDDC Act.
Prominent Niger Delta activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has also spoken out, insisting that Ebie is not qualified to serve as the NDDC Chairman. While acknowledging that Ebie hails from an oil-producing state, Sheriff asserts that his community does not produce the highest volume of oil, disqualifying him under the NDDC Act. He called for Ebie’s immediate replacement with someone from a core oil-producing community, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and fairness.
Sheriff expressed concern that Ebie’s appointment was politically motivated and urged the National Assembly to strictly follow the provisions of the law for the benefit of the Niger Delta’s host communities. He criticized the confirmation of Ebie’s appointment by the Senate, calling it an error that undermines the environmental and economic well-being of the region.
The plaintiffs have asked the court to determine if Ebie, coming from a community with minimal oil production, is eligible for the role and whether his appointment was unlawful. They seek to have his appointment nullified and request an injunction preventing him from assuming office as NDDC Chairman.
The Niger Delta communities now await the court’s ruling with anticipation, as the case could set a precedent for future appointments to the NDDC board.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.