Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director and Executive Directors.
The plaintiffs, led by lawyer Okere Nnamdi, argued that the appointments violated Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act, claiming states like Imo, Cross River, and Edo were unfairly excluded. They sought to compel the President to withdraw the nominations of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Boma Iyaye, Victor Antai, and Ifedayo Abegunde.
The court ruled the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the case. Justice Omotosho noted that only state attorneys general or their representatives could sue on behalf of oil-producing states.
The judge added that the plaintiffs failed to provide evidence regarding the volume of oil production by each state or the history of appointments within the Commission to support their claims.
“The applicants lack the right to litigate a public matter where the Attorney General is available and has not complained,” Justice Omotosho stated.
The case was dismissed for lack of merit.
President Tinubu’s 2023 appointments to the NDDC Board and Management remain upheld.
