Otulu Clan Denies Alleged Police Invasion, Says Residents Enjoying Peace

**Says purveyors of misleading reports were agents of the devil with plans to disrupt existing peace in Otulu

The purported invasion of the Otulu Community in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State, by suspected hoodlums, has been debunked by the leadership of the community, who explained that the purveyors of the misleading reports were agents of the devil with plans to disrupt existing peace in Otulu.

In a statement, the community leader, Obi Francis Medolunwa, and the Iyase of Otulu, Chief Christopher Isikekpei, the people declared that peace and harmony have reigned in the town for some time, explaining that the invasion as claimed by the reports, was an operation carried out by the police to arrest some suspected dissidents and miscreants causing instability in the community.

They also asserted that the police did not want Obi Medolunwa as he had cleared himself and had been a freeman after police investigations and reports.

Reacting to the media reports that quoted a ghost personality by the pseudo name Elder Chukwudi Anozie that ASP Dan Musa, a police officer from Abuja, led the invasion, the people of Otulu contended that the officers merely executed the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest those alleged to by perpetrating one crime or the other.

The police visit and arrest was an off-shoot of a petition dated August 15, 2024, addressed to the IGP and signed by Obi Medolunwa and Chief Isikekpei.

The statement traced the feud in the community to an attempt by their neighbours, including Ogwashi-Uku, to forcefully annex Otulu as part of their clan, despite a Supreme Court judgment in suit no. SC/293/1973, which affirmed the suit no. A/9/67 of the Mid-Western State High Court of Justice, Asaba Division that neither the Issele Clan, Ubulu Clan nor Ogwashi-Uku Clan proved they owned the Otulu community.

They stated that the continued incursions into the Otulu community prompted several protests since 2021, adding that there were also unprovoked attacks on the Otulu community by their neighbours and the killing of innocent citizens of indigenes.

They also recalled how Obi of Ogwashi Uku allegedly besieged the Otulu community with security agents and some native doctors, under the guise of performing cleansing and rituals at the center of Otulu, adding that all the actions, especially the gruesome murder of a youth. Mr Cletus Okpala allegedly by one Nnamdi, triggered further protests and culminated in the installation and coronation of Obi Francis Medolunwa to lead the people, which did not go down well with the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

They stated that Obi Mdolunwa had honoured the invitation by the DSS and police in Asaba and Abuja, adding that the circumstances leading to his being declared wanted by the police had been resolved in his favour and he had been moving about as a free man.

They condemned the media reports that alleged that the Obi Medolunwa was still wanted by the police, adding that he cannot be a wanted person and submitting a petition to the police to arrest those causing trouble in the Otulu community.

The statement also denied that the Otulu community gave the police N20m to protect Obi Medounwa or to arrest criminals operating in the community, adding that the police visited the community to perform their duty.

However, they regretted that one of those arrested during the operation, Anthony Enurah has been released by the police and walking around claiming that he is above the law.

They described Elder Anozie, who presented himself as an indigene of the community, as a faceless individual and wondered how he presented himself before the press to canvass and publish falsehood against the Otulu community.

They pleaded with the state government and the police authority to continue with the painstaking investigations already being undertaken to unravel the real cause of the problem and recognize Otulu as an autonomous community.

Omu Obior Celebrates 2024 New Yam Festival In Grand-style

By: Patrick Ochei

The amiable Omu of Obior community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo has dazzled her people and guests as she celebrated her annual new yam festival in grand-style.

Omu Okonkwo on Thursday 26th September, 2024, gathered who is who in Anioma, including her Traditional Ruler, HRM Obi Kingsley Ofuokwu 11, Chief Baje of Idumuje-Unor and many others to join her to celebrate.

She especially appreciated God and her Ancestors for the gift of life and productive land of Obior that has brought forth bountiful harvest of farm produce for the year.

The Omu prayed for continual peace on Obior land, the unity of her people and more progress in the years to come.

It was an exceptional new yam festival as the people were sumptuously entertained with good food and enough to drink. The traditional music, accompanied by the flutes (Akpele) of Emeka of Obomkpa and Dike of Issele-Uku was not left out as the Omu and her well wishers danced gracefully to the admiration of all that stood to watch.

Alleged N33.8bn Fraud: Witness Narrates How Ex-Minister, Mamman Ordered Multiple Cash Transfers into13 Unauthorized Entities

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, commenced the trial of Ex-Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, for an alleged N33.8billion fraud with the presentation of its first witness.

Mamman was arraigned on Thursday, July 11, 2024, on 12-count charges bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo).

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Prosecution witness One, PW1, Abubakar Kweido, an operative of the EFCC while being led in evidence by Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, narrated how investigation activities reviewed that multiple monetary transfers were made from the project account meant for Mambilla hydroelectric power project into various companies with the aid of bureau de change operators into foreign currencies, Naira and bank transfers to over 13 entities.

Kweido said there was an intelligence assigned to his team, alleging that funds meant for the power plant were diverted through conspiracy by top officials in power. The funds, he said, were a loan granted to Nigeria by China’s Exim bank and the period of the investigation was from 2019 to 2023.

“At the time investigations were carried out, the defendant was the Minister of Power between 2019 to 2021. We commenced the investigation by writing letters of investigation to different Ministries and Agencies of the Government and various commercial banks, the responses received reviewed that he authorized the payment to some contractors and companies using One Joint Venture of Tractebel and De-Crown Projects Ltd and Sino Hydro Groups.

De-Crown projects Ltd was used as a project consultant, and Sino Hydro Groups was the engineering procurement contractor. Our investigation revealed that huge amount of money from the project account of Mambila was sent to different entities that were not authorized on the project, we then wrote letters of investigation activities to the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for Mambila and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects. We also submitted the Award Letters of the authorized contractors and we received response letters by the two authorized contractors, De-Crown Projects and Sino Hydro Groups” he said. The letters and responses were tendered and admitted as PWA.

In addition, four Letters from the Office of the Accountant General comprising account statements and responses were tendered and admitted in evidence as PWb2 and PWb3

Continuing, “When we analyzed the responses, we saw that over N33.8bn from the project account were sent to over 13 entities that are not the authorized contact, some of them are “Prymint Investment Ltd, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Shipikin Global Enterprises, Silverline Ventures, Intech Nigeria Ltd, Breathable Investment Ltd, First Class Contraction Ltd, Spinhillls Biz International Ltd, Fulex Utility Concept Ltd, Platinum Enterprise among others”.
We also requested the bank record of the accounts from Corporate Affairs and other Commercial banks which revealed that the persons behind the operation of these entities were mainly Maina Goje, Abdulahi Suleiman and Abdulahi Garba. We invited them to account for the funds they received from the Mambila project account. They reported to our office where they informed us that they have never applied for any contract with the Federal Ministry of Power or the Federal Government. They said they were bureau de change operatives. They also mentioned that all the monies received were disbursed based on the instructions of one Mustapha Abubakar Dida. The disbursements were usually in foreign currencies, Naira cash and sometimes via bank transfers”.

He revealed that Mustapha Dida was the Project Accountant of Manbilla Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects and they denied knowing him or the boss, as it was one Mrs Bawo Idris whom they referred to as Yaro was the only person they had physical contact with.

“So we invited Mrs Bawo Idris, and she volunteered her statement where she mentioned that she was the personal assistant to the defendant at that time. She also informed us that she also received instructions from the defendant for disbursement which is from his First Bank and GTB accounts. Also, one of the accounts that received money from the project account is Sammie Court Resource Ltd. We contacted them and their managing director who he reported and informed us that the said payments were for the rent of a bedroom apartment. He also informed us in writing that the defendant was the one using the apartment. Some other accounts that benefited include Vintage Nigeria Ltd, Abdulahi Suleiman, Fullest Utility Concept, Firstclass Contraction and Project, Golden Bond Nig Ltd, AIJ Global, Usman Isah, Abdulkareem Danladi.

The matter was adjourned to October 9, 2024, for continuation of trial.

Egbetokun praises NFF for Dedication to Football Development 

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun on Wednesday heaped praises on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for their palpable dedication and commitment to the cause of football development in Nigeria, insisting that football is a game that unites all Nigerians across all known physical, mental and economic boundaries.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a team of NFF chieftains led by the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Egbetokun admitted that crime rate does decline around the country whenever any National Team or Club of choice of football adherents are on duty.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognizes and appreciates the potential of football to work wonders for national unity, social cohesion and economic growth. In truth, football has the capacity to take criminals away from the streets. It is no gainsaying that we record lower incidences of crime when football teams are doing their business.

“We promise to continue to support you to develop the game in our country to an excellent level, as we look forward to a more robust relationship with your organization.”

Earlier, the NFF President commended the Inspector General for swiftness at all times in deploying officers, men and materials to venues of football matches in the country, from the low cadres of the league to international matches.

“We are here because we appreciate the importance of security in all our activities, programmes and events. This is to physically express our deep appreciation for the job you have been doing in readily sending officers, men and materials to secure the venues of football matches in the country. Your officers and men have been doing excellent work for us.

“Our country is one of football-passionate citizens. We also plead with the Inspector General to revive the Police Football Team that was very strong in those days, and also to consider giving a special quota to sportsmen and women who want to enlist in the Police Force.”

Gusau thereafter informed the Inspector General that the world football-governing body, FIFA will soon dispatch to its Member Associations a new template for securing football venues, and that the NFF will need to provide special training in that regard to officers and men of the Force who are dedicated to providing security at match venues.

Present at the occasion were the top echelon of the Nigeria Police Force including four Deputy Inspectors-General, as well as NFF 1st Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; NFF 2nd Vice President Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Chairman of Technical Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Head of Security, Barnabas Joro; AD Protocol, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and; Abubakar Barde, special assistant to NFF President.

Media Aide To Delta Commissioner, Bruno to Bury Father Friday September 27-29

The family of late Mr. Francis Iweluegim Amamosa of Okpe-Abavo, Ika south local government area of Delta State, has announced arrangements for his burial rites.

The invitation card made available to Areanewsng.com  by the son, Mr. Jude Bruno, the Media Assistant to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, said the funeral arrangements will begin on September 27, 2024.

The invite disclosed that the body of late Francis Amamosa, would leave Mother and Child Hospital mortuary, Owa-Alero, in Ika North East on Friday September for his home town for interment

It further revealed that on Saturday September 28, 2024, at 1:00pm, there would be entertainment of guests at Azuowa Primary School, Okpe-Abavo.

While on Sunday September 29, 2024, by 8:30am, there would be thanksgiving service at Worshippers of God Int’l ministries, Okpe-Abavo.

Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation Supports Next Generation of Football Talent in Kwara

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, is proud to announce the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation’s support for the Kwara Kiddies League.

Through his foundation, Awoniyi will present sets of jerseys to all participating teams in the league.

As a Dettol ambassador, Awoniyi has also secured support from the leading hygiene brand, which will provide essential gifts to the young athletes.

This partnership underscores Awoniyi’s commitment to promoting health, hygiene, and sports development among Nigeria’s youth.

The jersey presentation ceremony will take place on Sat. Sept. 28 at the Kwara Football Academy.

Additionally, Awoniyi will launch the “Wyscout Camera” initiative, aimed at showcasing the talents of Kwara Kiddies League players to a global audience.

To further support the well-being of the young athletes, Awoniyi’s foundation will introduce a meal program, providing a nutritious meal to each player.

It would be recalled that the striker signed a 3 year deal with the league organisers in June to help develop young aspiring footballers in Kwara to provide them the opportunity to achieve their dreams of playing professional football at the highest level.

Suleiman Atunrase
Secretary, Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation

Delta Speaker Hails Journalists, Says They Are Major Partners In Nation Building

**Commends ICC for effective coverage of Assembly activities

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, has commended the services of journalists in the state, describing them as major partners in nation building.

Guwor handed this commendation on Wednesday, September 25, at the his office in the Assembly complex when he received in courtesy members of the Indigenous Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.

The speaker who expresses satisfaction with the activities of journalists in the state, noted that if the journalists is not there to publish the activities of the House, the public will not be able to know and understand what is happening in the house and in government. He said; “Journalists are great stakeholders in the activities of the state Assembly and we will continually partner with you to change the narrative”.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of Indigenous Correspondent Chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, on behalf of members, congratulated the Speaker for his leadership qualities and for having one of the most peaceful and effective legislature across Nigeria in the past one year. He also congratulated him on his emergence as the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Highlighting some of the aims of the visit, Comrade. Orusi, noted that the Indigenous Correspondent Chapel being Indigenous that basically work closely with the grassroot people, there is the need to partner with the state legislature by way of transmitting and reporting factually the activities and events of the state House of Assembly back to the grassroot. He also stated that visit is also to solicit and appeal to the Speaker and the House to give serious backing and support to the governor in ensuring that the newly created Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure become a substantial Ministry that will not fade out at the expiration of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

While commending the Speaker and the House for services and representation so far, Comrade. Orusi, called on the speaker to ensure that the Anti Grazing Bill that has been passed into law by the House is implemented fully as cattle herders still walk freely with their cows in public places and farms destroying crops and causing Deltans a lot of pains.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Guwor, assured that he will give all the necessary supports to the state Governor to see how the directorate can become functional and substantial. He said having come from the Riverine Area, he is aware of the needs and challenges of his people and would want to see how such challenges could be reduced, and ensure such ministry is created to carter for the riverine people.

On the Anti Grazing law, Guwor, stated that implementation lies with the executive but, disclosed that the house have a compliance committee which is headed by the Deputy Speaker whom he also said has been doing a lot in ensuring the law is implemented. He promised that House will do all within their powers to collaborate with the executive and see how the law will be implemented.

Rt. Hon. Guwor appreciated journalists, and maintained that their visit has added values and colors to the activities of the Assembly.

DOPF Chair, Enebeli calls for legislative action to regulate exorbitant rent rates, Introduction of CNG buses, tricycles in Delta

**As Group visit DTHA Speaker, Guwor gets his pledge on better laws for Deltans

The Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli has called for legislative action to regulate exorbitant rent prices, which have become a significant burden on residents of Asaba the Delta State Capital.

Comrade Enebeli made this known Wednesday September 25, 2024, during a meeting with members of the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF) at the Assembly complex in Asaba, emphasing the importance of affordable housing solutions for both locals and potential investors. The DOPF Boss also touched on transportation issues, advocating for the introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses and tricycles to lower commuting costs for residents across the length and breadth of Delta State.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, pledged the the Assembly’s dedication to enacting laws aimed at improving the well-being of citizens across the state.

Guwor, in his remark, underscored the Legislature’s critical role as the “core of democracy”, noting that it is the only government arm comprised of elected representatives entrusted with making laws to ensure peace, order, and good governance. He noted that under his leadership, the current Assembly has passed several key bills, many of which have already been signed into law by the Governor. Further assuring that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, is actively ensuring the laws are effectively implemented.

Speaking on contemporary challenges such as housing, transportation, and the rising cost of living, the Speaker clarified that these matters largely fall under the Executives jurisdiction. However, he expressed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with other arms of government to address these pressing issues.

Rt. Hon. Guwor, commended the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum for its role in the state’s development, describing the media as a crucial pillar of democracy, stressing the importance of a strong relationship between the Assembly and the media to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of legislative activities.

“We encourage the media to seek clarifications on legislative matters directly from the Assembly to prevent misinformation and stop the spread of fake news,” Guwor added.

The Speaker also reassured the DOPF of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the needs of Delta residents and praised the media’s efforts in fostering balanced and transparent reportage of legislative processes.

Earlier, the Chairman of the DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, commended Guwor’s dynamic leadership during the first year of the 8th Assembly, praising the legislative strides made and the smooth cooperation with other government bodies, particularly in advancing the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Enebeli also lauded the Assembly’s efforts to address security concerns, specifically the farmer-herder clashes impacting farming communities, but he urged more action on this front.

“The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have disrupted agricultural activities and worsened food insecurity in several parts of the state. While we appreciate the Assembly’s efforts, more needs to be done to ensure farmers can access their lands safely, especially in areas like Ughelli North, Ethiope East, Ukwuani, and Ika South Local Government Areas,” he remarked.

He also called for the activation of the Delta State Community Security Agency law, which was passed in 2020, to bolster security in rural communities. The Forum, additionally, urged the Assembly to enact laws compelling local government authorities to prioritise waste management, as improper disposal and blocked drainage systems continue to pose serious environmental risks.

The Speaker was also of the DOPF’s upcoming Annual Lecture, themed “Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution,” scheduled for 20th November 2024, expressed the forum’s commitment to working with the Assembly to create a more secure and prosperous Delta State.

N-Delta women back Tinubu’s Govt, dissociate selves from planned October 1 protest

**Plead with Nigerians to give Tinubu’s Government a chance

Women from the various communities in the Niger Delta region stormed Warri on Wednesday dissociating themselves from the planned October 1 protest against the present administration.

Rising from a Stakeholders engagement with the Niger Delta women, organised by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), themed “Niger Delta Women: Empowerment as a Panacea for Peace, Stability and Economic Growth”, the women groups lamented that many self-interested bodies are presently going about with ulterior motives asking people to do negative things”.

The Wednesday’s gathering was in continuation of the expanded Niger Delta Stakeholders meeting of women groups and youth bodies, community leaders, opinion leaders, elders, traditional rulers and camp leaders by the PAP office.

In their resolution at Wednesday’s parley, the women drawn from all the ethnic nationalities in the oil-rich belt, asked their children and wards to shun the planned protests.

They also urged to discourage their children and wards from joining any protest against the authorities.

To this end, they pleaded with Nigerians to give Tinubu’s administration a chance to confront and deal with the multi-faceted challenges facing the country.

While lauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its support for women and youths in the region, they stated that “when you appoint the right people into the right position, then you should start seeing positive result”.

Reading the communique of the meeting to journalists, a woman leader in the Niger Delta, Madam Beauty Warejuowei, urged women in the region to “stand firm and make the best use of opportunities given them by the authorities”.
“This will give government the encouragement to do even more”, she stated.

Warejuowei noted that “the Niger Delta region has been having PAP Coordinators before now, but this is the time we can say the right people has been appointed to the right position”.

The women acknowledged there “were challenges but Mr. President has initiated various policies and programmes to address the challenges.”

“Within little time, we are very sure that these problems would become a thing of the past.”

The women commended Tinubu for appointing Otuaro as Head of PAP, describing the appointment as “square peg in a square hole.”

They also commended him Otuaro for organising the forum, saying that it was the first time the Niger Delta women were actively involved in the activities of PAP.

They lamented that previous administrators of PAP excluded them from the activities of the government’s interventionist agency.

In his address at the stakeholders forum, Otuaro commended the women forum for their support for the present administration just as he acknowledged their role in sustaining peace in the region.

He said, “We have to do it together. Talking peace in the Niger Delta, it is our women that are sustaining the peace. The destiny of Niger Delta is in the hands of women”.

Otuaro added that the economic challenges in the country are temporary and appealed to the women group not to relent in their efforts to support the administration’s socioeconomic initiatives.

The PAP Administrator assured the women groups of sustained empowerment, vocational trainings, grants and scholarships to further add value to their lives.

In attendance at the event were notable women leaders from the Niger Delta region including Mrs. Ann-Kio Briggs, a frontline woman activist in the region; Chief Mrs. Vero Tangbowei, Madam Beauty Warejuowei as well as the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri and the pioneer IYC President, T. K. Ogoriba, prominent women and men traditional title-holders, among others, in the region were on hand in solidarity with the Amnesty Office.

An elated Otuaro thanked the woman for their support for him and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Otuaro urged them to consistently support the Tinubu’s administration, adding that “though there are challenges, there would be light at the end of the tunnel.”

Seventh heaven in Delta Host Communities As Court Set To Decide Fate Of NDDC’s Chairman, Ebie October 31

**As Niger Delta Activist, Mulade insists Chairman must come from highest oil producing areas in the state

Warri: Oil and Gas producing communities of Delta State are Jubilating as Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, fixed October 31, to deliver ruling as well as judgement in a suit seeking the sack of the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, over alleged wrongful appointment.

Justice Abdulmalik fixed the date for both ruling and judgement on Tuesday, shortly after parties in the suit adopted their written addresses as their arguments for and against the originating summons.

Recall that some Niger Delta communities had sued President Bola Tinubu, for allegedly violating the NDDC’s Act by appointing Ebie as NDDC.

The plaintiffs from Bayelsa and Delta States communities had told the court that Ebie was not qualified to occupy the seat of Board Chairman haven not come from, “the oil producing area with the highest quantum of oil production”.

Those who filed the suit include; Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei and Mr Jonah Engineyouwei, who sued on behalf of themselves and Bisangbene, Agge and Amatu1 communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

President Tinubu, Senate President, Attorney-General of the Federation, NDDC and Ebie are 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

Meanwhile, Jerry Mulade-Aroh representing Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr Mathew Itsekure, representing Itsekiri Oil and Gas producing communities and Hon Friday Ugedi, representing Egbema Kingdom all in Delta also sought to be joined as plaintiffs in the suit, demanding that is the turn of Itsekiri or Ijaw to produce the chairman as the highest quantum producers.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, plaintiffs through their lawyer Mr Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection filed by President Tinubu and the AGF, adding that the court should dismiss the entire case of all the respondents for lacking in merit.

Mrs Maimuna Lami Ashiru, representing President Tinubu and the AGF, Umaru Jibril, representing the National Assembly and Emmanuel Akumaye, representing NDDC and Ebie, in their respective reply urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.

After listening to all parties, Justice Abdulmalik announced that ruling in the preliminary objection to the suit as well as her judgement in the main suit would be delivered on October 31, this year.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, and filed January 11, 2024, the plaintiffs claimed that both President Tinubu and the National Assembly contravened the NDDC Act by screening and appointing Ebie Chiedu as NDDC Board Chairman.

Niger Delta activist Comrade Mulade Sheriff insists that although Ebie is from an oil producing State but, was however not qualified for appointment as board chairman because he was not from the highest oil producing area in Delta State.

Mulade argued that Ebie’s appointment “was done horribly in error for political reasons and is against the clear provisions of the NDDC law. Therefore, called on President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to immediate replacement him with someone with the requisite capacity and competence from core host communities in Delta State to give sense of belonging for participatory inclusiveness.

The Niger Delta-born renowned environmental rights activist has again urged the National Assembly lawmakers to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law irrespective of political affiliation for the interest of Nigerians, especially host communities because we cannot continued to play politics with our daily bastardized environment and future.

“That the screening and confirmation of the 5th defendant by the Nigerian Senate was also done in error and was against the clear provisions of the law.

“That as a result of the facts above and in particular the facts in paragraphs 2 – 11, the appointment of the 5th defendant is null, void and of no effect”.

The plaintiffs through their lawyer, B. B. Abalaba, had asked the court to determine whether Ebie who is from a community with minimal oil production is qualifed to be the chairman of the 4th defendant (Niger Delta Development Commission)?

Other issues raised for determination are: Whether the appointment of the 5th defendant by the 1st defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant is not in contravention of the NDDC Act?

“Whether the appointment of the 5th defendant by the 1st defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant is not Illegal null and void?

They therefore prayed the court for an order “setting aside the appointment of the 5th defendant as the chairman of the 4th defendant by the 1s defendant.

“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from assuming office or in any way acting as the chairman of the 4th defendant.

“An order of injunction restraining the 4th defendant from recognizing the 5th defendant as its chairman or allowing him access into its premises for the purpose of beginning or continuing work as its chairman.

“An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from holding himself out as the chairman of the 4th defendant”.