A Niger Delta-born environment and peace advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, on Monday, in Asaba, lauded the decision of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on the removal of a sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Recall that the judgment also stopped the commission from being placed under any ministry, including the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, while ruling that the constitution of the Board of NDDC be running the affairs of the commission in line with enabling laws establishing the Commission.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, said a sole administrator running the affairs of NNDC was alien and a contravention of the enabling laws establishing the Commission.
He noted that the Act establishing the commission only recognises an interim management board or committee and not a sole administrator.
While lamenting over the alleged mismanagement of the commission’s funds, Mulade claimed that the funds were in the custody of a few politicians and their cronies who never meant well for the region.
He recalled that the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, had, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to stop placing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under any ministry, including the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the AGF from further constituting an interim or a sole administrator-ship board to run the affairs of the NDDC.
The orders were made following a motion exparte dated December 10, 2021, and filed by Odighonin Adienbo on behalf of the Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND) and the Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (IFTPI).
Other applicants were Peace Ossy, Utibe Benedict, Beatrice Young, Juliana Alagoa, Lovett Timothy, Loveth Kekghe, Osaruchi Idumesaro, Modimu Beauty and Nkechi Umeozor.
In its judgment, the court ruled that “leave is hereby granted to the applicant to seek an order of this court directing the respondent to dissolve the current sole administrator-ship structure used to run the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“The applicants were also granted leave to seek an order of mandamus directing or compelling the respondent to immediately publish the outcome of the report of the forensic audit of the NDDC.
“The court also said that leave was granted to the applicant to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the respondent to account for all monies that have accrued to the NDDC from the inception of the Interim or acting management, beginning from Professor Nelson Brambaifa till date.
“In conclusion, the judge asked the parties to return to the court on April 5 for report of service, compliance and hearing.”
Mulade, therefore, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, given his positive contribution to the Electoral Act, to execute the court’s decision and work for the growth and development of the Niger Delta states.
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