IKA ETHNIC HOSTCOM CONGRATULATES NDDC BOSS
BARR. CHIEDU EBIE ON COURT VICTORY
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) Ika Ethnic Nationality Chapter has extended its warmest congratulations to Barr. Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, following his significant legal victory in a Federal High Court case in Abuja. The ruling, which was delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of Ebie’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
The legal challenge was brought by various oil-producing communities from Bayelsa and Delta States, who had questioned the validity of Ebie’s appointment, citing provisions of the NDDC Act. These communities argued that the appointment of Ebie as the NDDC Board Chairman was in breach of the Act’s stipulations, as they contended that Ebie did not represent the oil-producing community with the highest output in the Niger Delta. Nevertheless, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, the court concluded that the lawsuit was filed too late to be actionable, stating that the case had become “statute-barred” and was thus no longer viable under the law.
The HOSTCOM Ika Ethnic Nationality Chapter lauded this court ruling as a triumph not only for Barr. Ebie but also for the larger Niger Delta community, noting that the dismissal underscored Ebie’s qualification and dedication to the role. In a statement signed by Comr. Obihia Amechi, Chairman of HOSTCOM Ika Ethnic Nationality Chapter, and Chief Alex Omeleze, Secretary, the chapter conveyed their pride and confidence in Ebie’s leadership and expressed high hopes.
In the official statement, the HOSTCOM leadership highlighted Ebie’s consistent dedication to the cause of Niger Delta development and described his appointment as a positive step for the NDDC’s mission to deliver infrastructure and social programs to oil-producing communities. “This court ruling affirms Barr. Ebie’s dedication and qualifications for the role, further reinforcing his commitment to advancing the interests of the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.
HOSTCOM further pointed out that Ebie’s victory in court validated his ability to lead the NDDC and emphasized that his tenure is expected to significantly contribute to addressing the infrastructural and developmental needs of the region. “This legal victory reflects the court’s acknowledgment of Ebie’s capabilities to lead the NDDC and drive development in our communities,” the group stated.
The HOSTCOM, also seized the opportunity to extend an olive branch to all stakeholders involved in the lawsuit and called on the plaintiffs to align in support of Ebie’s leadership. HOSTCOM emphasized the need for collaboration and unity, urging the communities to set aside differences and rally behind the NDDC Chairman’s development agenda.
“We call on the plaintiffs and all stakeholders to unite in support of Ebie’s leadership for the betterment of our region,” the statement continued. “His commitment to addressing the developmental needs of oil-producing communities is critical, and we are confident that with the support of the entire Niger Delta, he will achieve impactful progress.”
The HOSTCOM Chapter stressed that now more than ever, the Niger Delta must stand together to address the challenges facing its communities, including the critical need for improved infrastructure, economic empowerment, environmental preservation, and social development initiatives. They reiterated that Ebie’s leadership promises to be transformative and urged stakeholders to work together to realize the benefits his administration could deliver to the region.
HOSTCOM’s statement concluded with a reiteration of their unwavering support for Ebie and a call to action for the people of the Niger Delta to collaborate towards the shared goal of development and prosperity.
“Once again, congratulations to Barr. Chiedu Ebie on this well-deserved win. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that will undoubtedly benefit our communities under his leadership,” the statement concluded.
(C)IKA-TIMES
