NDDC Board: Ndokwa/Ukwuani seek to join legal battle to stop Onochie, others

The legal firework to set aside the appointment of Ms. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has taken a different turn as three new parties filed a joint motion to be part of the suit.

The new parties seeking to join are, Parkinson Azagba, representing Ndokwa West Oil and Gas Communities, in Ndokwa West Council of Delta State; Edwin Agha, representing Ndokwa East Oil and Gas Communities in Ndokwa East Council of Delta State and Chinedu Ofulu representing Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency.

In the motion filed on behalf of the applicants by their counsel, Evans Ufeli, the three parties stated that they are necessary and desirable parties without which the issues for determination in the suit cannot be adequately resolved, and without which justice cannot be done and be seen to be done.

They further contended that they are necessary parties who are an integral part of the oil producing area and the second largest producer of oil in Delta State with considerable prospect to head the NDDC as provided for by the NDDC Act.

When the matter came up before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja on January 11, 2023, counsel for the Itsekiri community, Mr. Ama Etuwewe (SAN), informed the court of his new application to set aside the National Assembly’s confirmation of Ms Onochie as the substantive chairman of the NDDC.

The court, however, said it wants to hear the motion for joinder first filed by the People of Ndokwa/Ukwani region of Delta State, represented by Ufeli.

Etuwewe (SAN) objected, adding that they have just been served the motion for joinder some days ago and same is not ripe for hearing and should not be heard.

The court over-ruled him and insisted it must hear the motion for joinder.

The court asked Ufeli to amend the motion to be joined in the suit as a defendant and not as a plaintiff, saying, it is better that way, so that the court would take all applications on February 6, 2023.

The matter was, therefore, adjourned to February 6, 2023 for hearing of all applications.