Bar ministry from supervising NDDC, Falana tells court

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has filed an originating summons before a Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding that the Niger Delta Development Commission be moved from the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and back to the President’s direct supervision.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2023, Falana on behalf of the plaintiffs – Incorporated Trustees of Juryman, and Myson Nejo – asked the court to declare that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs lacks the powers to supervise the affairs of the NDDC.

Those being sued are the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The four issues put before the court for determination by Falana include “Whether upon a calm consideration and proper construction of Sections 7(3), 9(2), 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 23 of the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment Etc.) Act 2000, the 1st defendant (Umana) can unilaterally exercise a supervisory role over the NDDC.”

He is also seeking eight reliefs including a perpetual injunction restraining the Niger Delta affairs minister, his agents and privies from “parading himself as the supervising minister of the NDDC and from performing functions, exercising powers and duties attached to the 2nd defendant under Sections 7(3), 9(2), 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 23 of the NDDC Act.”

The plaintiffs are also seeking a declaration that the President’s purported transfer and delegation of his functions to the Niger Delta Affairs ministry.

The NDDC used to be domiciled in the Presidency through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. However, it was moved to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs a few years ago.