Federal High Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking Release of NDDC Forensic Audit Report
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a legal action filed to compel the public release of the long-awaited forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The suit, numbered CS/236/2022, was initiated in 2022 by the group Social Action, represented by Paul Arochukwu Ogbonna and another applicant, after the then Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs refused to provide access to the audit document.
Legal Proceedings and Court Ruling
The plaintiffs had originally targeted the ministry, which was previously overseen by Godswill Akpabio, seeking a court order to make the audit report public. However, the case took a new turn following the dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by President Bola Tinubu upon assuming office. In response, the plaintiffs amended their legal processes to join the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as the appropriate representative of the Federal Government.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Turaki Mohammed struck out the suit, ruling it incompetent because it was originally filed against a non-existent government agency. The court noted that despite the absence of legal representation for the AGF during the proceedings, the procedural flaw rendered the case invalid.
Plaintiffs' Reaction and Future Steps
Following the ruling, counsel to the plaintiffs, Victor Nweke, addressed journalists and expressed dissatisfaction with the court's decision. He emphasized that the case had been pursued in the public interest to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the NDDC's operations. Nweke disclosed that his clients are considering further legal steps to secure access to the audit report, underscoring their commitment to the matter.
Cross River Governor Welcomes NASS Oversight Committee
In a related development, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, yesterday received members of the joint National Assembly Committee on the NDDC at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar. The lawmakers were in the state to conduct oversight of ongoing projects funded by the commission, evaluating their performance, transparency, and impact on development.
Governor Otu warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing appreciation for their visit and commitment to accountability. He described their oversight function as pivotal to national development, stating, "Let me begin by warmly welcoming this distinguished delegation and expressing my sincere appreciation for your presence here today. Your efforts, oversight, and commitment do not go unnoticed."
He further noted that such engagements strengthen collaboration between federal institutions and subnational governments, deepening governance outcomes. "What you are doing encourages us and strengthens our own resolve to do better. Committees such as yours serve as critical instruments of accountability and progress," Otu added. He also acknowledged the impact of federal interventions in the state, emphasizing the need for their proper implementation and sustainability.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Asuquo Ekpenyong, explained that the visit was part of the committee's constitutional mandate to assess projects and ensure value for public resources, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency in the commission's activities.
