Davies describes Court ruling as preposterous, a clear violation of the NDDC Act

The declaration yesterday, by the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, mandating the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to always seek the consent of the State Government before executing any project in Rivers state, has attracted comments from stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.

Speaking to Africa Update on the controversial ruling, the Immediate Past Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Sokonte Davies, said the ruling is not only preposterous, it is a clear violation of the NDDC Act and infringes on the rights and privileges of indigenes of Rivers State.

Expressing concern on the recent trends, where the Courtrooms have become increasingly influenced by political intrigues, Davies commended Justice Enebeli, for not throwing caution to the wind by declining the request made by the Nyesom Wike led administration to void section seven and eight of the NDDC Act which borders on the developmental map of the nine states of the Niger Delta region.

The former Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State, noted that he is optimistic that the ruling which is detrimental to the development of the state will be set aside by a superior court. He wondered why the state Governor is keen on endorsing the execution of projects, when his administration does not have a developmental blueprint for the state.

Recall that the Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike had through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, dragged NDDC, its former Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere and former Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Derrick Mene to court for carrying out activities in the state without the approval of the state government. Delivering judgement, Justice Enebeli, had granted the declaration sought by the government that under Rivers State Physical Planning Law, State Land Law and Urban Development Law, stating that the NDDC or its agent has no power to claim any land or execute any project in any part of Rivers State without the consent of the government.

Enebeli with reference to 60 planned projects by NDDC which resulted to the suit, held that the projects, if allowed to be executed, would affect urban development and Land Use Act of the state, and ruled that the NDDC should seek the consent of the state government for the execution of the projects. .