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NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie Applauds Court Ruling Upholding His Appointment.
In a significant legal development, Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, has expressed his commendation for the Federal High Court’s decision that upheld his appointment. He characterized the ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, as “well-considered, intelligently delivered, and courageously sound.”
On Thursday, the court dismissed a lawsuit filed by representatives from certain oil-producing communities in Bayelsa and Delta states, who sought to nullify Ebie’s appointment on the grounds that it contravened the NDDC Act. The plaintiffs, including Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei, argued that Ebie did not represent the area with the highest quantum of oil production.
Justice Abdulmalik’s judgment reaffirmed the legality of Ebie’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu, which Ebie welcomed as a testament to the efficacy of the judiciary. “The judiciary has once again proven that justice is never lacking in the Temple of Justice,” he remarked.
In a statement released by his Media Assistant, Jerome Utomi, Ebie referred to the ruling as a “watershed moment” and underscored President Tinubu’s dedication to legal adherence in public appointments. He dedicated this judicial victory to God and the progressive people of the Niger Delta, inviting regional stakeholders to join the NDDC board in fostering infrastructure and socio-economic development in the area.
Ebie emphasized the urgent need for sustainable development in the Niger Delta and called for a unified approach among stakeholders. He observed the existing peace and harmony within the NDDC’s leadership and expressed confidence in the board’s ability to achieve excellence in service delivery.
He urged Niger Deltans to avoid divisive actions and frivolous litigations that could hinder the Commission’s progress. Instead, he advocated for a collective commitment to foster peace, unity, and innovation, essential for meaningful advancements in the region’s development.
As the NDDC embarks on its mission towards sustainable growth, Ebie’s leadership is poised to guide the Commission towards delivering impactful results for the Niger Delta region and its inhabitants.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
