The leadership of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (NDYC) has thrown their weight behind Mr Ebie, insisting that his appointment as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was in line with extant laws and within the powers of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Council in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Engr. Jator Abido, the National Spokesperson Comr Akowien Joshua and Comr Eze Amos made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, called on the Abuja division of the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit challenging Ebie’s appointment.
The Council which represents the interests of all youth nationalities in the Niger Delta region, argues that the suit lacks merit and was intended to disrupt the progress and development of the region by persons with vested interests.
The statement partly reads: “Despite the hullabaloo in some certain quarters, we are convinced that Mr Ebie’s appointment is in line with the provisions of the NDDC Act. It is also our firm conviction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted within his constitutional powers while making the appointment.
“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act 2000, prescribes specific requirements for the appointment of the NDDC Chairman. One major requirement is that the ideal candidate must be from an oil-producing area. Since Mr Ebie is from the Niger Delta region with impeccable character and pedigree, it is simply frivolous to contest his appointment.
“We reject such anti-development antics by some greedy elements in the Niger Delta and urge all parties to the dispute to embrace the new NDDC chairman for the good of the region. Mr. Ebie requires support to enable him to deliver on Mr president’s renewed hope agenda and not unnecessary distractions.”
While reaffirming its commitment to supporting the NDDC’s initiatives and promoting peace and development in the Niger Delta region, the NDYC urged the court as a matter of public interest, “to dismiss this frivolous suit against the chairman’s appointment and allow the new management to focus on delivering essential services to our people.”