A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the service of summons on President Muhammadu Buhari and others over appointments into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Justice Okon Abang indefinitely adjourned the application for interlocutory injunction to halt the confirmation of a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Nsima Ekere, and Frank George as managing director and commissioner of the NDDC board. The judge fixed August 23 for hearing on the summons after the defendants might have been served.

The Incorporated Trustees of Oron Union brought the application challenging the appointments by the president on the ground that they contravene constitutional provisions.

Jibrin Okutepe (SAN), counsel to the Oron Union, told the court yesterday that the Act provides that only indigenes of oil producing areas may be appointed as board members and commissioners.

The union had joined the president, the Senate President, the National Assembly, Ekere and George as respondents.

Also the International Institute for Humanitarian and Environmental Law (IIHEL) and the Registered Trustees of Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative have filed a separate suit challenging the nomination of Ekere as the managing director of the NDDC.

Justice Abang ordered the NGOs to serve the respondents the court papers and fixed hearing on the suit for August 24. (Daily Trust)

•Photo shows President Buhari.

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