Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups (AAYG) has called on the federal government to obey the Federal High Court judgement that restored Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the non-executive chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Justice Inyang Ekwo in a judgement held that Ararume’s removal by President Muhammadu Buhari contravened the provisions of the extant laws governing the operations of the NNPC, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 as well as the Company’s and Allied Matters Act 2020.
The judge consequently made an order reinstating Ararume as the non-executive chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board with immediate effect.
The judge also held that the removal of Ararume without a fair hearing by the president was, “wrong and cannot be tolerated by a court of law”, adding that the “plaintiff has proved his case that he was not legally and properly removed.”
The judge made an unambiguous order nullifying all actions and decisions taken by the NNPCL Board since January 17, 2022, when Senator Ararume was wrongfully removed as non-executive chairman.
Addressing a press conference at the Arewa House in Kaduna yesterday, Comrade Aminu Abbas, director media and publicity of the group said, it is important to note that the judiciary is an independent arm of government that operates on the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
“The judgement delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo was based on the facts presented before the court and the relevant laws that govern the matter.
“Therefore, it is not appropriate for the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups or any other group or groups, person or persons to accuse the court of usurping the duties of the office of the president or to suggest that the judgement was an affront to the powers of President Muhammadu Buhari. Such statements are not only unfounded but also inappropriate.
“The court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders to abide by the decision of the court and work towards the progress and development of the nation. Considering the roles, the NNPCL plays in our national economy, the all-important company can’t continue to exist without a properly-constituted board.”
The group averred that Senator Ararume has a track record of serving Nigeria without any negative incidents, adding that he was elected twice to represent his constituents in the Senate and was appointed by President Buhari to the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“He underwent security checks by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NNPC), which cleared him for the appointment. People who have served our country deserve all the support they need. Our youths should shield themselves from being used as pawns in the power tussle that lacks legitimacy.
“We, therefore, call on President Buhari to clear all the hurdles so that Senator Ararume can resume office and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.
