President Muhammadu Buhari has taken due notice of judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, restoring Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the non-executive Chairman of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Femi Adesina.
According to the statement on Wednesday morning: “While the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation /Minister for Justice is yet to receive a formal copy of the ruling, the President affirms that due judicial process will be followed, and NNPCL has already taken steps to go on appeal.
“The Administration respects the Rule of Law, and nothing will be done outside it to resolve the matter, the President says.
“He sues for calm from all sides involved.”
On Tuesday, a Federal High Court, Abuja declared the sack of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as illegal and unlawful.
Delivering judgment in the matter on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo said that his removal was unconstitutional and as such the court restored him as the Non- Executive Chairman of the company with full benefits.
The judge also set aside every decision taken by the board that was appointed after Ararume’s removal.
Justice Ekwo awarded N5 billion as damages in favour of Ararume.
Ararume sued the Federal Government, praying the court to declare his sack as NNPC board chairman illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.
He contended that his removal by vide letter Jan. 17, 2022 with reference number SGF. 3V111/86 was a violation of the CAMA law under which NNPCL was incorporated.
Apart from asking the court to issue an order to return him to office, Ararume also demanded for N100 billion as compensation for the damages he suffered following the unlawful removal.