By Ignatius Okorocha
A Multinational oil and gas company, the Shell Development Company
(SPDC) yesterday lost a case it instituted against the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at an Abuja Federal High Court Joined in the suit were the Niger Delta Host Communities.
Justice A.R. Mohammed who presided over the matter with Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/423/2019 between SPDC Vs. Senate and the agents representing the host communities, Parsley Consults Ltd. and Emagu Nigeria Ltd. threw out the case because SPDC failed to issue the mandatory statutory pre-action notice on the Senate before instituting the action.
SPDC had brought that suit to challenge a Senate Resolution made regarding a petition from the host communities over which investigation was thoroughly conducted under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution and a Resolution was consequently passed.
The multinational was also ably represented during the parliamentary investigative hearing. Subsequently, SPDC instituted the action without the statutory condition precedent.
The Senate and the office of the Senate President were ably represented by Adeboye Dankuwo, Esq whilst the agents to the host communities were represented by Chibuzor Obiajunwa, Esq.
Also appearing with him were Oyemade Ogunlowo, Esq. and Ifedolapo Oladimeji, Esq.
The Senate Resolution was occasioned by a Public Petition laid at Plenary on the 25th day of October, 2017 by Senator Matthew Urhoghide representing Edo South Senatorial District at the 8th Assembly.
The Petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for legislative investigation.
The Multinational is seen as using the instrumentality of the court to
undermine the investigative and resolution powers of the National Assembly.
