INTRODUCTION OF BILL AND PETITIONS BY HON. NNAMDI EZECHI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

On the 8th of May, 2024 plenary session, Rt. Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituency in the House of Representatives, introduced a bill and two petitions.

1. A Bill to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make the Court of Appeal the final Appeal Court in Governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions and for related matters (HB. 1212): Sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, this bill aims to streamline the appeals process for Governorship, National, and State Houses of Assembly Election petitions by designating the Court of Appeal as the final appellate authority. This initiative is driven by the intention to mitigate delays in post-election litigation. The bill successfully passed its first reading.

2. Petition Against Disobedience to Court Orders by the Nigerian Navy and the Central Bank of Nigeria Regarding Mr. Isaac Okpanachi's Case (NN1532): This petition concerns Mr. Isaac Okpanachi, a former Lieutenant Commander of the Navy, who was dismissed from service. It highlights the Navy and the Central Bank of Nigeria's disregard for court orders pertaining to Mr. Isaac's reinstatement and compensation. The petition urges compliance with the court's directives, emphasizing either the CBN's settlement of judgment sums as per the Garnishee Order Absolute or Mr. Isaac's immediate reinstatement and promotion without loss of seniority, along with the settlement of all outstanding dues.

3. Petition of Oko, Abuator, Akarai-Etti, Akarai-Obodo Communities against the Nigerian Petroleum Upstream Regulators, (NUPRC) and OML 26 Settlor Asset Management Team Regarding OML 26 Settlements and Trusteeship Appointment and other matters : This petition represents the communities of Oko & Abuator, Akarai-Etti, and Akarai-Obodo in Ndokwa East Local Government of Delta State. It addresses discrepancies in the OML 26 settlements and challenges the improper nomination and appointment of trustees for the OML 26 Host Community Development Trust Fund. These actions occurred without adequate participation from the host communities, violating the NUPRC implementation template's provisions.

Upon reception, the House referred these petitions to the House Committee on Public Petitions for thorough examination and appropriate action.