President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to remove Senator Ifeanyi Ararume from his position as chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been overturned by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo stated that in removing Ararume after using his name to register NNPCL, Buhari violated the law and acted outside of his authority. He added that such a brazen act could not be allowed to stand in the face of the law.
Justice Ekwo further ruled that President Buhari acted arbitrarily and illegally when he attempted to dismiss Ararume on January 17, 2023, after he had retaken power.
He commanded that Ararume be reinstated right away in his position as non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited.
The Judge also declared null and voided all decisions taken by NNPCL’s Board of Directors in Ararume’s absence.
He awarded N5bn damages against Buhari and The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited in favor of Ararume for the wrongful sack and the disruption of his appointment.
The judgment was on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1629/2022 filed by challenging his removal from office, arguing that it was a violation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
He prayed to be restored to office and sought N100b in damages.
