Buhari’s assurance followed Tuesday’s restoration of Ararume as non-executive chairman of NNPCL by a Federal High Court in Abuja. This was as he hinted of an appeal begun by the Corporation on the matter.
The President, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, explained that his administration respects the rule of law, and will do nothing outside the ambit to resolve the matter.
He said he has taken due notice of the judgment, even as the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice is yet to receive a formal copy of the ruling.
Recall that Buhari removed Ararume as non-executive chairman when arrangement was ongoing for his swearing in.
The court, on Tuesday, set aside all decisions taken by the NNPCL board since January last yesterday.
Justice Inyang Ekwo held that Buhari’s removal of Ararume on January 17, 2022, was illegal.
The judge also awarded N5 billion damages against Buhari and NNPCL, in favour of Ararume for his wrongful sack and disruption of his appointment.
The statement by Adesina reads: “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 NNPCL.
“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.”
