Absence of counsel for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), yesterday, stalled hearing in a suit challenging the use of sole administrator to administer the interventionist agency.

Odighonin Nwadighi Adienbo and 10 others had filed a suit at a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, presided over by Justice Isa Dashen, opposing the use of sole administrator to run the NDDC.

The plaintiff contended that the concept of sole administrator was alien and contrary to the NDDC Act, which provides for a board with representatives of all states in the Niger Delta region.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and NDDC are listed as first and second defendants in the suit marked FHC/YNG/CS/135/2021.

When the case was mentioned, Samuel Brisibe told the court he was mandated by the counsel for NDDC, Ume Kalu (SAN), to inform the court of his absence following cancellation of his flight.

Brisibe appealed to the court to adjourn the case to enable Kalu personally argue the case as he was not abreast with developments and was merely drafted to inform the court of the reasons behind Kalu’s absence in court.

Goodness Onuoha, counsel for the plaintiffs, however, frowned on the reason advanced by Brisibe, saying the counsel ought to have arrived at Yenagoa on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s hearing date.

Dashen adjourned the suit to June 28 for continuation of hearing.