Bayelsa Dep Gov Sues Assembly Over Alleged impeachment Plot
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has taken legal action against the state house of assembly over an alleged plan to impeach him.
In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, Ewhrudjakpo claimed that lawmakers were being pressured to remove him for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — the party under which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.
Ewhrudjakpo Seeks Court Protection
Governor Diri recently resigned from the PDP, but Ewhrudjakpo has chosen to remain.
Through his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were also facing threats for staying with the PDP.
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking interim court orders to stop the Bayelsa House of Assembly from impeaching him contrary to sections 188(5)-(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He argued that his refusal to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other party should not be a ground for removal before his tenure ends.
He also asked the court to restrain the assembly from initiating impeachment moves or recognising any APC member as deputy governor.
Additionally, he urged the court to stop the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the DSS, and the Bayelsa Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection.
After hearing Egwuaba’s ex parte motion on October 27, Justice Emeka Nwite directed all defendants — including the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the IGP, the DSS DG, the State Attorney-General, the Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly — to appear and show cause why the orders should not be granted.
Justice Nwite said the directive would serve the interest of justice and adjourned the matter to November 13 for the defendants to appear.
