Political Tension in Bayelsa: Deputy Governor Takes Assembly to Court Over Impeachment Threat

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge an alleged plan by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to remove him from office.

The legal action follows an ex parte motion filed by Ewhrudjakpo, who claims he is facing political persecution for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Emeka Nwite has summoned the Speaker, Chief Judge, Clerk of the Assembly, and other state officials named as defendants to appear in court and justify their actions.

The case, filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, has been adjourned to November 13 for the defendants to respond.

Ewhrudjakpo alleged that members of the Assembly were under pressure to remove him following Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the PDP.

Through his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, he described the impeachment attempt as unconstitutional, citing Sections 188 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution. He also claimed that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were being threatened for remaining loyal to the PDP.

The deputy governor asked the court to restrain the Assembly from initiating any impeachment proceedings against him and sought an order preventing security agencies from withdrawing his protection or recognising any replacement. Justice Nwite directed all defendants to appear before ruling on the requests.