Bayelsa Deputy Governor Heads to Court Over Impeachment Threat

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to block a potential impeachment he claims is politically motivated. The suit, filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, alleges that lawmakers in the state House of Assembly are being pressured to remove him from office after he declined to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even as Governor Douye Diri resigned from the party.

Ewhrudjakpo, through his lawyer Reuben Egwuaba, told the court that local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, have faced similar pressure for refusing to defect. He is seeking an injunction preventing the House from initiating impeachment proceedings or recognizing any replacement until the matter is resolved. The deputy governor also requested that security agencies continue providing his official protection.

Justice Emeka Nwite has ordered the defendants including the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, security chiefs, and the state Attorney-General to appear in court and show cause why the injunction should not be granted. The hearing has been scheduled for November 13, giving the court time to ensure fairness and due process.