POLITICAL TENSION IN BAYELSA AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR SUES ASSEMBLY, IGP OVER IMPEACHMENT MOVE

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The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has filed a legal suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025) against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Nigeria Police Force (via the Inspector General of Police), the State Security Service (SSS), the state’s Attorney General, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa and the Clerk of the Assembly, alleging a plot to impeach him over his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In an originating summons filed on his behalf by counsel Reuben Egwuaba, Mr. Ewhrudjakpo claims that lawmakers in the Assembly are being pressured to initiate impeachment proceedings following the recent defection of Governor Douye Diri from the PDP—something he has declined to do. He also alleges that some local government chairpersons are being threatened with removal for failing to leave the party.

On October 27, Justice Emeka Nwite granted an ex-parte motion ordering the defendants to show cause why interim reliefs should not be granted. He fixed November 13, 2025, for the defendants to respond, warning that failure to do so could lead to grant of the requested orders. The interim reliefs sought include restraining the defendants from initiating impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor based on his party membership, with reference to Sections 188(5)-(11) and 36(1) of the Constitution.

The suit further seeks an order preventing the state from recognising or dealing with any appointment of an alternate deputy governor and restraining the IGP, SSS DG and state Attorney General from withdrawing his security protection pending the motion’s hearing.

Observers say the case raises significant questions about the use of impeachment powers, political defection, and the balance of party loyalty with constitutional tenure protections in Nigeria’s states.

At the time of reporting, no response has been filed on behalf of the defendants, and the Assembly did not issue a statement concerning the suit.