Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has taken legal action against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, alleging a plot to remove him from office for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to The Punch, Ewhrudjakpo filed an originating summons (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, claiming that lawmakers were being pressured to impeach him because he declined to leave the PDP the party under which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.
While Governor Diri recently resigned from the PDP, Ewhrudjakpo has remained in the party. Through his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor further alleged that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were also being threatened with removal for refusing to defect alongside the governor.
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking several interim injunctions, including an order restraining the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating or carrying out any impeachment proceedings against him on the grounds of his continued membership of the PDP.
He argued that such an action would violate Sections 188(5)-(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The deputy governor also asked the court to bar the Assembly from recognising or engaging any member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the state’s deputy governor.
In addition, Ewhrudjakpo is seeking an order preventing the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Bayelsa State Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection pending the determination of the motion on notice.
After hearing the ex parte application on October 27, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered all defendants to appear before the court to explain why the interim injunctions should not be granted. The certified true copy of the ruling, dated October 29, was obtained by The Punch on Thursday.
The defendants in the suit include the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS DG, the Bayelsa Attorney-General, the State Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly.
Justice Nwite held that “the interest of justice will be best served” by allowing the defendants to show cause before a decision is taken on the interim orders sought by the plaintiff.
The case has been adjourned until November 13, when the court will hear from the defendants and subsequently proceed with the motion on notice.
