Court Halts Bayelsa Assembly’s Move to Impeach Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order stopping the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from taking any further steps toward impeaching the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pending the determination of a motion on notice before it.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the directive on October 27, compelling the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and five others to appear before the court and explain why they should not be restrained from proceeding with any impeachment moves against Ewhrudjakpo over alleged misconduct tied to his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another political platform.
PulseNets learnt that the ruling followed an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2219/2025, filed on October 17 by the embattled deputy governor against multiple respondents — including the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the state, the Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly.
According to documents obtained by PulseNets, Ewhrudjakpo sought an interim injunction compelling the defendants to appear and show cause why the reliefs sought in his substantive motion should not be granted. He also prayed the court to restrain the defendants from removing or impeaching him in violation of the constitutional provisions under Section 188(5–11) and Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which protect the tenure and rights of elected officials.
In his affidavit, the deputy governor argued that any attempt to remove him for refusing to decamp from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would amount to a gross breach of the Constitution. He emphasized that he remained committed to completing his four-year tenure under the platform on which he was duly elected.
“My refusal to defect does not constitute misconduct under any law. I have not violated any oath of office or constitutional provision,” Ewhrudjakpo reportedly told PulseNets through his legal representatives.
He further prayed for an order restraining the Assembly from issuing or considering any impeachment notice, holding impeachment meetings, or taking any step whatsoever aimed at his removal before the court concludes the substantive matter.
PulseNets reported that tension between Governor Douye Diri and his deputy deepened in recent weeks after Ewhrudjakpo allegedly resisted pressure to follow Diri in resigning from the PDP. Insiders spoke to PulseNets, revealing that the deputy governor’s loyalty to the PDP created friction within the state’s political hierarchy.
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One source familiar with the development told PulseNets, “The governor still believes the deputy might eventually align with him politically, which is why no official statement has been made about Diri’s new party.”
Political observers learnt that the rift between the two leaders, once known for their cordial relationship, underscores a growing political realignment in Bayelsa State as both camps prepare for the next phase of the state’s political landscape.
