A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and several state officials over an alleged plan to impeach Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The summons followed an ex parte motion filed by the deputy governor, who alleged political persecution for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the defendants, including the Speaker, Chief Judge, and Clerk of the Assembly, to appear before the court to justify their actions.
The judge said justice would be best served by hearing all sides before ruling on the interim injunction.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, was adjourned to November 13 for the defendants to show cause.
Ewhrudjakpo claims political victimisation
Ewhrudjakpo alleged that members of the Assembly were under pressure to remove him after Governor Douye Diri resigned from the PDP.
He said he was being targeted simply for staying loyal to the party that brought them to power.
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 Sagbama LGA’s Alice Tange, were being threatened for refusing to defect from the PDP.
Deputy governor seeks protection orders
The deputy governor asked the court to restrain the Assembly from initiating any impeachment proceedings against him.
He further 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 request.