A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from going ahead with its plan to impeach the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on October 27, 2025, after the deputy governor filed a case to challenge the alleged impeachment plot.
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Ewhrudjakpo approached the court seeking protection against what he described as an attempt by some state officials and lawmakers to remove him from office because he refused to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit, filed on October 17, 2025, asked the court to stop any meeting or process aimed at removing him before his tenure ends.
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The deputy governor argued that such an impeachment move would go against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, especially Section 188, which sets out the proper steps for removing a deputy governor. He also requested the court to restrain the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other officials from withdrawing his security or recognizing any person who may be appointed in his place.
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After listening to his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, and reviewing the evidence, Justice Nwite ordered all the defendants — including the Bayelsa Assembly, its Speaker, the Attorney General, the Chief Judge, and the Clerk — to appear before the court to show reasons why the interim order should not be made permanent. The judge also directed all parties to maintain the current situation and avoid actions that could affect the case until further hearing.
The matter has been adjourned to November 13, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
The case began after reports surfaced that Governor Douye Diri, the Speaker, and about 23 members of the Assembly defected to the APC, while the deputy governor chose to remain in the PDP. This disagreement reportedly led to efforts within the Assembly to remove him. The court’s ruling has now put the impeachment move on hold pending the full hearing of the case.
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