Introduction to the Case
Bayelsa State deputy governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has filed a suit against the state House of Assembly over an alleged plan to impeach him after he refused to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ewhrudjakpo alleged that members of the Bayelsa Assembly were pressured to remove him from office for refusing to resign from the PDP, the platform on which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.
Background of the Dispute
Diri recently resigned from the PDP, but Ewhrudjakpo has remained in the party. Through his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, in the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, he alleged before the Federal High Court in Abuja that some council chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were also being threatened with removal for refusing to leave the PDP alongside the governor.
Requests for Interim Orders
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking several interim orders, including one restraining the state House of Assembly from removing or impeaching him in violation of sections 188(5)–(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the grounds of his refusal to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party before the end of his tenure. He is also asking the court to restrain the assembly from initiating or conducting impeachment proceedings or meetings against him for the same reason and from recognising or dealing with any member of the APC as deputy governor of the state.
Additional Requests
Additionally, Ewhrudjakpo wants an order restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Bayelsa State Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection as deputy governor pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Court Proceedings
After listening to Egwuaba move an ex parte motion on 27 October, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, directed the defendants to appear before the court and show cause why the interim orders sought by the plaintiff should not be granted. Listed as defendants are the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its speaker, the IGP, the DG of the DSS, the attorney-general of Bayelsa State, the state’s chief judge, and the clerk of the assembly.
Ruling and Next Steps
In his ruling, Nwite said granting the order for the defendants to appear would serve the interest of justice. “The interest of justice will be met by issuing an order for all the defendants to appear and show cause why an order of interim injunction should not be granted against them pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the plaintiff,” the judge said. The matter was adjourned to 13 November for the defendants to show cause, failing which the court will proceed to hear the motion on notice.
Conclusion
The case highlights the ongoing political tensions in Bayelsa State, with Ewhrudjakpo seeking to protect his position as deputy governor amidst allegations of pressure to defect from the PDP. The court’s decision will have significant implications for the political landscape of the state and the rights of elected officials to remain in their positions without fear of impeachment or removal.
FAQs
- What is the basis of the suit filed by Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly?
Ewhrudjakpo alleges that the assembly plans to impeach him for refusing to defect from the PDP. - What are the interim orders being sought by Ewhrudjakpo?
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking orders to restrain the assembly from removing or impeaching him, initiating impeachment proceedings, and recognising or dealing with any member of the APC as deputy governor. - Who are the defendants in the case?
The defendants include the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its speaker, the IGP, the DG of the DSS, the attorney-general of Bayelsa State, the state’s chief judge, and the clerk of the assembly. - What is the next step in the court proceedings?
The matter has been adjourned to 13 November for the defendants to show cause why the interim orders should not be granted.
Source: guardian.ng
