Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has dragged the State House of Assembly, its Speaker, and several top officials to court over an alleged plan to remove him from office.
The deputy governor claims the lawmakers are under pressure to impeach him for refusing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ewhrudjakpo, who filed the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insists he will remain in the PDP despite Governor Douye Diri’s recent resignation from the party.
He alleged that the impeachment move is politically motivated and aimed at forcing him out for maintaining his loyalty to the party.
His counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, told the court that some local government chairpersons who also stayed back in the PDP, including the Sagbama Council boss, Mrs. Alice Tangeare, are facing threats of removal. He described the situation as a coordinated attempt to silence those unwilling to defect.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case on October 27, ordered all respondents — including the Bayelsa House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Chief Judge, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the state’s Attorney General — to appear in court.
The judge directed them to explain why an injunction should not be granted to stop any action against the deputy governor.
The court fixed November 13 for their appearance and warned that the matter would proceed even if they fail to show up.
Ewhrudjakpo is urging the court to restrain the Assembly from initiating any impeachment process and to prevent security agencies or the Attorney General from withdrawing his security aides.
He also asked for an order stopping anyone from appointing a new deputy governor until the case is fully decided.
However, it could be recalled that earlier this month, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that has continued to stir political tension in the state.
There are strong indications that he is expected to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on a date that will soon be officially announced.