A non-governmental organisation, the Indigenes Without Borders Foundation (IWBF) has faulted the manner in which an impeachment notice was served on the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the move as political victimisation for his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing journalists in Abuja, a member of the NGO’s Board of Trustees, Patrick Michael, said it was “unconstitutional and vindictive” to target the deputy governor merely because he chose to remain in the party on whose platform he was elected.
“The deputy governor ought not to be victimised for refusing to defect. The notice was even published in newspapers instead of being personally served on him as required by law,” Michael lamented.
“We, as concerned Bayelsa indigenes, will not fold our arms and watch the harassment of the deputy governor by some assembly members for no just cause.”
Ewhrudjakpo was reportedly served an impeachment notice dated October 15, 2025, a day after Governor Douye Diri announced his defection to the APC.
The notice, signed by 14 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, accused the deputy governor of gross misconduct, absenteeism, and abandoning official duties.
He was also accused of refusing to resign his PDP membership after a political “realignment meeting” allegedly held at the Government House, Yenagoa, on the same day.
Part of the letter reads: “Take notice that there is a notice of allegation against you of gross misconduct in the performance of your duties as deputy governor, Bayelsa State. A copy of the allegation is attached for your response in writing.”
The lawmakers urged the Speaker, Abraham Ingobere, to serve the notice on Ewhrudjakpo and commence investigations under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Signatories to the notice include Abraham Ingobere (Brass 3), Charles Daniel (Brass 1), Tari Porri (Ekeremor 1), Living Mitin (Ekeremor 2), Michael Ogbere (Ekeremor 3), Werinipre Pamoh (Kolokuma/Opokuma 1), Richard Ibegu (Ogbia 1), Sunday Bernard Kennel (Sagbama 2), Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown (Sagbama 3), Bonny Ayah (Southern Ijaw), Monday Obolo (Southern Ijaw 1), Moses Marlon (Southern Ijaw 3) and Ayibanengiyefa Egba (Yenagoa 1).
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the speaker, and five others to appear before it to show cause why they should not be restrained from proceeding with the impeachment.
Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/2219/2025) filed by Ewhrudjakpo, gave the order on October 27, 2025.
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Other respondents in the suit include the inspector-general of police, director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the attorney general of Bayelsa State, the chief judge of Bayelsa State, and the clerk of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The deputy governor’s counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, prayed the court to restrain the defendants from impeaching or initiating impeachment proceedings against his client over his refusal to defect to the APC.
Justice Nwite, in granting the first prayer, ordered all defendants to “appear and show cause” why an interim injunction should not be issued to stop any move to remove the deputy governor.
The case was adjourned till November 13, 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.
