Bayelsa Deputy Governor Faces Impeachment Ahead Of Governor Diri’s Defection To APC

Political tension has heightened in Bayelsa State as the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, faces possible impeachment by the State House of Assembly, just as Governor Douye Diri is set to officially dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

Crisis reportedly erupted following Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to follow Diri out of the PDP after the governor’s resignation from the party on October 15.

Sources within the Assembly alleged that the lawmakers, acting on the governor’s directive, have already commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

In a swift response, Ewhrudjakpo had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, seeking to restrain the Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment.

Speaking on Sunday during the state’s 14th annual thanksgiving service held in Yenagoa, Diri confirmed that his defection to the APC was in the best interest of Bayelsa and its people.

He added that his decision was guided by the need for political stability and greater collaboration with the Nigerian government.

Diri’s planned defection marks a major political realignment in the oil-rich state, where the PDP has maintained dominance since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri was quoted by Daily Trust.

He added that his administration’s focus had been on completing inherited projects, initiating new ones, and maintaining peace and security. “Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,” he said, adding that the large turnout at the service was proof of Bayelsa’s unity.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s defection as a strategic alignment with the centre, cautioning politicians to consider the implications of disloyalty — a veiled reference to Ewhrudjakpo’s decision to remain in the PDP.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, saying the state’s development depended on its cohesion.

He also praised Bayelsa’s tradition of thanksgiving, calling it an attitude that attracts divine blessings.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, lauded Diri’s “visible developmental strides,” describing him as “a godsend to the state.”

Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to former Governor Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, is believed to be behind his refusal to defect.

Both men hail from Sagbama Local Government Area, and Dickson is regarded as a political mentor to both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo.

Dickson confirmed to reporters at the National Assembly that Diri had approached him several times to join the APC, but he declined.

Observers believe Ewhrudjakpo’s allegiance to Dickson remains firm and may position him as a key PDP contender for the 2027 governorship election.

Yenagoa streets decked in APC colours

Daily Trust observed that major streets in Yenagoa have been adorned with giant billboards welcoming Diri to the APC.

The Government House roundabout now displays APC flags, while PDP flags previously mounted there have been removed.

The last time PDP insignia were taken down from the Creek Haven roundabout was in February 2019, ahead of the planned swearing-in of APC’s Chief David Lyon, whose election was annulled by the Supreme Court a day before the event.(SaharaReporters)