Sylva Vs. Ebebi: Court Of Appeal Voids Deputy's Impeachment

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 16, (THEWILL) – A Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State today quashed the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peremobowei Ebebi and ordered his reinstatement as the substantive Deputy Governor of the state.

The court also set aside the appointment of the incumbent deputy, Werinipre Seibarugu.

The three part judgement by the court presided over by Justice Vantigo Mohammed faulted the process the process that led to the impeachment of Ebebi, voided the appointment of Werinipre and ordered the State High Court to hear the suit filed by Ebebi blocking his impeachment by 17 lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

But in a reaction to the court’s judgement, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Chief Nathan Egba in a statement said: “The Court directed the parties to maintain status quo and the lower court to hear Mr Ebebi's earlier suit. The court quashed the impeachment but did not direct the re-instatement of the impeached Deputy Governor.

“Consequently, the scenario is not quite clear, a situation that can only be subject to further legal clarification. In the light of the above, Bayelsa State Government hereby call on the people to remain calm and go about their usual activities as there is no cause for alarm whatsoever.

“Governor Timipre Sylva wishes to re-assure the people of the State that the situation is under control as the government is monitoring the legal process and taking appropriate steps.”