Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly impeached amidst allegations of misappropriation, House engaged in physical altercations.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem, has been impeached following serious allegations of financial misappropriation.
The impeachment, which occurred on Wednesday, saw 17 out of the 25 members of the Assembly support the motion to remove Ayambem from office.
The motion for impeachment was initiated by Hon. Effiom Ekarika, representing Calabar South 1 Constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of Bekwarra State Constituency.
This move abruptly ended Ayambem’s tenure, which began in June 2023 when he was elected as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. He represents the Ikom 2 State Constituency.
The session turned chaotic as members of the Assembly engaged in physical altercations, particularly over the mace, which symbolizes legislative authority.
The disorder erupted as the session concluded, emphasizing the intense division among the lawmakers regarding the impeachment.
The impeachment notice outlined several allegations against Ayambem including the misappropriation of N48 million intended for electricity bills for the assembly complex and quarters.
Additionally, it was alleged that Ayambem misappropriated 2 percent of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly, amounting to N404 million.
“Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members,” the impeachment notice read.
“Incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings: Un-parliamentary way of conducting proceedings.
“Appointment of members to move or second motions rather than allowing interested members to raise their hands. Non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.
“Arbitrary approval of expenditure in flagrant breach of the provisions of Section 9(1) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.
“Approvals beyond the limit which the Speaker can approve contrary to Section 9(10) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.”
Among the lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice were Kingsley Ntui, Okon Owuna, Samuel Neji Abang, Cyril James Omini, Stanley Nsemo, Charles Omang Omang, Thomas Aruku, Eyo Bassey, Bassey Bassey Effiong, Francis Onete Ogban, Victor Nsa, Ovat Agbor, Pius Ashas Ashakia, Martins Achadu, Effiong Ekarika, Egbe Abeng Egbe, and Hilary Bisong.
