The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has been impeached for financial misappropriation.
Ayambem’s impeachment resulted in a fracas in the hallowed chambers of the House over the mace, the symbol of authority of the House, abruptly ending Wednesday’s sitting, as 17 of the 25-member Assembly impeached the former Speaker.
Effiom Ekarika, representing Calabar South 1 state constituency, moved the motion for the impeachment and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang, representing Bekwarra state constituency.
The following lawmakers 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 signed or the impeachment.
After the impeachment, a lawmaker dashed for the mace and refused to let go, leading to the fisticuff in the hallowed chambers before the members of the Assembly went away with the mace.
Ayambem, who represents the Ikom 2 state constituency in the state Assembly, was elected Speaker in June 2023. However, a majority of the lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence in the former Speaker, leading to the impeachment process.
In the impeachment notice, the lawmakers accused Ayambem of misappropriating N48 million meant for offsetting the electricity bill of the Assembly complex and lawmakers’ quarters; and two per cent of all revenue collected by the state’s Internal Revenue Service, monthly totalling N404 million.
Other allegations mentioned in the impeachment notice include “Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437,844.00 from local government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.
“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.”
Meanwhile, operatives of the police and of the Department of State Services have stormed the Cross River State Assembly complex.
