Cross River State Assembly Speaker Impeached

C’River Assembly Speaker Impeached
By: Opeseitan Elijah

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem, has been removed from office.

On Wednesday, 17 out of the 25 members of the House voted for Ayambem’s removal, citing allegations of highhandedness and misuse of funds designated for the Assembly.

The motion for the speaker’s removal was initiated by Hon. Effiong Ekarika, representing Calabar South 1 State Constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of Bekwarra State Constituency.

Currently, no successor has been elected as the House’s mace has reportedly been taken by some lawmakers, preventing the election process.

Ayambem, who represents Ikom 2 State Constituency, was elected Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly in June 2023.

There has been no official response to this development, which has plunged the House into a state of crisis.