Cross River Assembly Impeaches Speaker Elvert Ayambem

 

On Wednesday, the Cross River State House of Assembly impeached Speaker Elvert Ayambem. Seventeen of the 25 members voted to remove him over allegations of fund misappropriation.

After nearly 11 months in office, a majority of the lawmakers expressed no confidence in Rt. Hon. Ayambem. The impeachment motion, initiated by Hon. Effiom Ekarika from Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang from Bekwarra State Constituency, was passed.

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

Following the impeachment, a chaotic scene unfolded as one lawmaker attempted to seize the mace, the symbol of the Speaker’s authority. This led to a physical struggle and a brawl within the chamber.

 

Allegations Against Ayambem

According to the impeachment notice obtained, Ayambem was accused of misappropriating N48 million intended for electricity bills for the assembly complex and quarters. Additionally, he allegedly misappropriated 2 percent of all monthly revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), amounting to N404 million.

The notice further detailed the misappropriation of N19,437,844 from Local Government deductions and 11 months of undisclosed deductions.

The lawmakers also cited Ayambem’s incompetence and improper conduct during plenary sessions, including the un-parliamentary manner of conducting proceedings, and the arbitrary appointment of members to move or second motions instead of allowing interested members to volunteer.

Other accusations included non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021, arbitrary approval of expenditures, and approvals exceeding the Speaker's limit, in violation of Section 9(1) and Section 9(10) of the said law.

The impeachment notice was signed by 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.