Gross Misconduct: CRHA removes Speaker, Ayambem
In a dramatic turn of events at the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, representing Ikom 2 State Constituency, has been ousted from his position as Speaker by a faction of seventeen out of the twenty-four lawmakers.
The sudden removal took place on Wednesday, 22nd May 2024 at the main Chamber of the Assembly, throwing the legislative body into disarray and heightening tensions.
The seventeen lawmakers who spearheaded the move include Kingsley Ntui (Etung), Okon Owuna (Akamkpa 1), Neji Abang (Ikom 1), Cyril Omini (Yakurr 1), Stanley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality), Charles Omang (Bekwarra), Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), Eyo Bassey (Bakassi), Bassey Effiong (Akpabuyo), Francis Onate (Biase), Victor Nsa (Calabar South 2), Ovat Agbor (Obubra 1), Pius Ashika (Obanliku), Martins Achadu (Yala 2), Effiong Ekarika (Calabar South 1), and Egbe Agbang (Obubra 2).
The motion for Ayambem’s removal was initiated by Hon. Effiong Ekarika representing Calabar South 1 and seconded by Charles Omang of Bekwarra state constituency. The reasons cited for his removal include gross financial misconduct, unparliamentary conduct during proceedings, and manifest incompetence in carrying out his duties as Speaker.
Following the successful motion, chaos erupted on the Assembly floor as a scuffle broke out, leading to the mysterious disappearance of the mace, the symbol of authority within the legislative chamber. The situation escalated quickly, reflecting deep divisions within the House.
In a statement addressing the removal, Hon. Charles Omang maintained that the decision was made in accordance with Order 24 of the House’s rules and Section 92(2XC) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. Hon. Omang also added that the lawmakers acted independently and without external influence in their decision-making process.
As uncertainty looms over the Assembly, the people of Cross River State await the outcome of the internal deliberations and the emergence of a new leadership structure to guide the state through this period of upheaval and transition.