Elvert Ayambem has been removed from his position as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. The impeachment took place on Wednesday, with 17 out of the 25 members voting in favor due to allegations of fund misappropriation.
The motion to impeach Ayambem was initiated by Hon. Effiom Ekarika of Calabar South 1 Constituency and supported by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of Bekwarra State Constituency. Ayambem, who has been in office for 11 months, was elected Speaker in June 2023 and represents the Ikom 2 State Constituency.
Following the impeachment, the House session became chaotic. One lawmaker attempted to seize the mace, the symbol of the Speaker’s authority, leading to a physical altercation in the chamber.
According to the impeachment notice, Ayambem was accused of misappropriating N48 million intended for electricity bills for the assembly complex and quarters, as well as N404 million from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revenue. Additionally, he was alleged to have mishandled N19.4 million from local government deductions over 11 months, failing to disclose these funds to members.
Other accusations included incompetence and improper conduct during plenary sessions, arbitrary expenditure approvals, and non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.
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.
