Honourable Elvert Ayambem has reiterated his position as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly despite facing impeachment.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Ayambem was impeached by 17 out of 25 members of the assembly. However, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, swiftly responded, labeling the impeachment as a “ridiculous charade” lacking constitutional basis.
Okache clarified that the House had not received any official impeachment notice prior to the plenary session. He urged the public to disregard the circulating rumors and refrain from perceiving a crisis.
In a statement, Okache affirmed, “Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem remains the legitimate Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.” He dismissed the impeachment as speculative and emphasized Ayambem’s commitment to advancing the assembly’s agenda and supporting the state government led by His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Okache underscored that any legitimate removal of the Speaker and subsequent election would be conducted within the precincts of the Assembly Complex.