By Ken Afor
The Impeached Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem, has categorically stated that he remains the presiding officer of the legislative body.
The Speaker was impeached on Wednesday, May 22, by 17 members of the Assembly over allegations of misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.
The New Diplomat reports that Ayambem’s impeachment motion was moved by Hon. Effiom Ekarika, representing Calabar South I Constituency of Cross River, and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang, representing Bekwarra State Constituency of the state during a session on the House floor.
It is pertinent to note that there have been ongoing efforts over the past several months to unseat the Speaker following concerns by some lawmakers about their dissatisfaction with his alleged improper behavior and poor management of the legislative body.
Meanwhile, in response to the impeachment, Ayambem has declared it null and void.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Matthew Okache, on Wednesday, the embattled Speaker alleged that Ekarika disrupted the session by allowing unauthorized individuals to enter the chamber, leading to a chaotic situation.
He maintains that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly despite his impeachment by a significant number of members.
The statement read, “The Cross River State House of Assembly has been alerted to false news reports that the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, has been impeached.
“To be clear, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly is, without a doubt, Elvert Ayambem. He is in the current position. What happened earlier today (Wednesday) during the plenary, when Effiong Akarika, a member representing Calabar South 1, disrupted the session by inviting hoodlums to enter the chamber, is a ridiculous charade with no constitutional basis.
“The House of Assembly is not aware of any impeachment notices being served to anyone before the frivolous act as witnessed at the chambers. The alleged impeachment and replacement are speculative, and the general public is urged to disregard fake news and dismiss any notion of a crisis. The status quo is that Elvert Ayambem is the Speaker of the House of Assembly.”
The embattled Speaker stated that he is unconcerned about the impeachment efforts and is committed to enhancing the assembly while supporting the State Governor, Governor Bassey Otu.
