Lawmakers impeach Cross River Assembly Speaker Ayambem
… It’s a charade, I remain Speaker – Ayambem
Ani Bassey, Calabar
Seventeen lawmakers of the Cross River State House of Assembly have impeached Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
The seventeen members are Kingsley Ntui (Etung), Okon Owuna (Akamkpa 1), Neji Abang (Ikom 1), Cyril Omini (Yakurr 1), Stanley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality), Charles Omang (Bekwarra) and Thomas Aruku (Ogoja).
Others are 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).
This follows a motion for his impeachment which was moved on the floor of the House by member representing Calabar South 1, Hon. Effiong Ekarika and seconded by Charles Omang representing Bekwarra state constituency.
Speaking on the removal of the speaker, member representing Bekwarra state constituency Charles Omang said Hon. Ayambem ‘s removal is in line with Order 24 of the Rules of the Cross River State House of Assembly and pursuant to Section 92 (2XC) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered.
However, Hon. Ayambem has rejected his alleged impeachment and described it as false news.
Hon. Ayambem who spoke through his Press Secretary Mathew Okache said “what happened earlier today (Wednesday) 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 Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem is the Speaker of the House of Assembly”, he said.
