Rt. Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem has been impeached as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. The impeachment occurred on Wednesday, driven by 17 out of the 25 house members, citing allegations of fund misappropriation.
The motion for impeachment was introduced by Hon. Effiom Ekarika of Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of Bekwarra State Constituency. Ayambem, who had served as Speaker since June 2023, represents the Ikom 2 State Constituency.
The session became chaotic following the impeachment. One lawmaker attempted to seize the mace, symbolizing the Speaker’s authority, resulting in a struggle and physical altercation in the chamber.
Allegations Against Ayambem
According to the impeachment notice, Ayambem is accused of misappropriating N48 million designated for the assembly complex’s electricity bills and quarters. Additionally, he allegedly misappropriated N404 million from 2% of the Internal Revenue Service’s monthly revenue.
Other allegations include the misappropriation of N19,437,844 from Local Government deductions over 11 months, incompetence in conducting plenary proceedings, and violations of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021. The notice highlights several breaches, including unauthorized expenditure approvals.
The impeachment notice was signed by lawmakers including Kingsley Ntui, Okon Owuna, Samuel Neji Abang, Cyril James Omini, Stanley Nsemo, and others.
