No new speaker named in Cross River after impeachment claim

Cross River state lawmakers announced the impeachment of speaker Elvert Ayambem on Wednesday, but with no new speaker elected, Mr Ayambem said he remained in charge.

Seventeen of 25 members of the House voted to impeach Mr Ayambem after passing a vote of no confidence on him, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

At a dramatic session at which members scuffled and seize the mace, the symbol of authority of the House, the lawmakers accused the speaker of funds misuse, “administrative misconduct and highhandedness.”

The motion for impeachment was moved by Effiom Ekarika representing Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Omang Charles Omang representing Bekwarra State Constituency.

Charges

The notice of impeachment contained the following charges:

• Missing Electricity Funds: The lawmakers believe the speaker misused N48 million designated to pay the electricity bills for the assembly buildings and living quarters.
• IRS Revenue: They allege the speaker diverted 2% of the monthly revenue collected by the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), amounting to N404 million.
• Local Government Funds: The notice claims the speaker took N19,437,844.00 from deductions made from local government funds. He also allegedly failed to tell other members about this money for 11 months.

“I remain speaker”

Mr Ayambem insisted he remained the speaker, describing what happened was 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,” his spokesperson, Matthew Okache, said hours later.

Mr Ayambem, who represents Ikom 2 state constituency, was elected the 10th speaker of the Cross River Assembly in June 2023.