The Cross-river state house of assembly has impeached its speaker, Elvert Ekom Ayambem, over allegations of misappropriation of funds. The speaker was removed by 17 of the 25 members of the house in a rowdy session that saw an attempt to snatch the mace.
The impeachment motion was moved by Effiom Ekarika representing Calabar south 1 constituency and seconded by Omang Charles Omang representing Bekwarra state constituency.
According to the impeachment notice, the impeached speaker was accused of misappropriating ₦48 million meant for the payment of electricity bills of the assembly complex and quarters.
Ayambem was also accused of misappropriating 2 percent of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly to the tune of ₦404 million.
Other allegations include:
“Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members,” the impeachment notice reads.
“Incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings: Un-parliamentary way of conducting proceedings.
“Appointment of members to move or second motions rather than allowing interested members to raise their hands. Non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.
“Arbitrary approval of expenditure in flagrant breach of the provisions of Section 9(1) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.
“Approvals beyond the limit which the Speaker can approve contrary to Section 9(10) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.”
Among the lawmakers that signed the impeachment notice were Kingsley Ntui, Okon Owuna, Samuel Neji Abang, Cyril James Omini, Stanley Nsemo, Charles Omang Omang.
Others included Thomas Aruku, Eyo Bassey, Bassey Bassey Effiong, Francis Onete Ogban, Victor Nsa, Ovat Agbor, Pius Ashas Ashakia, Martins Achadu, Effiong Ekarika, Egbe Abeng Egbe, and Hilary Bisong.
Ayambem who represents Ikom 2 state constituency was elected speaker of the 10th Cross-River state house of assembly in June 2023.
