The Cross River State House of Assembly has impeached its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem, over allegations of misappropriation of funds. The impeachment occurred on Wednesday, with 17 out of 25 members voting in favor of the motion.
Ayambem, who was elected Speaker in June 2023, was accused of misappropriating N48 million meant for electricity bills, N404 million from internal revenue, and N19.4 million from local government deductions. The lawmakers also alleged that he failed to disclose 11 months’ worth of deductions to the assembly members.
The impeachment motion was moved by Hon. Effiom Ekarika and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang. Following the impeachment, a rowdy session ensued, with a brawl breaking out over the symbol of authority, the mace.
Ayambem’s impeachment comes just 11 months into his tenure, and it is unclear who will succeed him as Speaker.
