Cross River State Assembly faces upheaval as Speaker Elvert Ayambem is impeached over financial mismanagement and incompetence allegations. Tense plenary session and chaotic scenes unfold as 17 out of 25 assembly members sign impeachment notice. Accusations include misuse of funds and non-compliance with legislative financial laws
In a startling turn of events, Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, faced impeachment during a tense plenary session on Wednesday.
Allegations of financial misappropriation and incompetence led to Ayambem's ouster, with 17 out of 25 assembly members signing the impeachment notice. Effiong Ekarika and Omang Charles spearheaded the motion, triggering a chaotic scene in the chamber as a struggle ensued over the symbolic mace of authority.
The impeachment notice detailed accusations of Ayambem misusing substantial funds, including N48 million earmarked for electricity bills and 2 percent of monthly revenue from the Internal Revenue Service, among other charges. The lawmakers cited non-compliance with legislative financial laws and arbitrary expenditure approvals as further grounds for impeachment.
The rowdy session underscored the deep divisions and unrest within the assembly, raising questions about governance and accountability in Cross River State.
