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Ukorebi Esien | 25th May 2024
The Cross River State House of Assembly is currently engulfed in a political storm following the contentious removal of its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem. On May 22, 2024, a group of 17 assembly members, out of a total of 25, moved to remove Ayambem over allegations of misappropriation of funds and incompetency. As expected this action has sparked a significant dispute, casting a shadow over the assembly's leadership and raising questions about the legitimacy and procedural correctness of the removal. Politically exposed persons in the state are divided across lines. While some seem to support the action taken by the G-17 lawmakers others feel the action isn't the best for the state.
The Impeachment Drama
The impeachment motion was initiated by Hon. Effiom Ekarika of Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang from Bekwarra State Constituency. This led to a heated session during the plenary, which culminated in Ayambem's purported removal from office. The allegations of financial mismanagement and incompetency against Ayambem were serious enough to garner the support of a majority within the assembly, but the manner and process of the impeachment have been heavily contested. While Elvert insist he's still the speaker, citing
Ayambem's Response
In the face of his impeachment, Ayambem has firmly maintained that he is still the legitimate Speaker. His Chief Press Secretary, Matthew Okache, labeled the impeachment proceedings a "ridiculous charade with no constitutional basis." Okache argued that no formal impeachment notice was served, thus invalidating the process. He urged the public to disregard the reports of a leadership change and assured th1at Ayambem continues to perform his duties as Speaker
Internal Divisions and Power Struggles
The situation within the assembly remains highly volatile. The 17 lawmakers who supported Ayambem's impeachment have not yet agreed on a successor, revealing internal divisions. While some members back Hilary Bisong of Boki 2, a three-term legislator and experienced contender for the speakership, others are rooting for Cyril Omini of Yakurr 1, who is rumored to have financially supported the move against Ayambem. Recently, speculation about a unanimous decision for Cyril Omini as Speaker was quickly debunked by his media aides, indicating ongoing consultations and negotiations among the G-17 faction
The Governor's Role
Governor Prince Otu has so far refrained from making an official statement on the impeachment crisis, reportedly because he is out of the state. It is believed that Otu has advised both parties to maintain the status quo until his return. Political analysts suggest that the governor may prefer to have Ayambem reinstated due to their working relationship. However, Ayambem's perceived loss of control over the assembly poses a significant risk for the governor, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in his own position
The Path Forward
The resolution of this crisis is crucial for the stability of the Cross River State House of Assembly. If Ayambem is ultimately removed, his successor must be a figure of experience, humility, and public appeal, ideally from the central senatorial district, to ensure balanced representation and effective leadership. The governor's response upon his return will be pivotal in determining the assembly's direction and restoring order.
As Cross River navigates this political turmoil, the state's leadership must act decisively to uphold the integrity of its legislative processes and address the underlying issues that led to this upheaval. The coming days will be critical in shaping the future governance of Cross River State.
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Politics