Elvert Ayambem, the embattled Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has denied reports of his impeachment, insisting that he remains the Speaker of the House.
News About Nigeria reports that Ayambem was impeached by over 20 legislators of the Assembly on Wednesday.
The lawmaker representing Calabar South 1 state constituency, Effiong Ekarika, had moved a motion for Ayambem’s removal over alleged financial impropriety, which was seconded by Omang Charles, representing Bekwara state constituency. However, the proceedings quickly turned chaotic as Sergeant at arm attempted to grab the mace, leading to a scuffle with Ekarika.
In the ensuing pandemonium, 17 lawmakers who had reportedly pre-planned the impeachment stood up, chanting solidarity songs and waving the Nigerian flag, before taking the mace to a nearby hotel.
However, in a statement signed by his media aide, Matthew Okache, Ayambem described the alleged impeachment as “ridiculous” and without constitutional basis. According to the statement, the House of Assembly was not aware of any impeachment notices being served to anyone before the incident.
Ayambem’s camp has dismissed the reports of his impeachment as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard any notions of a crisis. The statement said that the status quo remains, with Ayambem still occupying the office of the Speaker.
Meanwhile, security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Dragon Squad, and the Nigerian Police Force have taken over the Cross River State Assembly complex, with all access points blocked. The complex has been barricaded, and the situation remains tense.
It is worth noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds the majority in the Cross River State House of Assembly, having won all 25 seats in the state legislative elections.
