Despite the efforts of 17 lawmakers to remove him from office by seizing the legislative Mace, Speaker Elvert Ayambem has insisted that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Matthew Okache, Ayambem described the situation as “ridiculous” and a “charade,” asserting that the Assembly was not aware of any legitimate impeachment proceedings.
The conflict erupted on the House floor when Ekarika Effiong, representing Calabar South 1, moved a motion to impeach Ayambem, seconded by Charles Omang. A struggle ensued over the Mace, the symbol of legislative authority, with Effiong and the Sergeant-at-Arms grappling for control. Ultimately, the 17 lawmakers, chanting solidarity songs, seized the Mace and left the chamber.
Despite the tumult, Ayambem maintains that he remains the Speaker. His statement reads: “Cross River State House of Assembly has been alerted of false news reports that the Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has been impeached. To be clear, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly is without a doubt Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem and that is the current position.”
He criticized the actions of Effiong, accusing him of disrupting the session with “hoodlums” and stated that there were no constitutional grounds for the purported impeachment. The Assembly, he added, had not been served any impeachment notice.
Ayambem’s statement urged the public to disregard reports of his impeachment, describing them as “speculative” and “fake news.” He emphasized that any removal and replacement of the Speaker must occur within the Assembly Complex and that he remains committed to supporting the Executive arm of government under Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
“There is no crisis in the Assembly,” Ayambem concluded, reiterating his position as Speaker and his determination to elevate the legislative body.
