In a tumultuous session, the Cross River State House of Assembly saw its parliamentary decorum dissolve into disorder following the impeachment of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
The legislative chamber descended into a brawl as members clashed over possession of the mace, the House’s symbol of authority, effectively bringing the sitting to an abrupt and violent halt.
The disorderly scene came on the heels of an impeachment motion that successfully removed Ayambem from his role as Speaker, with 17 out of 25 members voting in favor of his ouster amid accusations of financial misappropriation.
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Having served just shy of a year in his position, Rt. Hon. Ayambem faced a decisive no-confidence vote initiated by Hon. Effiom Ekarika of Calabar South 1 and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang from the Bekwarra State Constituency.
In conclusion, Ayambem, the representative of Ikom 2 State Constituency, was originally elected to lead the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly in June 2023. His impeachment marks a significant turn of events for the state’s legislative body.
