CALABAR, NIGERIA – The Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, was impeached on Tuesday in a dramatic session marked by significant political maneuvering.
The impeachment motion was introduced by Hon. Effiom Ekarika, who represents the Calabar South 1 Constituency, and was seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of the Bekwarra State Constituency. Following the successful passage of the motion, members of the assembly took the unprecedented step of removing the mace, the official symbol of legislative authority.
Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who represents the Ikom 2 State Constituency, was elected as Speaker in June 2023. His tenure saw various legislative activities and political engagements, but the reasons for his sudden impeachment were not immediately disclosed.
The removal of the mace indicates a significant shift in the assembly’s dynamics and highlights the intensity of the political climate within the state’s legislature. The legislative body will now have to navigate the ensuing power vacuum and the political implications of this sudden leadership change.
As the assembly prepares for the next steps, the focus will be on maintaining legislative continuity and addressing any underlying issues that led to the impeachment. The situation underscores the fluid nature of political leadership and the importance of stability in legislative functions.