The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Speaker of the House, Mr. Alvert Ayambem over allegations of corruption, misappropriation and mismanagement of funds.
The speaker’s removal was sequel to a removal notice signed by 17 out of 25 members (two-third-majority) of the House and later confirmed in a press briefing by the said members in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The 17 state assembly members described Ayambem as a tyrant, who according to them, undermined their interest and embezzled funds designated for renovations of the quarters.
According to the notice read by the member representing Bekwara state constituency, Mr. Charles Omang, “the speaker was impeached via a motion under matters of urgent public importance in line with Order 24 of the Cross River State Assembly rules.
“The former speaker’s removal is based on the grounds of gross financial misconduct, incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings, non compliance and total failure to convene leadership meetings.”
The notice further reads: “having met the constitutional requirements of two-third majority, we the under-listed members of the Cross River State House of Assembly hereby pass a vote-of-no confidence on Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Assembly and he is hereby removed.”
“Ayambem was alleged to have misappropriated the sum of ₦48,000,000.00 meant to pay electricity bills for the House of Assembly complex and the House of Assembly Quarters.
“Misappropriation of 2 percent of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service monthly for oversight functions of the House of Assembly in line with Section 18(a)(i) of the Cross River State Revenue Administration Law 2011 as amended to the tune of ₦404,683,855.10.”
Other allegations, he read included “misappropriation of the sum of ₦19,437, 844.00 from local government deductions and 11 months deductions, which he allegedly failed to disclose to members.”
The motion for the removal of the embattled speaker was moved by Effiong EKarika, the member representing Calabar-South 1 state constituency and was seconded by Charles Omang representing Bekwarra state constituency in the Assembly.
Emmanuel Ukoh
