The Cross River State House of Assembly has reinstated Speaker Elvert Ayambem, who was recently impeached by his colleagues.
In a dramatic turn of events, the assembly also passed a vote of confidence in Ayambem during its sitting on Tuesday.
Ayambem was impeached on May 22, 2024, amid allegations of high-handedness and financial impropriety.
Lawmakers accused him of engaging in arbitrary expenditures, violating Section 9 (1) of the state’s Legislative Funds Management Law of 2021.
However, the motion to reinstate Ayambem and express confidence in his leadership was introduced by Cyril Omini, representing Yakurr I Constituency, and seconded by Kingsley Ntui of Etung Constituency.
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The reinstatement followed efforts by Governor Bassey Otu, who announced on Monday that he had facilitated a resolution among the assembly members.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gil, Otu held a closed-door meeting with all 25 members of the assembly on Sunday night.
The members unanimously agreed to restore normalcy and retain Ayambem as speaker.
In a statement released on Monday, Ayambem expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for his intervention.
The statement, signed by Ayambem’s media aide Mathew Okache, praised the governor for his exemplary leadership.
“I pledge my cooperation and commitment towards the growth and progress of both the assembly and the state as a whole,” Ayambem stated, expressing his dedication to moving forward in harmony with the assembly members.
The resolution marks a significant step towards stability in the Cross River State House of Assembly, ending the recent crisis and paving the way for continued legislative work under Ayambem’s leadership.
