The Cross River House of Assembly has reinstated its Speaker, Mr. Elvert Anyambem. This decision comes after 17 out of the 25 Assembly members had impeached Anyambem on May 22, citing high-handedness and financial impropriety.
The lawmakers accused the Speaker of engaging in arbitrary expenditures, violating Section 9(1) of the state’s Legislative Funds Management Law of 2021.
Governor Bassey Otu announced on Monday that he had successfully brokered peace within the Assembly, facilitating the Speaker’s reinstatement.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gil, the Governor expressed that normalcy had returned to the legislative body. The resolution reflects efforts to restore stability and unity among the Assembly members, ensuring the continuation of their legislative duties without further discord.
He said: “I had a closed-door meeting with all the twenty-five members of the assembly on Sunday night.”
”They all unambiguously agreed to restore normalcy and maintain the status quo with Elvert Ayambem remaining as their speaker.”
Also, in a statement issued in Calabar on Monday, Ayambem, commended Otu for wading into the crisis in the Assembly.
In the statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr. Mathew Okache, the speaker praised Otu for showing extraordinary leadership prowess in the face of the challenge
“I pledge my cooperation and commitment towards the growth and progress of both the assembly and the state as a whole,” he stated.
At Tuesday’s plenary in Calabar, the lawmaker representing the Yakurr I constituency, Cyril Omini, moved a motion passing a vote of confidence on the speaker.
This was supported by the member representing the Etung constituency, Kingsley Ntui.