The political landscape of Cross River State has been rocked by the recent impeachment of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayumbem earlier today, the 22nd of May, 2024.
The dramatic ousting comes after a vote of no confidence was passed by a two-thirds majority of the assembly members, citing gross financial misconduct, incompetence, noncompliance with legislative laws, and failure to convene leadership meetings as the grounds for his removal.
The first ground of impeachment, gross financial misconduct, involves the misappropriation of significant funds, including N48 million meant for NEPA bills and over N404 million from the Internal Revenue Service designated for oversight functions. Additionally, nearly N20 million from local government deductions remained undisclosed to the members, raising serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the Speaker’s financial dealings.
The second ground, incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings, highlights a departure from parliamentary norms. The Speaker’s method of appointing members to move or second motions, rather than following the democratic practice of allowing members to volunteer, has been criticized as un-parliamentary and indicative of a broader disregard for due process.
Noncompliance with legislative laws forms the third ground for Ayumbem’s removal. His arbitrary approval of expenditures beyond his authorized limit and the refusal to inaugurate the Legislative Funds Management Committee stand in clear violation of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law of 2021. This disregard for the law has not only undermined the legislative process but also eroded the trust placed in his leadership.
The fourth and final ground is the total failure to convene leadership meetings, with only one such meeting held in the past 11 months. This lack of engagement has been perceived as a neglect of duty and a failure to foster collaborative governance within the House.
Documents from the impeachment show IRS remittances and photographs of a luxurious house under construction allegedly funded by embezzled funds, have further tainted the reputation of the former Speaker. These documents serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of financial impropriety and the importance of accountability in public office.
The list of assembly members who supported the motion reflects a collective commitment to uphold the rule of law and the principles of good governance. The impeachment serves as a precedent for political accountability and sets a new standard for the conduct of public officials in Cross River State.
As the House of Assembly moves forward, the focus now shifts to the election of a new Speaker. The assembly faces the challenge of restoring public confidence and steering the legislative body towards a path of rectitude and responsible leadership.
The impeachment of Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayumbem is not just a moment of political upheaval but also an opportunity for systemic reform. It is a call to action for all members of the House to recommit to the values of transparency, accountability, and service to the people of Cross River State.
In the wake of this political shake-up, the citizens of Cross River State await the next steps of their representatives with cautious optimism. The hope is that this change at the helm of the House will usher in an era of enhanced legislative performance and public trust.
