Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Matthew Okache, has described Wednesday’s impeachment of the Speaker. Elvert Ayambem, as a “ridiculous charade with no constitutional basis.”
The statement was released hours after Wednesday’s tumultuous plenary session. Okache clarified that the House was unaware of any impeachment notice being served prior to the incident.
He emphasized that the “purported impeachment and replacement” of Ayambem were speculative and should be regarded as fake news, urging the public to dismiss any notions of a crisis within the Assembly.
“The Cross River State House of Assembly has been alerted to false news reports that the Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has been impeached,” Okache stated.
“To be clear, the Speaker is without a doubt Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem. The disruption during today’s plenary by Hon. Effiong Akarika, who invited hoodlums into the chamber, is a ridiculous charade with no constitutional basis.”
He reiterated that no impeachment notices had been served and that the incident should not be considered legitimate.
“The alleged impeachment and replacement are speculative. The general public is urged to disregard fake news and dismiss any notion of a crisis. The status quo is that Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem is the Speaker of the House of Assembly.”
Okache also reaffirmed Ayambem’s commitment to his role and support for the executive arm of the government led by Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
“Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem remains unconcerned and determined to elevate the Cross River State House of Assembly and support the executive arm of government.”
He concluded by stating that any removal or election of the Speaker must occur within the Assembly Complex, underscoring the procedural impropriety of the day’s events.
