A Cross River State High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Abua on Thursday, July 25, 2024 held that Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem was validly removed from office as Speaker of the 10th Assembly of Cross River State.
The Court also held that the Claimant in Suit number HC/143/2024, Raymond Manga Esq lacked the locus standi to institute the matter.
Krestnews recalls that 17 out of the 25 members of the Cross River Assembly had passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Ayambem in May, this year and had him removed from the office
The Cross River State House of Assembly was listed as the first defendant while the Clerk was listed as second. Mr. Ayambem and his Deputy, Sylvanus Agabi were listed as third and fourth defendants respectively.
The 17 lawmakers has signed the document saying Mr. Ayambem was impeached were listed as the fifth to 21st defendants. Other members were listed as 22nd to 27th defendants while Governor Bassey Otu was listed as the 28th defendant.
Mr. Ayambem had at the time denied the claims of impeachment
However, after a meeting with the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, the House convened again and the spokesman to the Speaker, Mr. Matthew Okache issued a statement saying that members had reaffirmed Ayambem as Speaker