By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Anyambem, was removed from his position on Wednesday while presiding over the house due to alleged gross misconduct, high-handedness, and misappropriation of N19.4 million in deductions from the local government councils.
According to reports from the media, Anyambem’s removal was initiated by a motion put forth by the member representing Calabar South 1, Effiong Ekarika, and seconded by Hon Charles Omang from Bekwara constituency.
The motion was unanimously supported by the members present, with Ekarika accusing the embattled Speaker of engaging in administrative misconduct, high-handedness, and financial misappropriation.
Furthermore, it was reported that Anyambem was found to have engaged in arbitrary spending, which goes against Section 9(1) of the state Legislative Funds Management Law, 2021. It was emphasized that he misused N48 million that was allocated for the payment of the assembly’s electricity bills.
Additionally, the ousted Speaker was accused of misappropriating N404.6 million, equivalent to two percent of the monthly revenue collected by the state Internal Revenue Service, which was intended for the oversight functions of the assembly.
“The Speaker misused N19.4 million in deductions from the local government councils, a fact that he deliberately kept hidden from the members,” the notice stated.
Reports also indicated that 17 out of the 25 assembly members signed the notice for the Speaker’s impeachment. Following his removal, the mace was taken away by the members. At the time of reporting, Anyambem was unavailable for comment.
