Mr. Joseph Odey, the Director General of Youth Action Network has opined that the impeachment of the 10th speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, was lawful.
According to him, “Cross River State is at risk of governmental disruption due to the absence of a duly elected Speaker of the House of Assembly. Without a validly elected Speaker, the laws passed by the House are invalid, hindering the Governor’s ability to govern effectively.”
“To uphold democratic principles, Cross River State must follow proper procedures in selecting its Speaker in line with the rules laid down by the House of Assembly for itself in 2011.”
“The impeachment of Mr. Elvert Ayambem was lawful, but his continued role as Speaker is not; because he was not re-elected according to the Assembly’s rules.”
“Governance requires following laid down rules and processes. The Speaker cannot be chosen outside the House chamber. After Mr. Elvert’s impeachment, a formal election must take place within the Assembly to determine the new Speaker.”
Odey has approached Cross River State High Court with the following prayers;
1) Restrain government officials from recognizing Mr. Ayambem as Speaker until this matter is heard and decided by the Court.
2) Restrain Mr. Elvert Ayambem from acting as Speaker until the matter is heard and decided by the Court.
In his words, “…it’s obligatory on the Assembly to show good moral standing by following those weighty allegations of financial misappropriation against Mr. Elvert Ayambem to conclusion and announcing the outcome to the people of Cross River as well as what sanctions would be applied if Mr. Elvert Ayambem is indeed found to be guilty.”
“A properly functioning legislature is necessary for effective governance and the progress of our state and I believe that the Court, in its wisdom, will ensure that we get a properly functioning House of Assembly once again.”
