By Jonathan Ugbal
A High Court of Cross River State presided over by Justice Elias Abua on Thursday 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.
Recall that 17 out of the 25 members of the Assembly had passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Ayambem in May.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Cross River State House Of Assembly Speaker, Elvert Ayambem Impeached
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
READ MORE: Elvert Ayambem Remains Speaker – Cross River Assembly Says After Drama, Notice 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.
READ MORE: Impeachment Saga: Ayambem Dissolves Committees, Hail Colleagues
More details later ...