Otu, CRSHA Members in close door meeting, decide on who becomes Speaker

Governor Bassey Otu has met with all 25 members of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly to take a final decision on the position of the Speaker.

CONVERSEER reports that Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem was removed last week Wednesday by two-thirds (17 out of 25) as Speaker of the House.

In a closed-door meeting with the Governor on Sunday night, the Lawmakers agreed to restore normalcy and maintain the status quo with Ayambem remaining as their speaker.

Governor Otu, who presided over an interactive session with the legislative members and other stakeholders, restated his commitment to constitutional democracy, separation of powers and the rule of law, where due process should be the order of the day.

According to a statement by Mr Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Monday, Otu called for a truce between the aggrieved members and the Speaker while urging the Speaker to understand that he is “a first among equals” and that members “have rights and benefits,” which the Speaker’s office should not deny them.

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Governor Otu emphasised the need for unity and a purpose-driven Legislature that complements the Executive arm in delivering democratic dividends.

On his part, Ayambem thanked Otu for his intervention and pledged to lead the Legislature with decency, integrity and commitment to the welfare of members as well as the progress of the State.

At the time of filing this report, the 10th House of Assembly is yet to clear Ayambem of the four charges levelled against him when he was suspended. The charges include gross financial misconduct, incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings, noncompliance with the Cross River State Legislature Fund Management Law 2021 and total failure to convene leadership meetings.