Chaos Erupts in Cross River House: Lawmakers Battle Over Mace Following Speaker Elvert Ayambem's Impeachment (Video)

Tensions flared in the Cross River State House of Assembly today, May 22, following the impeachment of Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem. Immediately after the impeachment, chaos ensued as one of the lawmakers dashed for the mace, the symbol of the speaker’s authority.

The legislator who grabbed the mace refused to relinquish it, leading to a physical struggle and brawl in the chamber. The dramatic confrontation underscored the heightened tensions following Ayambem’s removal from office.

Ayambem, representing Ikom 2 State Constituency, was impeached by 17 members of the House over allegations of misappropriation of funds. The motion for his impeachment was moved by Hon. Effiom Ekarika of Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang of Bekwarra State Constituency.

Ayambem had only recently assumed the role of speaker in June 2023. The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the volatility and high stakes within the state’s legislative process.

Watch the fight below

I thought we had left this era of fights in the state house of assembly.

Happening now in Cross-River state pic.twitter.com/Ghjwu7xbvt

— Mo-Mo (@Morris_Monye) May 22, 2024