There was a Mayhem breakout at the Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday as the lawmakers voted to impeach the Speaker, Elvert Ekom Ayambem.
The impeachment was driven by accusations of misusing funds. 17 members of the House supported the motion to remove Ayambem, who was elected as Speaker just last month.
The motion to impeach Ayambem was introduced by a lawmaker named Effiom Ekarika, and seconded by another member, Omang Charles Omang.
The situation spiraled out of control when a video emerged showing Ekarika physically attacking another member of the House. This happened as the other member tried to take the mace, which is a symbol of authority in the Assembly.
Ekarika was seen elbowing the other lawmaker, leading to more chaos in the chamber. Amid the commotion, the lawmakers who supported the impeachment were singing the national anthem and celebrating Ayambem’s ouster.
The dramatic scenes highlighted the deep divisions within the Cross River State House of Assembly following Ayambem’s removal as Speaker. It’s a turbulent time for the state’s legislative body.
