BREAKING: Speaker Ayambem Stands Removed As C'River Assembly Speaker, Says Court 

By Ekanem ASUQUO 

The controversy trailing the impeachment of Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. . Elvert Ayambem, has continued unabated as High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Abua has ruled that he was validly removed from office as Speaker.

Recall that on May 22,2024, 17 out of the 25 members of the Assembly had passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Ayambem, alleging gross abuse of office.

The case is between Raymond Manga, Esq, as claimant/responder and Cross River State House of Assembly (first defendant), the Clerk (second defendant) Mr. Ayambem (3rd defendant), Deputy, Sylvanus Agabi (4th defendant) and 25 others.

Ruling on Thursday, July 25, 2025, the Court also held that the Claimant in Suit number HC/143/2024, Raymond Manga, Esq, lacked the locus standi to institute the matter.

The 17 lawmakers had signed the document that Mr. Ayambem was impeached. But Governor Bassey Otu called for a meeting with the lawmakers as prevailed on them to rescind the impeachment and bring Mr. Ayambem even as he had denied the claims of impeachment and alleged financial misappropriation.

Speaking after the court ruling, Raymond Manga, Esq, said from the judgment, Ayambem is no longer the Speaker of the House.

On this issue that he lacked the locus standi to institute the matter, he said he already heading to Appeal on that matter.