Ousted Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, has made a surprising return, days after he was kicked out by 17 of the 25-member House.
News Central TV reports that Ayambem represented Governor Bassey Otu at the Children’s Day event in Calabar on Monday, May 27.
Reports earlier suggested that Governor Otu, allegedly not consulted before Ayambem’s removal, opposed the decision and intended to persuade lawmakers to reinstate him for the sake of peace.
These reports were confirmed in a press statement by Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, titled “Cross River House of Assembly Reaffirms Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem as Tenth Assembly Speaker.”
The statement announced that Ayambem was unanimously reaffirmed as Speaker following reconciliation efforts led by Governor Otu and key stakeholders.
Ayambem expressed gratitude to the Governor and stakeholders for fostering peace and stability in the state and the Assembly. He also praised Governor Otu for his exemplary leadership during challenging times.
It read:
“The reaffirmation of Ayambem followed a rapprochement brokered by the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and critical stakeholders with the 25-member
Assembly in Calabar yesterday.
“Ayambem expressed his appreciation to the Governor and the concerned stakeholders for what he described as their remarkable ability to bring about
peace for the stability of the state and the House of Assembly.
“The Speaker commended Governor Otu for showing extraordinary leadership during challenging times.”