Cross River State lawmakers who last Wednesday removed the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, over lack of confidence, alleging massive financial corruption and ineptitude, have had a volte-face.
They have passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker during a plenary session of the House.
On Sunday, Governor Bassey Otu returned to the country and had a closed-door session with the 17 lawmakers who removed the Speaker and took away the mace and convinced them to reinstate him.
During the plenary held on Tuesday, the motion for the vote of confidence was moved by the member representing Yakurr 1 State Constituency, Hon Cyril James Omini, and seconded by the member representing Etung State Constituency, Hon Kingsley Ntui Isong.
Omini noted that the House will continue to work for the interest of the State.
“Last week, the House experienced a legislative disruption, but we want the best for the state.
“On that note, I move a motion for a vote of confidence on Mr Speaker.”
Addressing the Assembly, Ayambem said, “We are all brothers from different walks of life and the long-term relationship, which we have built cannot be thrown to the wind.”
Ayambem reiterated the need for the House to continue working in unity. The beautiful thing is that there is no victor, no vanquished over the legislative disruption.
When the Speaker called for a voice vote on the motion, members voted unanimously for the vote of confidence accordingly.