The Cross River State House of Assembly was thrown into a rowdy session after lawmakers impeached its speaker, Elvert Ekom Ayambem.
Mr Ayambem representing Ikom 2 State Constituency was booted out on Wednesday by 17 lawmakers out of the 25-member house.
He is accused of misappropriating funds meant for the payment of electricity in the assembly complex and its quarters, among other allegations.
The motion for his impeachment was moved by Hon. Effiom Ekarika representing Calabar South 1 Constituency while Hon. Omang Charles Omang representing Bekwarra State Constituency hurriedly seconded it.
While Mr Omang was still speaking in support of the motion, another lawmaker whom his name could not be ascertained as at press time ran to grab the mace which is the symbol of authority.
As he grabbed the mace, another of his colleague, forcefully attempted but failed to stop him while the impeached speaker watched helplessly as a rowdy session occurred.
An impeachment notice against the speaker also claimed alleged that Mr Ayambem misappropriated two percent of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly to the tune of N404 million.
Kingsley Ntui, Okon Owuna, Samuel Neji Abang, Cyril James Omini, Stanley Nsemo, Charles Omang, Thomas Aruku, Eyo Bassey, Bassey Bassey Effiong, Francis Onete Ogban, Victor Nsa, Ovat Agbor, Pius Ashas Ashakia, Martins Achadu, Effiong Ekarika, Egbe Abeng Egbe, and Hilary Bisong signed the impeachment notice.
