Rt Hon Elvis Ayambem, who was removed as the Speaker of the Cross River state House of Assembly, , few days ago has staged a surprise comeback.
Blueprint reports that the embattled Speaker was kicked out by 17 of the 25-member House in what was regarded as a palace coup.
Surprisingly, it was the Speaker who stood in for Governor Bassey Otu during the Children Day event at the UK Esuene stadium, Calabar on Monday.
Prior to the Children Day, rumours were ripe that governor Otu, who the aggrieved Lawmakers reportedly did not consult before the said removal of the Speaker, was not in favour of Ayambem’s removal and would appeal to the Lawmakers to reverse their position in the interest of peace.
The confirmation of what came initially as rumours on Speaker’s reinstatement was contained in a press statement, signed by Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker and titled, “Cross River House of Assembly Reaffirms Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem as Tenth Assembly Speaker.”
The statement said, “Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has been unanimously reaffirmed as Speaker of the
tenth Assembly of Cross River State.
“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.”
