There is tension in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State as the legislature has served the Vice Chairman of the Council, Emmanuel Yakubu, with an impeachment notice over alleged gross misconduct and negligence of duty.
The impeachment notice has been unanimously agreed upon by 10 councilors, signed by the Leader of the Ogoja Legislative Council, Elizabeth Mbim, and forwarded to the state House of Assembly.
The legislative council cited allegations of abandonment of duty for private business, breach of the oath of secrecy, disregard for constituted authority, among other infractions, which they said have affected the smooth running and development of Ogoja Local Government Council.
Receiving the impeachment notice, the state House of Assembly approved it and pronounced the suspension of the vice chairman of the Ogoja Local Government Council for 90 days
The impeachment notice was approved by the House, pending an investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution, as enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law.
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The motion for the suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Francis Asuquo, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Davies Etta.
In their separate contributions, lawmakers stressed the need for strict adherence to the provisions of the Cross River State Local Government Law by councils, emphasizing that due process and accountability must be upheld at all levels of governance.
The impeachment notice was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk of the assembly, Catherine Ubi, during plenary.
In a remark, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said that the assembly remains committed to upholding due process and ensuring that elected officials discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law and the expectations of the people.
He added that the House would not tolerate actions capable of undermining effective local government administration.
