11 Lawmakers Plot To Remove Cross River Assembly Speaker

The plot to remove the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, John Lebo, continued as 11 of the 24 lawmakers reportedly signed a notice to remove him from office.

The anti-Lebo group, known as the “Restoration Family,” has accused Mr. Lebo of treating them with disrespect.

Its leader, Simon Nkoro, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES accused the speaker of incompetence.

He said he and 10 of his colleagues signed the impeachment notice, and that seven other lawmakers recently agreed to sign the document in the coming week.

“Those of us planning to remove the speaker are the most experienced lawmakers in the house and who had overlooked the excesses of the speaker since he assumed office,” he said.

Mr. Nkoro, who doubles as the deputy leader of the Assembly, further alleged that the speaker oppressed some members by constantly denying them opportunities to contribute during proceedings.

The lawmaker, who represents Ikom 2 state constituency, added that, “There is no water in the assembly complex and no welfare package for lawmakers and their aides, yet the speaker has deliberately refused to take action to address these issues.

“The beauty of democracy is that they must be divergent views. So the impeachment plan is part of legislative proceedings and an internal legislative affair that cannot be done from the outside.

“Last year when Hilary Bisong made the move for the speaker’s impeachment, most of us, who were more experienced felt it was too early, even when there were serious issues that would have warranted his impeachment,” he said.”

Although the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the Deputy Governor, Ivara Esu, met with the aggrieved lawmakers, they have insisted that Mr. Lebo must go.

“What we can assure you is that we are not going to do anything in the governor’s absence. Immediately he is back, we will present the impeachment notice to him,” Mr. Nkoro said.

In his reaction, Mr. Lebo denied that he was under any impeachment threat from his colleagues
He, however, acknowledged that there was disaffection among lawmakers over welfare issues resulting from the non- payment of their quarterly oversight and aides’ allowances.

The speaker’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Azogor Ideba.

“With regards to all the welfare issues, payments and official vehicles complained about by the members, the speaker is also affected,” Mr. Ideba said.

“This is the first speaker, who resides with the members in the same quarters. In fact, he is still occupying the same house that was allocated to him in his first term as a member.

“Cross River State House of Assembly is not the only house of assembly in the country where members are unhappy about their welfare due to the economic downturn in the country.

“The Speaker enjoys the full support of the assembly and this is evident in the response of members to plenary and committee meetings.”