The motion for suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani Constituency, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta, from Abi Constituency.
By Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Hon Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, for 90 days over allegations of gross misconduct and abandonment of duty.
The decision was reached during plenary following an impeachment notice forwarded to the Assembly by the Ogoja Legislative Council. The notice was signed by the Leader of the Council, Dr Elizabeth Mbim, and unanimously endorsed by all ten councillors.
It accused Hon Yakubu of several infractions, including abandoning his official responsibilities to pursue private business interests, breaching the Oath of Secrecy, disregarding constituted authority, and other actions that allegedly hindered the smooth administration and development of the local government.
Invoking Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law, the House unanimously resolved to suspend the vice chairman pending a full investigation by its Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.
The motion for suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani Constituency, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta, from Abi Constituency.
Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the Local Government Law, due process, and accountability in local governance. They stressed that elected officials must uphold their responsibilities to ensure effective administration at the grassroots level.
The impeachment notice was formally read on the floor by the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr Catherine Ubi.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, stated that the House would not condone any actions that undermine effective local government operations.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to due process and ensuring that elected officials fulfil their duties in line with the law and the expectations of the electorate.
The suspension takes immediate effect and is expected to remain in place until the committee completes its probe and submits its findings.
This development comes amid prior reports of political tensions involving Hon Yakubu, including his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) late last year.