By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Amid growing impeachment actions at the local government level, the Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, for 90 days over alleged gross misconduct.

The suspension followed the receipt of an impeachment notice forwarded to the Assembly and signed by the Leader of the Ogoja Legislative Council, Dr Elizabeth Mbim. The notice accused the vice chairman of gross misconduct and abandonment of official duties.

During plenary, the House invoked Section 14 subsection three of the Cross River State Local Government Law and unanimously resolved that Hon Yakubu be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.

The motion for the suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani State Constituency, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt Hon Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency.

In their contributions, lawmakers stressed the need for strict compliance with the provisions of the Cross River State Local Government Law by local government councils, emphasising that due process and accountability must be upheld at all levels of governance.

The impeachment notice, which was unanimously endorsed by the ten councillors of the Ogoja Legislative Council, was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk of the Assembly, Barrister Catherine Ubi.

The notice cited allegations including abandonment of duty for private business, breach of the Oath of Secrecy, and disregard for constituted authority, among other infractions. Lawmakers noted that the alleged actions had adversely affected the smooth running and development of Ogoja Local Government Council.

Speaking on the development, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature would not tolerate actions capable of undermining effective local government administration.

He added 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.