The Akpabuyo Legislative Council has officially impeached its 8th Assembly Leader, Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, following a vote of no confidence passed by a two-thirds majority of council members.
The decision was reached in accordance with Section 33, Subsection 2(c) of the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 22 of 2007 (as amended), which empowers the house to remove a leader through a resolution supported by the required majority.
Grounds for Removal
The council cited multiple allegations as reasons for the impeachment:
1. Gross Financial Misconduct
The lawmakers accused the former leader of:
- Unauthorized deduction and misappropriation of ₦1,080,000 meant for the 12-month legislative votes of members.
- Unexplained diversion of ₦180,000 from legislative funds for March 2026.
2. Administrative Incompetence and Procedural Violations
- Failure to adhere to the Uniform Standing Orders guiding legislative proceedings in Cross River State.
- Arbitrary selection of members to move and second motions, rather than following due parliamentary process.
3. Failure to Convene Leadership Meetings
- The council noted that no leadership meeting had been held since the inauguration of the Assembly.
- Decisions were reportedly taken unilaterally without consultation with relevant committees.
4. Frequent Postponement of Plenary Sessions
- Persistent postponement of plenary sittings for personal reasons, which lawmakers said disrupted legislative activities in the local government.
Resolution and Immediate Effect
Following deliberations, the council passed a formal vote of no confidence, leading to the immediate removal of Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey from office as Leader of the House.
The resolution was jointly endorsed by key members of the Assembly, including:
- Hon. Bassey Ita Archibong
- Hon. Innocent Okon Mbukpa
- Hon. Tete Oyoyo Ubene
- Hon. Patrick Eyo Etim
- Hon. Margaret Martin
- Hon. Okon Bassey Ekong
- Hon. Bassey Effiom Edem
What Next?
The development marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Akpabuyo Legislative Council, with expectations that a new leader will emerge in line with the council’s rules and procedures.
Observers say the move underscores growing demands for accountability, transparency, and effective governance at the grassroots level in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
