The controversy trailing the impeachment of Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has continued unabated as a Calabar High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Abua has ruled that he was validly removed from office as Speaker.

Recall that on May 22, 2024, 17 out of the 25 members of the Assembly passed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Ayambem, alleging gross abuse of office.

The case is between Raymond Manga, Esq, as claimant/respondent, and Cross River State House of Assembly (first defendant), the Clerk (second defendant), Mr. Ayambem (third defendant), Deputy Sylvanus Agabi (fourth defendant), and 25 others.

Ruling on Thursday, July 25, 2025, the Court also held that the claimant in Suit number HC/143/2024, Raymond Manga, Esq, lacked the locus standi to institute the matter.

The 17 lawmakers had signed the document declaring Mr. Ayambem’s impeachment.

However, Governor Bassey Otu called for a meeting with the lawmakers and prevailed on them to rescind the impeachment and reinstate Mr. Ayambem, who had denied the claims of impeachment and alleged financial misappropriation.

Speaking after the court ruling, Raymond Manga, Esq, said that, according to the judgement, Ayambem is no longer the Speaker of the House.

Regarding the issue of lacking locus standi to institute the matter, he said he is already heading to appeal.