The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially removed the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Emmanuel Yakubu, over allegations of gross misconduct and violation of state laws.

The decision followed a voice vote during plenary, where 19 lawmakers voted in favour of his removal, one abstained, and five were absent.

The resolution marked the conclusion of a legislative process that began with Yakubu’s suspension.

Presenting the report of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution, Committee Chairman Rt. Hon. Davies Etta stated that the Assembly had earlier invoked Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law to suspend the embattled vice chairman for 90 days pending investigation.

According to the report, the committee conducted a hearing attended by key council officials, including the Leader of Council and senior administrative officers. However, Yakubu was absent.

He reportedly requested a new date citing ill health, despite being seen at a political rally where he defected from the All Progressives Congress to the African Democratic Congress.

Lawmakers noted that his defection from the party under which he was elected raised legal and constitutional concerns.

The committee further concluded that his actions breached Section 20(1) of the Cross River State Local Government Law, 2007 (as amended), and demonstrated a lack of synergy with the council chairman and legislative arm.

Deputy Speaker Sylvester Agabi, who presided over the sitting, directed Yakubu to immediately hand over all government property in his custody to the most senior civil servant in the council.

The Assembly stated that the removal reflects its commitment to accountability, discipline, and effective governance in Ogoja Local Government Council, reinforcing legislative oversight in Cross River State politics.