•Sacked Council Chairman Theresa Ushie
The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct.
This follows the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, reports The PUNCH.
The development traces back to June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council accusing the council boss of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and violation of due process in the administration of the council.
Acting on the petition, the Assembly had immediately suspended Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to assume office in an acting capacity while the committee undertook a full-scale investigation.
Ushie’s removal was approved during today’s plenary in Calabar, after 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the committee’s recommendations, sealing her fate after months of inquiry.
Presenting its findings, the chairman of the committee disclosed that the allegations contained in the petition dated May 19, 2025, were substantiated during engagements with stakeholders in Abuochiche, including the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and community members.
“After meeting with all parties and reviewing evidence, the committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the chairman said.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the testimonies received during our visit to Bekwarra reinforced the concerns raised.”
Adopting the report, the Assembly resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
The lawmakers further directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position and restore normalcy to the council.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to probity and good governance.
“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty guides our actions to the people of Cross River State,” he said.
When contacted for comments, Ushie’s phone lines were unreachable.
