The Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday voted to remove Honourable Theresa Ushie as Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, citing allegations of gross misconduct and mismanagement of council affairs.
The decision followed the adoption of a report by the Assembly’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
During the plenary session, 19 of the 25 lawmakers present voted in favor of the removal, affirming the committee’s findings.
The probe into Ushie’s administration began on June 10, 2025, after eight councillors submitted a formal petition accusing her of corruption, abuse of office, unlawful withholding of salaries, and operating the council without proper procedures.
The committee, chaired by Honourable Davies Eta of the Abi State Constituency, engaged with petitioners, the suspended chairman, and other stakeholders in Abuochiche before concluding that the claims were substantial.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the evidence before us supports her removal,” Eta stated.
Following the adoption of the report, the Assembly also directed that a bye-election be conducted to fill the vacant position.
In the interim, Vice Chairman Hon. Egbung Odama had served as Acting Chairman since Ushie’s 90-day suspension.
Speaker Rt. Honourable Elvert Ayambem emphasised that the action reflects the Assembly’s dedication to transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
“This House will always defend accountability and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State,” he said.
The decision marked a significant move in local governance, reinforcing the Assembly’s oversight responsibilities over elected council officials.
Residents of Bekwarra are now awaiting the outcome of the bye-election to restore leadership to the local government council.
