The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, after finding her guilty of gross misconduct.
Her removal followed the adoption of the report submitted by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
The matter began on June 10, 2025, when eight councillors from the Bekwarra Legislative Council petitioned the Assembly, accusing Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, unlawful stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and consistently violating due process in running the council.
Following the petition, the Assembly suspended her for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to step in as acting chairman while investigations were carried out.
During Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of her removal, bringing the months-long investigation to a close.
Presenting the committee’s findings, the Chairman noted that the allegations in the May 19, 2025 petition were fully proven after engagements with all stakeholders in Abuochiche, including the councillors, the suspended chairman, and members of the community.
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“The allegations were weighty and clearly established,” the Chairman stated, adding that Ushie’s conduct did not meet the standards expected of her office.
With the report adopted, the Assembly resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
The lawmakers also directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position and stabilise the council’s leadership.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to accountability and due process.
“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State,” he said.
Attempts to reach Ushie for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone lines remained unreachable.
