The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially removed Theresa Ushie, the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, following allegations of gross misconduct.
The decision came after the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
The report was based on a petition submitted by eight Bekwarra councillors on June 10, 2025, accusing Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and violation of due process in council administration.
During the Assembly’s investigation, Ushie was suspended for 90 days, and Vice Chairman Egbung Odama was appointed to act in her place while the committee conducted its probe.
Presenting the committee’s findings, the Chairman of the Committee stated, “After reviewing the evidence and engaging with stakeholders, including the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and community members, we found the allegations to be weighty and clearly established.”
The Assembly confirmed Ushie’s removal after 19 of 25 lawmakers voted in favor of the committee’s recommendations. The lawmakers also directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission to organize a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.
Speaking on the development, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said, “This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty guides our actions to the people of Cross River State.”
