By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Theresa Ushie, after adopting the findings of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions during plenary on Tuesday.
Her removal followed a decisive vote in which 19 of the 25 lawmakers supported the committee’s recommendation, bringing an end to months of investigation and legislative review.
The controversy began on June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. The lawmakers suspended Hon. Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, to oversee the council pending a full inquiry.
Presenting the committee report, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions disclosed that the petition, dated May 19, 2025, contained serious allegations regarding the administration of the council. According to him, the councillors accused the suspended chairman of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of their salaries and running the council without adherence to due process.
“After meeting with the petitioners, the suspended chairman and key stakeholders in Abuochiche, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly substantiated,” he told the Assembly.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the evidence before us supports her removal.”
The committee further noted that its on-site visit to Bekwarra reinforced the testimonies gathered, as community members and officials provided accounts aligning with the concerns raised.
Following the adoption of the report, the House resolved that Hon. Theresa Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct. The Assembly also mandated the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant chairmanship position.
In his closing remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State,” he said.