The Cross River State House of Assembly has dismissed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct.
This followed the adoption of the report presented by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
The development dates back to 10 June 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council accusing the suspended LG chairman of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and breaching due process in the running of the council.
Acting on the petition, the Assembly immediately suspended Ushie for 90 days and instructed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to take over in an acting capacity while the committee carried out a full investigation.
Ushie’s removal was approved during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, after 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in support of the committee’s recommendations, bringing months of inquiry to an end.
Presenting its findings, the chairman of the committee stated that the allegations contained in the petition dated 19 May 2025 were proven during interactions with stakeholders in Abuochiche, including the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and members of the community.
“After meeting with all parties and reviewing evidence, the committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established.
“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,” the chairman said.
