Dare Babalola
The Cross River State House of Assembly has dismissed Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, citing allegations of severe misconduct.
The move came after the Cross River State House of Assembly endorsed the findings of its Judiciary and Public Petitions Committee.
The saga began on June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a complaint from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council, alleging corruption, abuse of power, unlawful withholding of salaries, and procedural breaches under the leadership of the suspended chairman.
In response to the petition, the Assembly swiftly suspended Ushie for 90 days and appointed Vice Chairman Egbung Odama as acting head, tasking a committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Ushie’s dismissal was ratified during Wednesday’s plenary session in Calabar, with 19 of 25 lawmakers backing the committee’s findings, marking the culmination of a months-long investigation.
The Chairman of the Committee presented its findings, revealing that the allegations outlined in the May 19, 2025 petition were corroborated through consultations with stakeholders in Abuochiche, including the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and local community members.
“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 committee chairman said.
Adopting the report, the Assembly resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
The lawmakers further directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position and restore normalcy to the council.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to probity and good governance.
“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty guides our actions to the people of Cross River State,” he said.
When contacted for comments, Ushie’s phone lines were unreachable.
