The Cross River State House of Assembly has approved the removal of the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, for gross misconduct.
The assembly has directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.
Ushie ‘s removal follows the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, which investigated allegations leveled against the sacked council boss.
Her sack from office was affirmed by 19 out of the 25 legislators who attended today’s plenary.
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The travails of Ushie began on June 10, 2025, when the assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council.
After initial debate, the House suspended Ushie for 90 days and mandated the Vice Chairman of the council, Egbung Odama, to act in her stead while the House conducted a full investigation.
Presenting the report, the committee stated that the petition dated May 19, 2025, raised serious concerns about how the council was being run.
The report said the councillors accused the suspended chairman of corruption, misuse of authority, arbitrary stoppage of their salaries, and operating the council without compliance with due process.
“After meeting with the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and various stakeholders in Abuochiche, the committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the committee chairman said while presenting the findings.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the evidence before us supports her removal.”
The report further noted that the committee’s visit to Bekwarra provided additional clarity.
“Community members and officials gave testimonies that reinforced the concerns raised in the petition,” the chairman also added.
Adopting the recommendations, the House resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the assembly’s commitment to accountability, adding that “this House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State.”
