Cross River Assembly Removes Bekwarra LGA Chair, Theresa Ushie, Over Alleged Misconduct

The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Theresa Ushie, following findings of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial irregularities.

The decision came after lawmakers adopted the report of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, which had earlier been mandated to investigate a petition submitted by councillors of the Bekwarra Local Government Area. During plenary, 19 out of the 25 members of the Assembly voted in favour of her removal, sealing the end of Ushie’s tenure.

According to the committee’s report, the allegations against the chairman included corruption, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, violation of due process, and general mismanagement of council affairs.

The committee stated that it interacted with all parties involved — including councillors who filed the petition, community stakeholders, and Ushie herself — before reaching its conclusion that the accusations were “weighty and established.”

This development follows Ushie’s earlier 90-day suspension in June, when the same Assembly directed her Vice Chairman to assume leadership while the investigation progressed.

The suspension was triggered by several complaints from within the council, particularly regarding financial management and administrative conduct.

With her removal now formalized, the House has directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.

The decision is expected to usher in a new phase of political activity in Bekwarra, as stakeholders prepare for a fresh contest for the council’s top seat.

The removal marks one of the most decisive actions taken by the Assembly in recent months, signalling a stronger stance toward accountability at the local government level.