The Cross River State House of Assembly has dismissed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, after finding her liable for alleged gross misconduct.
Her removal came after lawmakers adopted the report submitted by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
The issue dates back to June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council accusing the suspended chairman of corruption, abuse of office, unlawfully stopping councillors’ salaries, and breaching due process in running the council.
Acting on the petition, the Assembly immediately suspended Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to assume office in an acting capacity while the committee undertook a full-scale investigation.
Ushie’s removal was approved during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, after 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the committee’s recommendations, sealing her fate after months of inquiry.
Presenting its findings, the chairman of the committee disclosed that the allegations contained in the petition dated May 19, 2025, were substantiated during engagements with stakeholders in Abuochiche, including the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and 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 chairman said.
