C’River Assembly fires LG Chair over alleged misconduct

The Cross River State House of Assembly has dismissed Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, following allegations of gross misconduct. 

The decision came after the House adopted the report of its Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.

The issue dates back to June 10, 2025, when eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council filed a petition accusing Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and violations of due process in council administration.

In response to the petition, the Assembly had initially suspended Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to act as council chairman while a full-scale investigation was conducted by the committee.

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 Chairman said.

“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.”

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.

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