The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially removed Theresa Ushie, the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, following allegations of gross misconduct.
The decision was reached after the Assembly adopted a report submitted by its Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.
The case traces back to June 10, 2025, when eight councillors of the Bekwarra legislative council petitioned the Assembly, accusing Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary suspension of councillors’ salaries, and breaches of due process in council administration.
In response to the petition, Ushie was initially suspended for 90 days, during which Vice Chairman Egbung Odama was appointed acting chairman pending a full investigation.
During Wednesday’s plenary session in Calabar, 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favor of the committee’s recommendations to remove Ushie from office.
The committee chairman explained that the allegations, originally submitted on May 19, 2025, were substantiated through consultations with the petitioners, Ushie, and local stakeholders in Abuochiche.
“After engaging all parties and reviewing the evidence, the committee determined that the allegations were serious and well-founded. The chairman’s conduct fell below the standards expected of her office,” he said.
Following her removal, the Assembly directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CRSIEC) to organize a by-election within 30 days to fill the vacancy.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
“This House will always defend probity and uphold the law. Our actions reflect our responsibility to the people of Cross River State,” he said.
Efforts to reach Ushie for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone lines were reportedly unreachable.
