Cross River lawmakers sack Bekwarra LG chair

The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, after an investigation confirmed several allegations of misconduct against her.

Her removal came on Wednesday during plenary in Calabar, where 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the recommendations submitted by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.

The development began on June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. In the petition, dated May 19, 2025, the councillors accused Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of their salaries, and violating due process in the administration of the council.

Following the petition, the Assembly immediately suspended Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to step in as acting chairman while a full investigation was conducted.

During its work, the committee visited Abuochiche, the headquarters of the local government, and held sessions with the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and community members. According to the committee’s report presented on the floor of the House, the allegations were confirmed during these engagements.

“After meeting with all parties and reviewing the evidence presented, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the Committee Chairman said while delivering the findings.

With the House adopting the report, Ushie’s removal has now been formalised, ending months of inquiry into the leadership crisis in Bekwarra Local Government Council.