Cross River Assembly Sacks LG Chair Over Gross Misconduct

The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, from office over substantiated allegations of gross misconduct.

Dependable NG reports that the removal followed the adoption of the full report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar.

The process began on June 10,2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. The petition accused the suspended LG boss of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and violation of due process in the administration of 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 final removal was approved 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 clearly 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.”