…Orders Bye-Election Within 30 Days
By Musa Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Theresa Ushie, following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions. Her removal was affirmed after 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in support during the plenary.
Hon. Ushie’s issue began on June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. After initial debate, the House suspended Hon. Ushie for 90 days and mandated the Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, to act in her stead while the Committee conducted a full investigation.
Presenting the report, the Committee stated that the petition dated May 19, 2025, raised serious concerns about how the council was being run.
According to the report, the councillors accused the suspended chairman of corruption, misuse of authority, arbitrary stoppage of salaries and operating the council without compliance with due process.
“After meeting with the petitioners, the suspended chairman and various stakeholders in Abuochiche, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the Committee Chairman said while presenting the findings.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office and the evidence before us supports her removal,” he said.
The report noted that the Committee’s visit to Bekwarra provided additional clarity.
“Community members and officials gave testimonies that reinforced the concerns raised in the petition,” the Chairman added.
Adopting the recommendations, the House resolved that Hon. Theresa Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
The Assembly also directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.
In his closing remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to accountability:
“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State.”
