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 following an indictment for gross misconduct.

The removal was ratified during the Assembly’s plenary session on Wednesday in Calabar, where 19 out of the 25 lawmakers voted in favor of adopting the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.

According to The Punch, the legislative action stems from a petition dated June 10, 2025, submitted by eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. The councillors accused Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, violation of due process, and the “arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries”.

Prior to her removal, the Assembly had suspended Ushie for 90 days to allow for a thorough investigation, directing the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to act in her stead.

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While presenting the committee’s findings, the Chairman of the Committee disclosed that the allegations were substantiated after engagements with stakeholders in Abuochiche.

“After meeting with all parties and reviewing evidence, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the Committee Chairman stated.

He further remarked, “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”.

Following the vote, the Assembly directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacancy.

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The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the legislature’s commitment to good governance.

“This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty guides our actions to the people of Cross River State,” Ayambem said.

Ushie was reportedly unreachable for comment at the time of the announcement.