C’River Assembly sacks LG chair, orders by-election

FILE PHOTO: Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct. The decision followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.

The matter dates back to June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra legislative council. The petition accused Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries, and violation of due process in council administration.

Acting on the petition, the Assembly initially suspended Ushie for 90 days and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to serve in an acting capacity while the committee conducted a full investigation.

Ushie’s removal was approved during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, after 19 of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the committee’s recommendations.

Presenting the findings, the committee chairman said the allegations, contained in a petition dated May 19, 2025, were substantiated through 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 conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the testimonies received during our visit to Bekwarra reinforced the concerns raised,” he said.

Following the adoption of the report, the Assembly resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct. Lawmakers further directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a by-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.

In his remarks, Speaker Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to probity and good governance. “This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our actions are guided by our duty to the people of Cross River State,” he said.

Attempts to reach Ushie for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone lines were reportedly unreachable.

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