The Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday removed Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, 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 eight councillors petitioned the Assembly, accusing 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 had suspended Ushie for 90 days, directing Vice Chairman Egbung Odama to act in her stead while a full-scale investigation was conducted.
During Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, 19 of the 25 lawmakers voted in favour of the committee’s recommendations, confirming Ushie’s removal.
Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman said investigations, including engagements with petitioners, Ushie, and community members in Abuochiche, substantiated the allegations. “After meeting with all parties and reviewing evidence, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the Chairman said.
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Following her removal, the Assembly directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position and restore normalcy to the council.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to transparency and good governance, stating, “This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty guides our actions to the people of Cross River State.”
Attempts to reach Ushie for comment were unsuccessful as her phone lines were unreachable.