₦airaland Forum

The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct, Very Nigerian reports.

This follows the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions.

The development traces back to June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council accusing the suspended council 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 had 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 removal was approved during Wednesday’s plenary in Calabar, 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 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.”

Adopting the report, the Assembly resolved that Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.

The lawmakers further 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.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to probity and good governance.

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

When contacted for comments, Ushie’s phone lines were unreachable.

IbomFinest:
Does the state house of Assembly have any constitutional rights to suspend a duly elected Local government chairman? What then is the function of the local government councilors?

spencekat:
What did this woman really do?, She was suspended twice and now this. Does the house have the power to sack her? 9ja na jungle. Instead of masterminding her impeachment and let the Vice take her position, those house members are calling for a bye election to fill her position.

IbomFinest:
Does the state house of Assembly have any constitutional rights to suspend a duly elected Local government chairman? What then is the function of the local government councilors?

tunjijones:
Why are women that are in power always power drunk?

nwakibe:
My dear, this country is gone.
I'm yet to see the section of our constitution that empowers the house of Assembly to suspend a duely elected LG Chairman

spencekat:
Nonsense House of assembly. If they really want her out, they suppose to use the councillors to impeach her, instead of this non- constitutionally sack.

nwakibe:
My dear, this country is gone.
I'm yet to see the section of our constitution that empowers the house of Assembly to suspend a duely elected LG Chairman

Newsgeek24:
https://verynigerian.com/criver-assembly-fires-lg-chair-over-alleged-misconduct/

Kelklein:
LG chairmen across the country are like aides to the governors, as they were handpicked to serve the governors' interests in the local government and by that are expected to conform to the requirements of running the Joint Accounts..

Once you don't conform or you try to prove smart, you are removed in the next second.

IbomFinest:
Does the state house of Assembly have any constitutional rights to suspend a duly elected Local government chairman? What then is the function of the local government councilors?

spencekat:
Nonsense House of assembly. If they really want her out, they suppose to use the councillors to impeach her, instead of this non- constitutionally sack.

Exousiang01:
The councilors don't have the power to do so, that was why they went to the State Assembly

Lamasta:
Is this what the constitution say or what you say yourself

Newsgeek24:
https://verynigerian.com/criver-assembly-fires-lg-chair-over-alleged-misconduct/