The Cross River State House of Assembly has ordered a three-month suspension of Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, amid allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative misconduct.
The move follows a formal petition submitted by nine out of ten councillors from the local government, who accused Ushie of corruption, abuse of office, and failure to pay their salaries, among other issues. The matter was escalated to the State Assembly, Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy, and the state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a resolution adopted after deliberations with relevant stakeholders, including the governor, Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and the APC state chairman, the Assembly concluded that a temporary suspension was necessary to allow for proper investigation.
The Speaker cited Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law 2025 as the legal basis for the suspension.
In the interim, Vice Chairman Hon. Egbung Odama has been appointed to oversee the council’s affairs as acting chairman.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has set up a panel to investigate the claims brought forward by the councillors, with findings expected to inform any further actions.
