Cross River Assembly Suspends LG Chairman, Theresa Ushie For Three Months

Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Theresa Ushie, the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, for three months following accusations of misconduct and misuse of public funds.

The decision came after members of the Bekwarra Legislative Council submitted a petition against her.

A statement by Matthew Okache, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, said the suspension was approved during a plenary session on Tuesday in Calabar.

Lawmakers said they acted based on Section 14(3) of the state’s local government law.

It stated, “In a resolution passed on the floor of the House, the Assembly directed that Hon. Theresa Ushie step aside for 90 days to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations without interference.

“The Assembly considered and upheld the impeachment notice submitted by eight out of ten councilors from the Bekwarra Legislative Council.

“The petition, dated May 19, 2025, accused Hon. Ushie of financial misappropriation, administrative highhandedness, and gross abuse of power, alleging that she had consistently undermined due process and the rule of law in the discharge of her duties.”

The House also instructed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to take over as Acting Chairman during the suspension period. He has been tasked with keeping the council stable and running smoothly.

Speaker Elvert Ayambem said the move was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability at the local level.

He also directed the House committees on Judiciary and Public Petitions to begin a thorough investigation and submit their findings before the suspension ends.

“I charge the House committees on Judiciary and public petition to commence a thorough investigation into the allegations and report their findings within the suspension window”, he added.

Efforts to get a response from Theresa Ushie were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to her went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

KanyiDaily recalls that the National Judicial Council (NJC) recently ordered Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma to reverse the appointment of Theophilus Nzeukwu as the state’s acting Chief Judge.