The Cross River State House of Assembly has officially suspended Hon. Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, for a period of three months following serious allegations of abuse of office and financial misappropriation.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, on Friday. The decision, according to the Assembly, was made in line with Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law, to ensure an independent investigation into the matter without undue interference.
“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 statement read.
The Assembly considered and upheld an impeachment notice signed by eight out of ten councilors from the Bekwarra Legislative Council. In the petition dated May 19, 2025, Ushie was accused of financial misappropriation, administrative highhandedness, and gross abuse of power, including claims that she frequently disregarded due process and the rule of law in the discharge of her duties.
In the interim, the Assembly directed the Vice Chairman of Bekwarra LGA, Egbung Odama, to assume the role of Acting Chairman to ensure the smooth and effective administration of the council.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, emphasized that the decision reflects the Assembly’s dedication to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level.
“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,” the Speaker stated.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to justice, assuring that all findings from the probe would guide further legislative actions on the matter.