The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Theresa Ushie, Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area for three months following allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office leveled against her by councilors from her local government.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday in Calabar, after the lawmakers adopted a resolution invoking Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, the suspension will last 90 days to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations without undue interference.
The legislative action followed a petition submitted by eight of the ten councilors in the Bekwarra Legislative Council. Dated May 19, 2025, the petition accused Ushie of “administrative highhandedness, consistent disregard for due process, financial misappropriation, and gross abuse of power.”
The Assembly also ratified the impeachment notice presented against the LG Chair and directed the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, to immediately assume leadership of the council in acting capacity during the suspension period.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly’s decision reflects its resolve to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in local governance.
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“We owe it to the people to act swiftly and firmly on any allegations that threaten the trust reposed in government.
The committees on Judiciary and Public Petitions have been mandated to investigate and present a report within the 90-day period,” Ayambem said.
Attempts to reach the suspended chairman for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her phone went unanswered as of press time.
The development comes amid renewed calls for increased scrutiny of local government administrations across the country, with civil society groups urging stronger institutional checks against corruption and abuse of office at the grassroots.