The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Theresa Ushie, who is the Chairperson of Bekwarra Local Government Area, for three months. This happened after some members of the Bekwarra Legislative Council complained that she abused her power and mishandled public money.

The decision was shared in a statement by Matthew Okache, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker. The suspension follows a specific law in the Cross River State Local Government Act.

The statement in part reads

“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.”

During the suspension, the Vice Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government, Egbung Odama, will take over as Acting Chairman. He is responsible for keeping things stable and making sure the council works well during this period.

The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said that the Assembly’s action is to support transparency, accountability, and good leadership at the local government 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” he added