The political tension in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State has deepened after the ousted female council chairman accused powerful forces of persecuting her following her removal from office. She claims that since her exit, she has faced intimidation, exclusion from political activities, and sustained pressure aimed at silencing her voice.

According to her, the crisis is not just about politics but about what she described as an attempt to punish her for standing her ground on issues of transparency and accountability. She alleged that some individuals are determined to erase her influence from the local political space, using administrative actions and personal attacks to weaken her position.

The former chairman warned that the ongoing actions could damage democratic values at the grassroots level, stressing that leadership should be based on fairness, due process, and respect for the rule of law. She called on relevant authorities to look into her claims and ensure that justice is not sacrificed for political convenience.

Residents and civil society groups are now watching closely as the situation unfolds, urging calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation. Many believe that how the matter is handled will shape future political participation, especially for women seeking leadership roles at the local level.