Bekwara LG Chairman Sacked Over Gross Misconduct

Bekwara LG Chairman Sacked Over Gross Misconduct

The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed Mrs Theresa Ushie as Chairman of Bekwara Local Government Area, following allegations of gross misconduct. The decision was made during a plenary session, after the House adopted the investigative report of the Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution.

The Committee, led by Rt Hon Davies Etta, found Ushie guilty of corruption, abuse of power, and running the council like a sole administrator. The allegations included arbitrary stoppage of councillors' salaries and failure to submit monthly income and expenditure reports to the Legislative Council.

Members of the House described Ushie's behavior as "unfortunate" and "alarming", noting that she disregarded laws governing the office. 

The House relied on the Cross River State Local Government Law, which allows for removal of officials found guilty of misconduct by a 2/3 majority vote.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, said Ushie's removal aims to restore transparency and accountability in local government administration.

 The House has directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacancy.