Theresa Ushie,
The Legislative Arm of Bekwarra Local Government Area has removed its chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Announcing the decision on March 20, 2025, Council Leader Hon. Thompson Inah stated that Ushie’s leadership had stifled development and undermined Governor Prince Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda.
The councillors accused Ushie, popularly known as the Queen of Bekwarra Nation, of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and administrative high-handedness.
Specific allegations included secrecy in revenue management, unilateral execution of projects, and confrontations involving her and her family members.
One of the key grievances was the denial of proper office spaces for councillors, delays in salary payments through an inaccessible bank, and the alleged mismanagement of Christmas palliatives meant for the community.
Attempts at reconciliation, including interventions from key stakeholders, reportedly failed.
The impeachment process was carried out under the Cross River State Local Government Law, with nine out of ten councillors signing the resolution.
A formal notice has been sent to Governor Bassey Otu and Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
In response, the state government has scheduled an emergency meeting on March 24, 2025, to address the crisis.
The Acting Governor has directed that the “status quo before the crisis” be maintained, leaving uncertainty about the next steps in Bekwarra’s leadership.
Attempts to obtain a response from Hon. Ushie were unsuccessful, as she did not return calls.
