Cross River LG Chairman impeached over alleged misconduct

The Bekwarra Council’s Legislative arm unanimously voted to impeach Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, on March 20, 2025 over alleged misconduct.

According to a statement from Council Leader Hon. Thompson Inah, the impeachment was based on allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of public office.

This impeachment notice, in line with Cross River State Local Government Law (Part II, Section 12, Subsections 1 and 2), was signed by nine out of ten councillors representing the ten wards of Bekwarra Council.

Councillors accused the Chairman of hindering development in Bekwarra and undermining the development agenda of the administration led by Peoples First Governor, Prince Bassey Otu.

The council leader noted issues of mismanagement, authoritarian governance, and significant regression, which have allegedly led to the misuse of public funds by the Chairperson.

ALSO READ: Kaduna govt injects over N100bn to ensure steady water supply  — Commissioner

Attempts to contact the Chairman for her comments on the impeachment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to phone calls.

In response to pressing issues in Bekwarra Local Government Area, the Cross River State Government has called an emergency meeting with key stakeholders at the Governor’s Office in Calabar on March 24, 2025, at 10am

Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, has instructed political and administrative leaders to attend.

Erasmus Ekpang, the Commissioner for Information, announced on Wednesday that the meeting is essential for addressing recent developments in the local government, and all invited individuals are required to attend.

Attendees are expected to include the State Chairman and Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government, and all current ward councillors in the area.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE