The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Theresa Ushie, after members of the LG legislative council filed a petition against her over an alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.

As contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, Theresa was suspended on Tuesday, during a plenary in Calabar, for three months.

According to the lawmakers, the allegations against her contradicts the Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law.

The house clarified that, following the petition which was filed on May 19, 2025, the Honorable was to step aside for the said period so investigation would be carried out.

The statement read; “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.”

Furthermore, the house agreed that Ushie’s Vice, Egbung Odama, would act as the chairman for the period she would be out of office. He was mandated to resume immediately and ensure there is stability and effective running of the council.

The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, clarified that the action was mandatory to ensure continuous transparency, accountability, and good governance in the assembly. He further directed immediate investigation into the allegation.

No official statement from the suspended honorable could be gotten at the time of reporting this.