By Awhawha Awhawha
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairperson of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, for a period of 90 days.
The suspension follows a petition signed by eight out of ten councilors in the LG’s legislative council, accusing her of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and administrative high-handedness.
The petition, dated May 19, 2025, prompted swift legislative action.
Relying on Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law, the House emphasized the need for an impartial investigation, free from potential interference.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem announced that the Vice Chairman, Egbung Odama, has been directed to act in Ushie’s stead while committees on Judiciary and Public Petitions carry out the probe.
The House insists the move reflects its zero-tolerance stance on alleged misconduct in public office.
The Assembly has tasked the investigative panels to report back within the suspension window.
Political observers say the outcome could set a precedent for how local government accountability is handled in the state.