In a significant political shake-up, the Legislative Arm of Bekwarra Local Government Area has impeached the council 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 the chairman’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 maladministration, financial misappropriation, and a breakdown in governance.
Specific grievances included a lack of transparency in revenue management, execution of unilateral projects, and alleged physical confrontations involving her and her family members.
Among the most contentious allegations were claims that councillors were denied proper office spaces, salaries were funneled through an inaccessible bank, and Christmas palliatives meant for residents were mismanaged.
Despite multiple stakeholder interventions, attempts at reconciliation reportedly failed.
The impeachment, signed by nine out of ten councillors, was executed under the Cross River State Local Government Law, with a formal notification sent to Governor Bassey Otu and Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
Amid the unfolding crisis, the state government has summoned an emergency meeting of political and administrative stakeholders on March 24, 2025, to discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor has ordered that the status quo before the crisis be maintained, raising uncertainty about the leadership of Bekwarra LGA.
Efforts by Guardian online to reach Hon. Ushie for her response were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls.
