C’River LG Chairman Theresa Ushie impeached over misconduct allegations

The Legislative Council of Bekwarra Local Government Area has removed its chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, from office over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

Announcing the decision on March 20, 2025, the Council Leader, Hon. Thompson Inah, stated that Ushie’s administration had hampered development and was not in line with Governor Prince Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda.

The councillors accused Ushie, popularly called the Queen of Bekwarra Nation, of maladministration, financial mismanagement, and governance lapses. Among the specific allegations were a lack of transparency in revenue management, unauthorized execution of projects, and reported physical altercations involving her and her family. They also claimed councillors lacked proper office spaces, salaries were channeled through an inaccessible bank, and Christmas palliatives meant for residents were misappropriated.

Efforts to reconcile the differences, including interventions from key stakeholders, reportedly failed as the chairman allegedly refused to address the concerns. With nine out of ten councillors backing the impeachment, the decision was carried out in accordance with the Cross River State Local Government Law.

A formal notice has been forwarded to relevant state authorities, including Governor Bassey Otu and Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.