From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Theresa Ushie, for a period of three months.
Her suspension followed a petition and resolution jointly submitted by nine out of the ten councillors from the LGA, who accused the chairman of corruption, abuse of power, and withholding councilors’ salaries, among other allegations.
The development was contained in a statement dated June 10 and issued to Triumph by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the decision to suspend Ushie was in line with the provisions of Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law 2025.
It was gathered that this is not the first time the councillors have taken action against the chairman. About three months ago, they attempted to impeach her but were unsuccessful.
They later escalated their complaints to the State Assembly, the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, his deputy, and the state chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following a meeting involving the councillors, the governor, the speaker, the APC state chairman, and other stakeholders, the House resolved to suspend the chairman for three months.
According to the statement, the Vice Chairman of Bekwarra LGA, Hon. Egbung Odama, will assume office in acting capacity during the suspension period.
Meanwhile, the House has also constituted an investigative committee to probe the allegations levelled against Hon. Ushie by the councillors.