The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken decisive action against Bekwarra Local Government Area Chairman, Theresa Ushie, suspending her for three months following serious allegations of misconduct. The suspension stems from a petition filed by eight out of ten councilors from the Bekwarra Legislative Council, accusing Ushie of financial misappropriation, administrative highhandedness, and gross abuse of power. These councilors allege a pattern of disregard for due process and the rule of law in Ushie’s execution of her duties. The House of Assembly’s decision underscores their commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within local governance. The suspension effectively removes Ushie from her position, paving the way for an independent investigation into the accusations without potential interference from the accused.
The suspension, announced during a plenary session in Calabar, is grounded in Section 14(3) of the Cross River State Local Government Law. This legal provision empowers the House of Assembly to intervene in cases involving alleged misconduct by local government officials. By invoking this section, the Assembly has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that local government administration adheres to legal and ethical standards. The three-month suspension provides a defined timeframe for the investigation to be conducted and for a determination to be made regarding the validity of the accusations.
The House of Assembly, in its commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the continued functioning of the Bekwarra Local Government Area, has directed Vice Chairman Egbung Odama to assume the role of Acting Chairman for the duration of Ushie’s suspension. Odama is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the council and ensuring that essential services are provided to the community uninterrupted. This temporary leadership transition aims to minimize disruption and uphold the principles of good governance during the investigation period.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the Assembly’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and effective governance at the local level, explaining the rationale behind the suspension. He affirmed that the action was taken not as a pre-judgment of Ushie’s guilt or innocence, but as a necessary step to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the serious allegations leveled against her. Ayambem stressed that the suspension provides an opportunity to gather evidence and ascertain the truth of the matter without any undue influence.
To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the House of Assembly has assigned the responsibility to its committees on Judiciary and Public Petition. These committees are mandated to meticulously examine the allegations outlined in the petition and gather all relevant evidence. The Assembly has set a clear deadline, coinciding with the three-month suspension period, for these committees to complete their investigation and present their findings. This timeframe underscores the Assembly’s commitment to resolving the matter expeditiously and transparently.
Attempts to reach Ushie for comment regarding the allegations and her suspension have been unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to her have gone unanswered. This lack of response prevents the inclusion of her perspective on the situation at this time. As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial to uphold the principles of due process and presume innocence until proven guilty. The findings of the House of Assembly’s committees will be instrumental in determining the appropriate course of action following the suspension period.
