In a dramatic political shake-up, the Legislative Arm of Bekwarra Local Government Area has unanimously impeached the council chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Announcing the decision on March 20, 2025, the Council Leader, Hon. Thompson Inah, stated that the chairman’s leadership had stifled development and undermined the “People First” agenda of Governor Prince Bassey Otu.

The councillors accused Ushie, who is popularly called the Queen of Bekwarra Nation, of maladministration, financial misappropriation, and a breakdown in governance, citing a list of grievances, including secrecy in revenue management, lack of transparency, unilateral projects, and physical confrontations involving her and her family members.

Among the most controversial allegations were claims that councillors were denied proper office spaces, salaries were funnelled through an inaccessible bank, and Christmas palliatives meant for the people were allegedly mismanaged. Attempts at reconciliation, including stakeholder interventions, were reportedly ignored by the chairman.

The Impeachment, signed by nine out of ten councillors, was carried out under the Cross River State Local Government Law. A formal notification has been sent to key state government officials, including Governor Bassey Out and Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

Meanwhile, the state government has summoned an emergency meeting of political and administrative stakeholders on March 24, 2025, to address the unfolding crisis.

The Acting Governor has ordered that the “status quo before the crisis” be maintained, raising questions about what comes next for Bekwarra’s embattled leadership.

Efforts to reach Hon. Ushie for her reaction were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls. (The Guardian)