CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – A major political showdown has erupted in Bekwarra Local Government as nine out of ten councilors have formally initiated impeachment proceedings against the Executive Chairman, Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, citing financial secrecy, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, the councilors detailed multiple allegations against Ushie, accusing her of sidelining legislators, mismanaging funds, and engaging in acts of intimidation.
The impeachment petition, submitted through the House Committee on Local Government Affairs, invokes the Cross River State Local Government Law (Part II, Section 12, Sub-sections (1) and (2). Key Allegations Against the Chairman:
Financial Secrecy & Lack of Transparency
The legislators claim they have not received any financial reports on the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) since the chairman took office. They also accuse her of establishing revenue checkpoints without proper accountability.
Unilateral Execution of Projects
The chairman allegedly embarked on selective road grading and borehole drilling to mark her 100 days in office, bypassing legislative input and ignoring key areas in need of development.
Communication Breakdown
The lawmakers say they have not held a single official meeting with the chairman since the administration began, creating a governance gap between the executive and legislative arms of the council.
Harassment and Intimidation: The Leader of Council, Hon. Thompson Inah Adie, alleges that he faced repeated harassment from the chairman and her family members. At one point, his phone number was blacklisted for two months.
Physical Assault on Councilors: The chairman’s brothers allegedly assaulted council members, both in public and private settings, a situation described as “a recurring pattern of intimidation.”
Banking FavouritismÂ
The councilors accuse the chairman of forcing them to open salary accounts with Jaiz Bank, a financial institution without a branch in Cross River State, leaving them unable to access their wages conveniently.
Mismanagement of Christmas Palliatives: While the state government allocated 200 bags of rice to Bekwarra LGA for festive relief, the chairman reportedly distributed only 40 bags per ward and gave councilors just two cups of rice each, without any financial support. Meanwhile, other LGAs in Cross River North received more than 100 bags per ward and additional funds.
Poor Working Conditions: The council chamber and councilors’ offices remain in a state of neglect, with repeated requests for improvements ignored by the chairman.
Refusal to Reconcile Differences
Stakeholders, including Ada Bekwarra II, organized two reconciliation meetings to resolve governance issues, but the chairman snubbed both invitations and responded with hostility.
Neglect of Party Members: The legislators also criticized Ushie for dismissing concerns over the bereavement of party faithful, allegedly stating that “such matters are the party’s responsibility, not hers.”
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Call for Action
With these allegations, the councilors have urged the Cross River State House of Assembly to intervene and uphold democratic accountability. Hon. Thompson Inah Adie, Leader of the Council, signed the impeachment notice alongside key legislative figures, including Deputy Leader Hon. Ejugu Godwin Odey, Majority Leader Hon. Okaba Philip Ogar, and Chief Whip Hon. Inah Patric Odey.
The impeachment motion has now been forwarded to state authorities, including Governor Basey Edet Out, Deputy Governor Peter Odey, and the APC State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba.
The political crisis is expected to escalate in the coming days as all eyes turn to Calabar, where the state assembly will determine the next steps in this high-stakes power struggle.
Signatories of the Impeachment Petition
Hon. Thompson Inah Adie – Leader of Council, Hon. Ejugu Godwin Odey – Deputy Leader of Council, Hon. Okaba Philip Ogar – Majority Leader, Hon. Inah Patric Odey – Chief Whip and Hon. Ugan Angela Akpana – Deputy Majority Leader.
Others include Hon. Jonathan Ekpang N. – Chairman, Committee on Works, Hon. Acha Michael Oko – Chairman, Committee on Finance & Appropriation, Hon. Ekunke Theresa Uke – Chairman, Committee on Health and Hon. Ogar Joseph Ede – Chairman, Committee on Agriculture.
The political atmosphere in Bekwarra remains tense as stakeholders await the chairman’s response and the Assembly’s verdict.