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Tag: #Theresa Ushie

  • Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

    Bekwarra LG Crisis: Acting Governor Odey Brokers Peace Between Chairman And Councillors

     

    Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, has intervened in the political crisis unfolding in Bekwarra Local Government Area following the impeachment notice issued to Council Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ushie, by the councillors.

    On March 20, 2025, nine out of ten councillors initiated impeachment proceedings against the council Chairman of Bekwarra LG, Hon Theresa Ushie, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and abuse of office. The accusation deepened as accusations of unilateral decision-making and poor communication between the executive and legislative arms dominated discourse at the meeting.

    Responding swiftly, Acting Governor Odey convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting on March 24, 2025, followed by a second session on March 28, 2025, at his temporary office in the Glass House, Calabar.

    After extensive deliberations, it was observed that the crisis primarily stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the Chairman and the Councillors. Acknowledging this, Hon. Ushie offered an apology for any lapses and reaffirmed her commitment to working harmoniously with the legislators and other stakeholders in the local government.

    In his address, Acting Governor Odey urged all political stakeholders to set aside their differences and focus on governance and service delivery to the people of Bekwarra. He emphasized the need for due process, collaboration, and dialogue in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective communication and inclusiveness should be prioritized to prevent future disputes.

    Acting Governor Odey, leveraging his experience as a former UNDP advisor and legislator, adopted a family-oriented approach to resolving the crisis but cautioned that such interventions may not always be available. He called on all public officeholders to be proactive in their duties and embrace dialogue and consultation as essential tools for conflict resolution.

    Concluding, He stressed that impeachment should not be trivialized or used as a political weapon, as it is meant to be a last resort

    In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, emphasized the importance of peace and unity. They urged stakeholders to support the State Governor’s “People First” mantra, noting that no society thrives in a disharmonious environment.

    Also present at the reconciliatory meeting were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix-Idem; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere; Head of Personal Staff to the Acting Governor, Dr. Chris Ojiokpong, Bekwarra LG APC Chapter Chairman, Thomas Odama, and the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, among others.

    Fred Abua, Esq.,
    Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
    28/03/2025

  • The Purported Impeachment Of Chairman Theresa Ushie By The Councillors Of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Can Not Stand BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The Purported Impeachment Of Chairman Theresa Ushie By The Councillors Of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Can Not Stand BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    The acts of impunity being perpetuated by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council under the guise of deep-seated illegality are outrageous and must be condemned unreservedly.

    The purported impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council, carried out without the slightest regard for due process as outlined in the Cross River State Local Government laws, is scandalous and cannot stand.

    The removal of a Chairman is a serious matter, and the law has been designed to ensure fairness and transparency. According to the law, the Chairman must first be furnished with a Notice of Allegation, signed by at least one-third of the councillors. This Notice must be served on the Chairman to inform them of the allegations and provide an opportunity for defense.

    Even after the Chairman has defended themselves—or failed to do so—the councillors must secure a two-thirds majority vote to appoint a panel to investigate the allegations. Only if the panel finds the Chairman guilty can the councillors proceed with impeachment.

    In this case, however, Chairman Theresa Ushie was never furnished with any Notice of Allegation. Instead, she discovered scurrilous allegations against her on Facebook, accompanied by the shocking claim that she had been impeached.

    This is a travesty of justice. All people of goodwill must rise to condemn this kangaroo impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie. It is an egregious act of injustice and blackmail, orchestrated by mediocre politicians seeking to intimidate her.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.