The political tension in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State, escalated on Monday as Governor Bassey Otu prepared to swear in Hon. Egbung Odama Egbung as the new Executive Chairman. Egbung, who had been serving as acting chairman, is set to take the oath of office today, January 5, 2026, following the removal of the elected chairman, Mrs. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, over a month ago.

Ushie was initially suspended for three months in early 2025, a term later extended by the State House of Assembly. During her suspension, her deputy, Egbung, assumed office in an acting capacity, with backing from the Assembly.

The planned swearing-in faced delays of about two weeks amid public outcry, legal threats, and controversy surrounding Ushie’s impeachment by 17 councillors for alleged financial mismanagement, administrative misconduct, and high-handedness.

A purported resignation letter from Ushie surfaced, but she disowned the document, claiming it was forged. She also accused the State House of Assembly of orchestrating her removal—a charge denied by the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem.

In an interview with DAILY POST, Ushie described her ouster as persecution fueled by gender bias.

“I don’t feel happy at all. What they are doing is unfair, illegal, and an abuse of power. All this is because I am a woman,” she said, asserting that her mandate from the people of Bekwarra remains valid.

She claimed hostility toward her leadership began immediately after her election, with some stakeholders uncomfortable with having a woman as council chairman. Ushie also accused the Speaker of intolerance toward female leaders, citing an alleged prior incident involving Mrs. Mercy Nsor, chairman of Ikom Local Government Area.

While acknowledging a letter she wrote to Governor Otu on December 8, 2025, Ushie insisted it did not constitute a legal resignation. She argued that under Nigeria’s Interpretation Act, a resignation to the Governor is legally defective since she was elected by the people, not appointed by the executive.

Ushie also highlighted contradictions in the Assembly’s actions—initially citing impeachment for misconduct, then later claiming a resignation letter justified her removal—raising questions about due process.

In response, Speaker Ayambem maintained that Ushie’s removal followed proper procedure. He explained that an investigative committee indicted her for gross misconduct and emphasized that the House acted transparently and in the interest of the state and its citizens, justifying the swearing-in of the deputy chairman.