Governor Bassey Otu has sworn in Egbung Odama as the acting chairman of Bekwarra LGA, charging him with fostering unity and peace in the area.

The swearing-in followed the suspension of the elected LG chairman, Theresa Ushie, by the Cross River House of Assembly.

Mr Otu, during the occasion in Calabar on Monday, also charged Mr Odama to collaborate with the community stakeholders as well as the legislative aims of the council.

He explained that disunity at the grassroots level poses a threat to effective governance and service delivery.

Mr Otu, however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to “people-first, service-oriented leadership across the state”.

In his remark, the Bekwarra LG acting chairman pledged to lead with integrity, urgency, and inclusiveness.

He expressed appreciation to the governors for the confidence reposed in him and promised to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to unite the people and drive development.

Ms Ushie was suspended for 90 days by the parliament following a petition by the council’s legislative arm that bothered on alleged administrative lapses.

The parliament subsequently passed a resolution suspending Ms Ushie and directed the swearing-in of her deputy as acting chair to ensure continuity in governance and service delivery.

(NAN)