The Cross River House of Assembly has announced the removal of Theresa Ushie as the chairman, Bekwarra Local Government Council.

Her removal followed the house’s adoption of the report of its committee on judiciary and public petitions on Wednesday.

At the sitting of the assembly, 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in favour of Ms Ushie’s removal over allegations of misconduct and administrative recklessness.

It would be recalled that on June 10, the assembly received a petition from eight councillors from the council who alleged issues of misconduct against the chairman.

The councillors had accused the chairman of corruption, misuse of authority, stoppage of salaries and violation of due process.

The house had suspended Ms Ushie for 90 days and directed the vice chairman, Egbung Odama, to take charge of the council’s administration.

Meanwhile, the House committee report stated that the petition against Ms Ushie raised serious concerns about financial misconduct in the council’s administration.

The committee further said that the allegations though weighty, were substantiated through a rigorous investigation process.

In their decision, the legislators directed the Cross River Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacancy.

In his reaction, the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, reiterated the House’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

He said that the assembly would continue to uphold the law and protect the interests of the state and its people.

(NAN)