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Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, a legal luminary has disclosed that the purported removal by the Cross River State House of Assembly, (CRHA) of the elected Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Mrs. Theresa Ushie, and the ordering of a bye-election to replace her, is patently illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
He made the statement over the outcome of the deliberations Assembly.
According to him, “The Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws for the peace, stability, and good governance of Cross River State, it has no jurisdiction to stray into the constitutional boundaries of the judicial branch by sitting as a court of law while simultaneously acting as accuser, prosecutor, and judge over Mrs. Ushie.
“Such conduct is an affront to the principle of separation of powers that establishes the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government. It is a sad commentary that a CRHA would arrogate to itself powers not provided under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), behaving, metaphorically, like a bull in a shop filled to the brim with delicate china wares.
“I therefore urge Mrs. Ushie to seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction to set aside this naked, draconian, and authoritarian display of power which the Cross River State House of Assembly clearly does not possess.
“In conclusion, the rule of law—not political expediency—must prevail. Any action taken outside constitutional authority is destined to collapse under judicial scrutiny, and this situation should be no exception”. Said Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
It could be recalled that, in a statement by Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, CRHA, that the House removes Hon. Theresa Ushie as Bekwarra LG Chair, Orders Bye-Election Within 30 Days.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Theresa Ushie, following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions headed by Rt. Hon. Davies Eta, member representing Abi State Constituency.
Her removal was affirmed after 19 out of 25 lawmakers voted in support during today’s plenary.
The issue began on June 10, 2025, when the Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council. After initial debate, the House suspended Hon. Ushie for 90 days and mandated the Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbung Odama, to act in her stead while the Committee conducted a full investigation.
Presenting the report, the Committee stated that the petition dated May 19, 2025, raised serious concerns about how the council was being run. According to the report, the councillors accused the suspended chairman of corruption, misuse of authority, arbitrary stoppage of their salaries, and operating the council without compliance with due process.
“After meeting with the petitioners, the suspended chairman, and various stakeholders in Abuochiche, the Committee found the allegations weighty and clearly established,” the Committee Chairman said while presenting the findings.
“The conduct of the chairman fell below the expectations of her office, and the evidence before us supports her removal.”
The report further noted that the Committee’s visit to Bekwarra provided additional clarity.
“Community members and officials gave testimonies that reinforced the concerns raised in the petition,” the Chairman added.
Adopting the recommendations, the House resolved that Hon. Theresa Ushie be removed from office for gross misconduct.
The Assembly also directed the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacant position.
In his closing remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to accountability: “This House will always defend transparency and uphold the law. Our duty is to the people of Cross River State.”
It could be stressed that, Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, emphases that the purported removal by the Cross River State House of Assembly, (CRHA) of the elected Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Mrs. Theresa Ushie, and the ordering of a bye-election to replace her, is patently illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
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