Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has sworn in Egbung Odama as the substantive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, formally ending months of leadership uncertainty in the council.
The development follows the removal of the former chairman Theresa Ushie by the Cross River State House of Assembly, over allegations of gross misconduct, after which Egbung, then vice chairman, was appointed to oversee council affairs during the transition.
The leadership crisis in Bekwarra Local Government began after councillors petitioned the State House of Assembly, accusing the former chairman, Theresa Ushie of corruption, abuse of office and the unlawful stoppage of salaries.
Following an investigation, the House of Assembly adopted the committee’s report and removed the Chairman, appointing Egbung Odama as acting chairman to stabilise council administration, pending a final resolution.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Bassey Otu underscored the importance of discipline, order and due process in governance, noting that leadership positions are entrusted for service, not personal authority or political dominance.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration, insisting that councils must function as engines of development, accountability and inclusive growth.
Egbung Odama pledged to run an inclusive administration anchored on transparency, discipline and commitment to the welfare of the people, urging residents to embrace unity and collective responsibility.
Governor Otu reaffirmed Bekwarra’s place in the administration’s development agenda for Northern Cross River, expressing optimism that the new leadership will consolidate stability and deliver tangible benefits to the people at the grassroots.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
