Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, has sworn in Mr. Egbung Odama Egbung as the Acting Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, following the suspension of the former chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie.

During the swearing-in ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, Governor Otu called on local government chairmen across the state to foster unity and collaboration with their legislative arms and community stakeholders, warning that disunity at the grassroots level threatens effective governance and service delivery.

Addressing the gathering at the Government House in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasised his administration’s commitment to people-first, service-oriented leadership, where accountability, transparency, and grassroots development are the guiding principles.

“We will continue to defend the fidelity of the people-first mantra. Our primary concern is the quality of service to our people. The only card to play is the people’s card. Work with the elders, the youths, and all stakeholders. Governance must be inclusive and responsive,” he said.

While commending many local government chairmen for their performance so far, the governor made it clear that his administration would not hesitate to act where service delivery is compromised.

“We are pleased with the efforts of several LG chairmen across the state, but we will not hesitate to confront issues when necessary. No one, not under my watch, will shortchange Cross River State and go scot-free,” he warned.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, described the occasion as a new beginning for Bekwarra and urged the new chairman to seize the opportunity to deliver impactful results.

“This is your time to shine. Bring unprecedented development to your people and make the difference the office demands,” Prof. Owan-Enoh said.

In his inaugural remarks, the newly sworn-in Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Odama Egbung, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with integrity, urgency, and inclusiveness.

“I want to thank His Excellency, the People’s First Governor. I see this as a call to serve. By God’s grace, I will not deviate,” Mr. Egbung stated, adding that “I will immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting with elders, youth, and market women to unite our people and begin the hard work of development.”

The leadership transition follows a series of political developments within the Bekwarra Local Government Council. The former chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, was impeached by the legislative council over alleged administrative lapses. A petition was submitted to the Cross River State House of Assembly and to the state executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Acting on the petition, the State House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending the former chairman for a period of 90 days. It directed that the vice chairman be sworn in as acting chairman to ensure continuity in governance and service delivery.