Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on Monday swore in Egbung Odama as the acting chairperson of Bekwarra Local Government Area.
The ceremony took place in Calabar shortly after the state House of Assembly suspended the elected chairperson, Theresa Ushie.
Ushie was suspended for 90 days following a petition submitted by the legislative arm of the council.
The petition accused her of corruption and misconduct.
In response, the Assembly passed a resolution to remove her temporarily and called for the swearing-in of the vice chairperson to ensure leadership continues in the council.
During the ceremony, the governor instructed the new acting chairperson to work closely with stakeholders and lawmakers at the local level.
He stressed the need for cooperation in order to maintain peace and order in the area.
In his first remarks as acting chairperson, Odama promised to serve with honesty and to unite the people of Bekwarra.
He said plans were underway to gather community leaders to discuss ways to move the council forward.
Attempts to reach the suspended chairperson for her side of the story were not successful. When contacted on June 12, she chose not to comment.
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