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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Theresa Akwaji Ushie, has denied resigning from her position, stating that the letter circulating on social media was forged.
In June, the Cross River State House of Assembly received a petition from eight councillors of the Bekwarra Legislative Council accusing the suspended council boss of corruption, abuse of office and arbitrary stoppage of councillors’ salaries. In December, the Assembly sacked her.
But, in a statement yesterday, the chairman said: “This memorandum is issued to formally disclaim, repudiate, and nullify a purported letter of resignation allegedly authored and signed by me as the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council and addressed to the Secretary of Council.
“I state clearly and unequivocally that: I did not write, sign, authorize, or approve the said letter. The document is forged, fraudulent, and criminal in nature.
“I remain the duly elected and serving Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any action taken or contemplated on the basis of the said document is invalid, unlawful, and of no administrative or legal effect.”
While citing legal provisions of her right, she said: “The act of forging and circulating a resignation letter in my name constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, including but not limited to the following:
“Section 465 of the Criminal Code Act: Defines forgery as the making of a false document with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine, to the prejudice of another.
“Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act:
Provides that any person who forges a document is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment.
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“Section 468 of the Criminal Code Act:
Criminalizes the uttering or use of a forged document, knowing it to be false.
“Section 22(2) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (where electronic transmission or digital means were used) Criminalizes identity theft, impersonation, and the use of another person’s identity to cause harm, confusion, or institutional disruption.”
She charged the public and her supporters to disregard the said forged letter in its entirety.
“Immediately cease and reverse any administrative steps, communications, or assumptions arising from it.
“Ensure that all departments and relevant officers are promptly informed of this disclaimer. Furthermore, the Council reserves the right to report this matter to appropriate security and investigative agencies for a full investigation and prosecution of those involved,” she added.
