…Lawmakers Cry Foul; Allegations of Financial Misdeeds, External Interference Swirl
A constitutional crisis is brewing in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State as the reportedly impeached Chairman, Hon. Fred Okem, attempted to inaugurate new Supervisors for the council on Monday morning, sparking accusations of lawlessness and executive interference.
The move, which was scheduled to hold at the Council Secretariat by 10 AM, was described in a public statement by a concerned citizen, Mr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko, as a “blatant violation of due process” and a “direct affront to the authority of the Yala lawmakers” who had earlier impeached the chairman.
The situation has been further complicated by allegations that the action is being backed by high-ranking officials in the state government, specifically the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Boniface Okache. This has raised concerns about the erosion of legislative autonomy and due process at the local government level.
Public reaction to the impasse, gathered from social media commentary, reveals a deep undercurrent of cynicism. Many residents allege that the root of the conflict is financial. One commenter alleged that the chairman had obtained a loan of Two Hundred and Sixty-One Million Naira (₦261m) and had fallen out with his councilors over its distribution.
Another prevalent allegation among commentators is that the chairman is desperate to hold onto power to recoup a substantial investment allegedly made to secure his position.
Amidst the chaos, there is a growing call for the intervention of the Cross River State House of Assembly. The public statement called on the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, to “act swiftly and decisively to forestall this constitutional aberration before it snowballs into a legislative crisis.”
As of press time, the State Assembly had not issued an official statement on the matter. Attempts to get reactions from the offices of Hon. Fred Okem and Mr. Boniface Okache were unsuccessful.
The situation in Yala LGA remains tense, with residents watching closely to see if state institutions will uphold the rule of law or if political expediency will prevail.
