The Yala Local Government Council Secretariat has been taken over by protesting youths demanding that the embattled chairman, Hon. Fred Okem, be cleared of allegations currently hanging over him before he resumes normal duties NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The development, which began earlier this week, has disrupted administrative activities in the council, with many staff reportedly staying away from their offices for fear of escalating tensions. Witnesses said the protesters, numbering in their scores, stormed the secretariat and vowed not to vacate until the matter involving the chairman is resolved.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has been urged to act swiftly to address the crisis. According to concerned stakeholders, legislative intervention would restore normalcy and enable both the executive and legislative arms at the local government level to function effectively.
The Paramount Ruler of Yala, His Royal Majesty Ogamode Eje Ipuole, has waded into the matter. In a public appeal, he urged youths to return to their homes and allow constituted authorities to resolve the impasse amicably, stressing that peace and unity must take precedence over political differences.
The embattled chairman, who was recently recognized with a “Best Chairman Award,” has reportedly called on security operatives to disperse the protesters. However, eyewitnesses say tensions remain high at the council headquarters, with youths insisting they will not back down.
The crisis has also exposed the poor state of infrastructure at the Yala council secretariat. Residents who visited the premises lamented its unkempt appearance, with some recalling past promises of renovation that remain unfulfilled. “Chaiii, is this the front of a local government chairman’s office? What a shame to my local government area,” one resident lamented.
Criticism has also trailed the chairman’s performance, with some constituents alleging mismanagement and lack of visible projects. Others accused higher authorities of neglect, pointing fingers at the state government for failing to provide adequate oversight.
One angry constituent noted: “Until we start petitioning failed council chairmen to the EFCC, nothing will work here.” Another accused the political class of prioritizing personal interests over service delivery, adding that ordinary citizens bear the brunt of such negligence.
The standoff comes at a time when local governments across Cross River are under pressure to deliver basic services amidst dwindling resources and growing public scrutiny. For Yala, one of the largest councils in the state, the current impasse threatens to further stall governance and deepen discontent among the people.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Cross River State Government on the situation. Security agencies have, however, been sighted around the council premises to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
