Photographs of Yala Local Government Area councillors standing in front of their legislative chambers have sparked outrage on social media, exposing what critics describe as the deplorable state of the council secretariat.
The images, which circulated widely on Facebook, show the legislative building surrounded by overgrown vegetation, with visible signs of neglect and dilapidation.
One social media user, Mr Elijah Ugani, called for mobilisation to clear the council secretariat.
Another commenter, Mr Greg Betiang, likened the building to an “abandoned structure in Sambisa”.
But the state of the chambers goes beyond the exterior.
According to a statement by Yala TV, an online platform covering affairs of the local government area, rainwater allegedly leaks through the roof during sittings.
Councilors are reportedly forced to use umbrellas indoors to shield themselves from the downpour.
The statement further alleged that councillors do not have individual offices within the council secretariat.
They are reportedly forced to receive constituents and visitors under a tree within the premises.
Another concern raised is the unchecked overgrowth around the council premises.
The platform alleged that the overgrown vegetation has created safety risks, with reports of snakes found around vehicles parked within the secretariat.
Yala TV, in its statement, posed several questions to the authorities.
Does the council currently have a Chairman in office? What measures are being taken to rehabilitate the legislative chambers?
The platform also questioned whether the council has a Supervisor for Environment and what efforts are being made to keep the premises clean.
The statement also raised allegations that some responsibilities and contracts meant for designated officials are instead being handled by members of the Chairman’s family.
Yala TV described these as serious claims that require evidence and independent investigation.
Reacting to the development, another social media user, Mr Tom Alims, questioned why the Leader of the Legislature had not mobilised youths to clean the legislative block.
Mr Iyaka Akinsheye also asked why the councillors themselves could not pool resources to organise a cleanup.
When contacted, the Chairman of Yala Local Government Area through his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Unah, said the photographs were AI-generated.
Yala TV, in its statement, called on the relevant authorities to address the concerns promptly and transparently.
“The people of Yala deserve answers,” the statement read.
“Public infrastructure should reflect the dignity of public service, and elected officials at every level have a responsibility to ensure that government facilities are functional, safe, and fit for purpose.”
The development has drawn attention to the working conditions of elected representatives at the local government level.
Many have called for improved oversight and maintenance of public facilities.
