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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Fourteen councillors in Yala local government area of Cross River State have initiated impeachment proceedings against the Chairman, Dr. Fred Okem over multiple allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and administrative negligence.
In a formal notice signed by the lawmakers, they passed a vote of no confidence in the chairman, citing various violations of the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2007.
The allegations include misappropriation of local government funds, execution of substandard projects—most notably the renovation of the legislative chamber, allegedly carried out without legislative input and at an undisclosed cost—and failure to submit income and expenditure reports to the council.
Other allegations against the embattled chairman include obstructing legislative oversight by preventing heads of departments from appearing before the council, refusing to reside within the local government area as required by law, and implementing policies without proper consultation.
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Besides these, the lawmakers accuse the chairman of sidelining the legislative arm in both budgetary and administrative matters, allegedly turning the council into a “family affair” and using government accounts to secure loans for personal projects. They also accused him of neglecting to hold regular executive committee meetings, failing to release funds for furnishing councillors’ offices nine months after their inauguration, and allowing what they described as the “overbearing influence” of his wife on local governance.
However, Dr. Okem in his reaction denied knowledge of any impeachment notice. The chairman who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary Emmanuel Unah said no formal communication had been served and that such notices cannot be deemed valid if circulated solely through social media channels.
“There is no cause for alarm. I’m focused on my official duties and will respond appropriately if and when a formal notice is officially presented.”
This is the second council chairman in the state to fall out with his councillors within the past three months. A similar crisis had engulfed Bekwarra LGA which lead to the suspension of Mrs. Theresa Ushie.
