Political Tension Escalates in Yala: John Akpa Slams Political Elements Over “Blind Support” for Cross River Government

YALA, CROSS RIVER STATE — The simmering political tension in Yala Local Government Area took a dramatic turn in the early hours of today, following a scathing public outburst by Mr. John Akpa on his official Facebook page. Mr. Akpa, a vocal critic and influential youth leader, did not mince words as he poured out his frustrations against what he described as the “shameless betrayal” of certain political elements who, in his view, are blindly supporting the Cross River State government to the detriment of the people.

In his widely circulated post, Mr. Akpa lambasted educated and once-respected youths who, according to him, have now become instruments of deception, misleading both the gullible youth and unsuspecting elders of Yala with “unrealistic information” in a desperate bid to protect their political meal tickets.
“It’s unfortunate how educated and highly respected youths that are supposed to challenge the ills of the government of the day, are the ones deceiving the gullible youths and our elders,” Mr. Akpa wrote, expressing deep disappointment. He further recalled how many of these individuals were formerly aligned with him and others in opposing the maladministration of the former Governor Ben Ayade, but have now, ironically, joined forces with the current political establishment.

Particularly targeted in Mr. Akpa’s tirade is Mr. Francis Finian Offionor, whom he accused of “acting incorrigibly without conscience” after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. Akpa condemned Mr. Offionor’s recent social media post which attempted to portray ongoing construction work on the controversial Okpoma-Okuku road project. Mr. Akpa alleged that Mr. Offionor deliberately posted misleading photos from a different construction site in Wanokom, in an effort to defend the government against rising public criticism following reports that work on the Okpoma-Okuku road had been abruptly halted.
“Coming out from church to see a post by the acclaimed NORTHCCO Media Alternate Chairman (Francis Offionor), acting shamelessly and unapologetically… showing blatant disregard for rules and morals… What a shameless way of seeking to protect a party with a high level of impunity and no conscience for the people from the upper echelons to the grassroots,” Mr. Akpa asserted.

The heated exchange escalated after Mr. Offionor responded via his own Facebook page, defending his integrity and reputation. In his rebuttal, Mr. Offionor stated: “I will always maintain my integrity and the reputation I have built for myself over the period of time. Any gullible person or group of persons that has decided to dent my reputation will always be shamed.”
In a subsequent post, Mr. Offionor attempted to further discredit Mr. Akpa’s claims by referencing a deleted post allegedly made by one Mr. Majuk Pathfinder Sunday — whom he described as a “fellow team mate” of Mr. Akpa — suggesting that Pathfinder’s temporary endorsement of the government’s position was an indirect validation of his own.
Political observers in Yala are viewing the unfolding drama as a microcosm of a larger political crisis simmering beneath the surface in Cross River State, where internal divisions within the youth and political class are beginning to deepen.
While Mr. Akpa continues to enjoy significant grassroots support for his bold and unapologetic stance, critics argue that the ongoing mudslinging only serves to deepen polarization at a time when unity is most needed to hold the government accountable.

As tensions continue to mount, many residents of Yala are watching closely to see whether these verbal salvos will translate into meaningful political reforms or further fragment an already fragile opposition movement.
For now, the battle of words rages on, reflecting the high-stakes political chess game unfolding across Cross River State.