Why Yala LGA Chairman Was Missing from the Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award Nomination

Why Yala LGA Chairman Was Missing from the Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award Nomination

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The nomination of ten council chairmen from Cross River State for the Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award (LOGMA) has brought pride to the state. Yet, the absence of Yala Local Government Area from this prestigious list has raised critical questions. As one of the largest and most politically significant LGAs in Cross River, Yala’s omission cannot be ignored—it calls for serious introspection on leadership, performance, and the expectations of its people.

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The Weight of Yala’s Political Influence

Yala is not a small player in Cross River politics. With its vast landmass, sizeable population, and history of producing political heavyweights, Yala has long been seen as a kingmaker in state politics. For this reason, many expected its chairman to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other nominees at the national stage. That expectation, however, was dashed when the list excluded Yala, raising the question: why was such a politically dominant LGA left out?

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When Performance Speaks Louder than Politics

Unlike other awards that may be based on political lobbying, LOGMA is fundamentally performance-driven. It rewards chairmen who have combined visionary leadership with tangible development outcomes.

Take Obudu LGA, for example. Its chairman, Hon. (Amb.) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, has been praised for rural road integration projects, agricultural support for farmers, and peacebuilding initiatives. These visible and people-centred efforts gave Obudu a strong case for recognition.

Similarly, Ogoja LGA’s Chairman, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, has gained accolades for investment in rural empowerment and infrastructure that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens. These are not abstract political moves but measurable actions that touch the grassroots.

In contrast, Yala’s governance track record has not been projected with the same clarity and impact. While there may have been administrative efforts, the absence of signature projects or groundbreaking initiatives has made it difficult to place Yala in the same category as Obudu, Ogoja, or even Abi.

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Political Divisions and Missed Opportunities

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the internal political friction within Yala. Instead of rallying behind development goals, Yala’s political space has often been marked by divisions and competing interests. This climate reduces the focus on grassroots transformation and weakens the council’s image at state and national levels.

The lesson is clear: political dominance without visible development is no longer enough to earn recognition.

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Lessons for Yala Going Forward

The exclusion of Yala from LOGMA should not be dismissed as an oversight. Rather, it is a wake-up call for its leadership to:

• Launch people-centred projects that can be felt at the grassroots.
• Unite political voices around shared developmental goals.
• Adopt measurable policies in agriculture, infrastructure, and education that speak to the people’s real needs.
• Promote visibility and accountability, ensuring that achievements are effectively communicated beyond local boundaries.

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A Moment of Introspection

At its core, this nomination gap challenges Yala leaders to rethink their priorities. The people must ask: Are we satisfied with the current pace of development? Have we maximised our political influence to deliver real progress?

Until Yala can provide clear, people-oriented answers through action, it risks being left behind while neighbouring LGAs like Obudu and Ogoja continue to shine on the national stage.

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Akahi News www.akahinews.org

Obudu Council Chairman, Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, Bags Nomination for Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award