Yala Council Chairman’s Impeachment Saga Awaits Cross River Assembly’s Decision
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The political tension surrounding the possible impeachment of the current Chairman of Yala Local Government, Dr. Fred Okem, has taken a new twist as fresh updates indicate that the matter now lies before the Cross River State House of Assembly, which is presently on recess.
Akahi News learnt from Francis Finian Offionor that the lawmakers will deliberate on the case upon resumption next month. Until then, Dr. Okem continues to occupy the office of Yala Council Chairman, pending the Assembly’s actions and any potential intervention from higher authorities.
Deputy Governor’s Office May Step In
According to the update, if the Assembly fails to resolve the crisis when it reconvenes, the office of the Deputy Governor, who is in charge of local government administration in the state, will wade in to make a final pronouncement on the matter.
This development signals that the coming weeks will be critical for Dr. Okem, who is facing serious allegations from Yala lawmakers, including financial misconduct and defiance of executive directives.
The ₦45 Million Loan Controversy
One of the most contentious issues at the centre of the impeachment saga is Dr. Okem’s alleged borrowing of ₦45 million for personal use, a move critics claim violates a standing directive from the Governor’s office.
Akahi News gathered that all 18 Local Government chairmen in Cross River State had previously received a circular instructing them not to obtain loans from banks using council accounts or in the council’s name.
Dr. Okem is accused of disobeying this directive, sparking allegations of misconduct and financial recklessness from the Yala legislators.
“It’s Not Yet Uhuru” – Francis Finian Offionor
Speaking on the matter, Francis Finian Offionor remarked:
“This moment is a window period for Dr. Fred Okem to still enjoy the title of a ‘Chairman’ while it lasts. It’s not yet uhuru; when the food is ready, everybody will chop am.”
He further urged the Chairman to come out publicly and deny the existence of the Governor’s memo on borrowing restrictions if he believes otherwise, promising to provide evidence should Dr. Okem deny it.
Awaiting Next Month’s Decision
Political observers note that the Assembly’s eventual decision—or the Deputy Governor’s intervention if the matter escalates—could set a precedent for local government accountability and executive compliance in Cross River State.
For now, the impeachment controversy remains unresolved, and the state awaits next month’s legislative resumption for the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.
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