Yala Legislators Move to Impeach Council Chairman, Dr. Fred Okem, Over Alleged Financial Misconduct and Abuse of Office
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Fourteen Councilors Sign Impeachment Notice Against Yala Council Boss
The political atmosphere in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State has taken a dramatic turn as members of the Yala 7th Legislative Assembly have officially moved to impeach the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. (Dr.) Fred Okem, over what they described as “gross financial misconduct, abuse of office, and administrative negligence.”
According to a notice of impeachment dated 14th October 2025, and addressed to the Executive Chairman, the lawmakers, numbering fourteen (14), signed a formal resolution demanding Dr. Okem’s immediate removal from office in line with the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2007.
The impeachment notice cited multiple allegations ranging from financial impropriety, abuse of power, neglect of legislative resolutions, to overbearing family interference in council affairs.
Lawmakers Cite Gross Misconduct and Financial Irregularities
In the document obtained by Akahi News, the legislators accused Dr. Okem of gross misappropriation of council funds and failure to provide transparent financial reports as mandated by law.
The notice, titled “Notice of Impeachment on the Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area,” reads in part:
“Whereas the functions and duties of the Executive Chairman are clearly enshrined in Section 4 of the Local Government Law, the legislative arm has noticed aberrations in the operations of the executive and has tried several times to address such issues in the interest of development and progress of Yala Local Government Area. Based on the inadequacies and gross misconduct of the Executive Chairman, we hereby move for his impeachment.”
Among the eleven (11) allegations levelled against Dr. Okem, the lawmakers cited:
- Gross misappropriation of Yala Local Government funds and waste in project execution — particularly referencing the “poor renovation of the legislative chamber amounting to millions of naira undisclosed to the legislative arm.”
- Failure to officially address the legislature on the state of affairs of the council as required under the law.
- Refusal to present income and expenditure reports to the council, contrary to Section 3(d) of the Cross River State Local Government Law.
- Neglect of oversight functions by failing to allow council heads of departments to appear before the legislature.
- Failure to meet residency obligations as stipulated in Section 15 of the state’s Local Government Law.
- Non-assent to motions and resolutions passed by the legislative council, thereby frustrating governance processes.
- Implementation of policies without consultation, turning local government administration into a personal and family affair.
- Use of the local government account to secure loans and overdrafts for personal projects, allegedly without due process.
- Inability to convene regular executive meetings as required for administrative coordination.
- Refusal to provide funds for councilors’ offices nine months after inauguration, a situation described as “an attempt to frustrate legislative activities.”
- Overbearing influence of the chairman’s wife in council administration, which lawmakers say has negatively affected the smooth running of local government affairs.
Signatories and Legislative Backing
The impeachment notice was signed by fourteen councillors of the Yala Legislative Council, including:
- Hon. Eje Mary
- Hon. Monday Ekpabi
- Hon. Odey Gregory Iyaji
- Hon. Aleje Emmanuel
- Hon. Christopher Mohie
- Hon. Agara Sylvester
- Hon. Ogar Joseph Oko
- Hon. Oko Simon Onah
- Hon. Akpa Monday
- Hon. Obo Peter Ofana
- Hon. David Udaga
- Hon. Joy Udama
- Hon. Martha Achadu
- Hon. Egwa Joseph
The legislators maintained that their decision was rooted in their constitutional responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance at the local level.
“With these gross misconducts and administrative aberrations, we hereby move for the impeachment of the Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government, Hon. Dr. Fred Okem,” the notice concluded.
Background and Legal Context
Under the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2007, the legislative arm of a council is empowered to exercise oversight over the executive, debate and pass bye-laws, approve budgets, and receive quarterly financial reports from the chairman.
The lawmakers allege that Dr. Okem has consistently failed to comply with these statutory provisions, thereby breaching both administrative and ethical codes guiding the operation of local governance.
Observers note that this move by the Yala legislative arm underscores a growing demand for accountability and transparency among local government officials in Cross River State. However, some political analysts caution that the process must follow due legal procedures to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
Reactions and What Comes Next
As at press time, Akahi News could not independently verify whether Dr. Fred Okem had officially responded to the impeachment notice. Attempts to reach his office for comment were unsuccessful, but sources within the council hinted that the chairman may contest the allegations, describing them as “politically motivated.”
The unfolding development has attracted attention from local residents and political observers, with many calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations.
If the impeachment process proceeds according to law, Dr. Okem will be required to respond formally to the charges within a specified time before the legislative arm can proceed to a vote of removal.
The Yala Local Government crisis is the latest in a series of accountability challenges confronting grassroots administration in Cross River State. The outcome of this impeachment move will likely set a precedent for how local governance misconduct is addressed across the state.
As the story develops, Akahi News will continue to monitor proceedings and provide verified updates from both the legislative and executive sides.
Akahi News — http://www.akahinews.org
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