By Frank Ulom
YALA (CONVERSEER) – The Yala Legislative Council has initiated impeachment proceedings against the Council Chairman, Dr Fred Okem, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and administrative negligence.
According to a formal notice signed by 14 councillors, and spotted by Converseer on Tuesday, the lawmakers expressed 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.
Further accusations levelled against Okem 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.
The local lawmakers claim he sidelined 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.
The impeachment notice has reportedly been circulated to key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor Peter Odey, members of the State House of Assembly representing Yala I and II, the Cross River State Local Government Commission, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, in a swift reaction, the Chairman, denied knowledge of any impeachment notice, dismissing reports on social media as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah, on Tuesday, the Chairman insisted that no formal communication had been served and that such notices cannot be deemed valid if circulated solely through social media channels.
Okem, who was reportedly in a meeting with Governor Bassey Otu when the news surfaced, assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
He maintained that he remains focused on his official duties and will respond appropriately if and when a formal notice is officially presented.
