Yala Local Government Area in Cross River state chaired by Fred Okem is embroiled in an unnecessary power tussle between appointed officials and elected councilors, with the refusal of some appointees to appear before the councilors of the 7th Yala Legislative Assembly led by Hon. Eje Mary Agbo of Echumofana Ward for screening and approval, a development which has sparked widespread criticism and concerns over governance NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
Reports indicate that, unlike other local governments in Cross River North such as Ogoja and Obudu, where appointees have complied with constitutional requirements to appear for legislative screening, several appointees in Yala have begun executing their duties without the mandated approval of the 7th legislature. This development has drawn sharp criticism from observers, councilors, and members of the community especially on social media, who see it as a disregard for due process and democratic principles.
The situation has been described as a “clash of egos,” with some appointees allegedly undermining the authority of the legislators. The refusal to appear for screening is seen as a challenge to the legitimacy and oversight responsibilities of the councilors, who represent the grassroots.
“Due process is essential in any democratic system,” one observer noted. “Elected representatives, such as councilors, must be allowed to perform their duties to ensure accountability and fairness in governance.”
Prominent voices within the community have taken to social media especially Facebook to decry the appointees’ behavior. “The appointees are by law obligated to appear before the councilors for screening,” said Ogar Emmanuel Oko, who, however, pointed out that many of the councilors themselves were allegedly selected rather than elected, raising questions about the legitimacy of their mandates.
Community members have linked the situation to deeper issues of governance and the recycling of older political figures. Simon Ogar of Solomon’s Island lamented that some appointees still operate with outdated governance principles. “How can people familiar only with the Clifford Constitution of 1922 understand the requirements of the 1999 Constitution as amended?” he quipped.
Similarly, Romeo Odey criticized the appointees’ actions, likening them to those of “Leviathans,” while warning that no one is above institutional authority. “What goes around comes around. Nobody is bigger than the institution,” he remarked.
The crisis has inspired calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for the democratic process in Yala. Pius Ohiero, a prominent commentator, warned that the refusal of appointees to recognize the legislative assembly undermines democracy and governance.
“This trend challenges the principles of accountability and casts doubt on the legitimacy of governance in Yala,” Ohiero said. “Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. When the process is fraught with allegations of fraud, it weakens trust and erodes the moral authority of both elected and appointed officials.”
Ohiero further called for an examination of the root causes of the crisis, including electoral malpractice, which he argued has ripple effects on governance.
The tension has also exposed cracks within the local government administration. While some appointees and officials, including the chairman, have attempted to assert their authority, others have called for respect and collaboration. “The chairman oversees the family affairs of Yala as the head,” said Okwori Andre William, urging unity and respect for institutional roles.
Residents of Yala have expressed growing frustration with the impasse, with many demanding a resolution to restore effective governance. “It is no longer business as usual,” warned a community activist, adding that all actions at the council will be closely monitored and reported.
