The chairman has been contacted in response to the allegations, which were also not contained in the document.
By TheInvestigator
The Yala 7th Legislative Assembly in Cross River State has declared the Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Dr Fred Okem, impeached, accusing him of financial misappropriation, maladministration and other alleged violations of the state’s local government law.
The declaration was contained in a letter dated November 12, 2026, addressed to the Executive Chairman and titled Re-Notice of Impeachment on Dr Fred Okem. The letter, signed by 14 members of the legislative assembly, cited provisions of the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2007, particularly Section 3, Subsection 3(a-d), as amended, as the basis for its oversight responsibilities.
Allegations against Okem include gross financial misappropriation of council funds, misconduct, incompetence, and maladministration. The lawmakers also accused him of refusing to fulfil his statutory residency obligations under the state’s local government law.
The assembly further alleged that the chairman had refused to present records of the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the legislative arm for proper scrutiny and oversight.
The lawmakers also revisited allegations raised in August 2025, claiming that the earlier impeachment process was discontinued without findings despite what they described as evidence establishing the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. They called on the Cross River State House of Assembly to investigate the earlier allegations and their consequences.
In the letter, the lawmakers maintained that the alleged infractions and other administrative violations under the Cross River State Local Government Law occurred before they declared Okem impeached. Copies of the notice were sent to the Deputy Governor, the State House of Assembly, lawmakers representing Yala I and II constituencies, the Cross River State Local Government Commission and other stakeholders.
The chairman has been contacted in response to the allegations, which were also not contained in the document.
See the document:
