The Yala 7th Legislative Assembly has issued a notice of impeachment against the Executive Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Fred Okem, accusing him of alleged financial misappropriation, maladministration and other acts of misconduct.
The notice, dated November 12, 2026, was signed by 12 of the 14 members of the Legislative Assembly and addressed to the council chairman. Copies were sent to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, the State House of Assembly in Calabar, lawmakers representing Yala I and Yala II constituencies, the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, critical stakeholders in Yala LGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yala Chapter.
In the letter, the lawmakers said their action was guided by Section 3, Subsection 3(a–d) of the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2007, as amended, which they said empowers the legislative arm to exercise oversight over the executive arm and related agencies to promote accountability, good governance and grassroots development.
The Assembly also alleged that it had uncovered further irregularities beyond allegations raised against the chairman in August 2025. According to the lawmakers, the earlier allegations were discontinued without any findings, despite what they described as sufficient evidence to substantiate them.
They consequently called on the Cross River State House of Assembly to investigate the previous allegations and the circumstances surrounding their discontinuation.
The lawmakers outlined four major grounds for the impeachment notice:
Alleged financial misappropriation and misconduct: Gross misappropriation of council funds and other acts of misconduct.
Alleged ineptitude and maladministration: Accusations of poor leadership and administrative failures by the executive chairman.
Alleged violation of residency requirements: Refusal to fulfil the residency obligation stipulated under the Cross River State Local Government Law.
Lack of financial transparency: Alleged refusal to present records of the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the legislative arm for proper oversight.
The notice concluded by declaring that, based on the allegations, Hon. Dr. Fred Okem stands impeached.
The document was endorsed by 12 councillors, including Hon. Mary Eje, Hon. Monday Ekpabi, Hon. Odey Gregory Iyaji, Hon. Aleje Emmanuel, Hon. Christopher Mohie, Hon. Ogar Joseph Oko, Hon. Oko Simon Onah, Hon. Akpa Monday, Hon. Obo Peter Ofana, Hon. Joy Udama, Hon. Martha Achadu and Hon. Egwa Joseph.
However, as of the time of filing this report, Hon. Okem had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
The development is expected to generate further political and administrative reactions in Yala Local Government Area as stakeholders await the position of the Cross River State Government and the State House of Assembly on the matter.
