The Chairman of Yala Local Government Council in Cross River State, Mr Fred Okem, was on Tuesday impeached by the council lawmakers on the allegations of financial misappropriation and the overbearing influence which his wife exerts over the running of the council.
These were among the 11 points impeachment notice which was signed by 12 of the 14 lawmakers, which formed the basis of Okem’s impeachment, citing the state local government Law No. 2 (2007) section 3, subsection 3a-d.
The chairman was also accused of gross misconduct in carrying out his functions as the council boss.
In the notice of impeachment, which was sighted by The Atlantic Bell, the chairman was alledged to have misappropriated funds in executing council’s projects.
The council lawmakers also accused the chairman of failure to officially address the legislative arm on the state of affairs of the local government as enshrined in the local government law section 3 subsection (1).
He was also accused of refusing to present the income and expenditure to the council as enshrined in Section 3(d) of the state local government law .
Okem was further accused of refusal to assent to motions and resolutions passed by the legislative council, hence neglecting implementation of such resolutions, thereby making the arm of local government ineffective.
He was also alledged to have Implemented policies without wide consultation to get best results and his refusal to make funds available to his colleagues to enable them renovate and access their offices, nine months after inauguration.
As at press time, Okem was yet to react as his spokesman, Mr Emmanuel Unah, said his boss will speak on the matter at the appropriate time as he was in a meeting with the state governor.
Wifes as companions to husbands should be persuasive in demands to compliment the strength or weakness of their husband, but not to exert or exhibit overbearing tendencies to expose the husband.