In Cross River State, tensions have risen between the local government chairmen and a senior aide to Governor Bassey Otu over the management of council revenues and local projects. The disagreement surfaced after the Governor’s aide, Phylo Odu, accused the chairmen of lacking transparency and failing to deliver on key responsibilities in their councils.
The conflict centers on the use of internally generated revenues and the state of local government facilities. Odu alleged that some chairmen have neglected to renovate dilapidated council structures, run councils from outside their areas, and favor family members in appointments. She argued that these actions undermine the administration despite the chairmen enjoying unprecedented autonomy and support.
The accusations also targeted claims of financial mismanagement and questioned the legitimacy of awards received by some council leaders. Odu called for the Governor’s intervention, stressing the importance of accountability and effective local governance for grassroots development.
In response, the Executive Chairman of Yakurr Local Government and the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State, Yibala Inyang, rejected the claims as misleading and unfair. He stated that several councils, including Yakurr, have completed renovation projects, delivered initiatives across multiple wards, and operated with transparency.
Inyang further insisted that the chairmen remain connected to their communities and that public criticism without verification could weaken the state administration’s People First agenda. He also urged that such issues should be discussed privately rather than aired publicly, warning that generalized accusations could demoralize council officials.
The dispute illustrates a growing friction between state government officials and local council leadership in Cross River, raising questions about accountability, governance, and the management of local resources.