Ukorebi Esien | December 8, 2025
CALABAR The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Cross River State and Executive Chairman of Yakurr LGA, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, has strongly reacted to what he described as false and inciting claims made by a senior media aide to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, insisting that the allegations of corruption and mismanagement against council chairmen are baseless and disproven by ongoing developmental projects across the state.
The comments by the governor's aide, published online and widely circulated on social media, criticised council bosses for alleged absentee leadership, mismanagement of council resources, and a disconnect from grassroots communities.
Speaking in an Interview with TDN, on behalf of all LG heads, Yibala described the allegations as "unfounded, unfair, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension within the government."
According to him, the aide failed to verify information or seek clarification from the accused chairmen before going public.
"Chairmen have been in their councils; chairmen have done a lot of projects that some former chairmen could not do in three years. We have completed almost ten projects in one year in Yakurr alone across nine wards, and we are still going," he stated.
He added that he is aware that "most chairmen across the state have executed several people-oriented projects in line with the People's First agenda". He described the sweeping accusations as "a generalisation based on isolated grievances."
Speaking in an Interview with TDN, on behalf of all LG heads, Yibala described the allegations as "unfounded, unfair, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension within the government."
According to him, the aide failed to verify information or seek clarification from the accused chairmen before going public.
"Chairmen have been in their councils; chairmen have done a lot of projects that some former chairmen could not do in three years. We have completed almost ten projects in one year in Yakurr alone across nine wards, and we are still going," he stated.
He added that he is aware that "most chairmen across the state have executed several people-oriented projects in line with the People's First agenda". He described the sweeping accusations as "a generalisation based on isolated grievances."
Hon. Inyang condemned the approach taken by the governor's aide, saying such public criticism without verification was unnecessary, unhelpful, and capable of demoralising hardworking chairmen.
"It is not proper for somebody to go to the media and generalize things. We are all from the same government, and it is wrong to wash our linen openly," he said. "One person may have an issue with one chairman, but extending that to all chairmen is not correct."
He further explained that the councils are functioning strictly within the legal framework, including the controversial joint account system, which remains active under state law.
"There is a law that we must have a joint account in the state. That law has not been set aside. We are working within that framework," he clarified.
Responding to accusations that some chairmen run their councils from Calabar or Abuja and have allowed council headquarters to deteriorate, the ALGON Chair insisted that several council Chairmen, including Yakurr, have already renovated their secretariats and are implementing development projects across wards.
He also addressed claims of mismanaged internally generated revenue (IGR), adding that, "Most chairmen are transparent and connected to the needs of their communities. The projects are visible. People are not complaining," he maintained.
Commenting on reports of clashes between some chairmen and their councillors, especially in areas where suspensions or legislative disputes have occurred, Inyang noted that such tensions are normal in a democracy.
"Democracy is not a church. There must be disagreements to agree. Chairmen are human beings; they may make small mistakes, but they should be allowed to correct them," he said.
He added that many chairmen are first-timers who are still learning the dynamics of local governance and should not be condemned based on early challenges.
Reacting to calls for the reinstatement of the suspended Chairman of Bekwara Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs Theresa Ushie, the ALGON leader emphasised that such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of party leaders and state authorities.
"Whatever the government and stakeholders decide is what we will align with. My duty is not to condemn but to support corrective measures where needed," he noted.
The chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining developmental efforts across all Local Government Areas in line with the People's First vision of Governor Bassey Otu. They urged the public to disregard unverified statements that could destabilise the third tier of government.
"Our focus is on service delivery, not distractions," Hon. Inyang concluded.
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