" I'm Determined To Ensure Yala Moves Forward" Dr Fred Okem

The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Elder,Dr Fred Okem has restated his determination to ensure the local government area moves forward to benefit all indigenes and residents of the council area .

Hon Dr Fred Okem, Yala LG Chair 

Dr Okem restated this commitment  while swearing- in a thirteen- member Asset Recovery Committee on Monday in his office at Okpoma, the Council Headquarters.

The Chairman who frowned at the carting away of council property by some persons said it was a terrible way to pay back to a system which has provided a source of livelihood to one whether a civil servant or political office holder.

"A lot has been put in place by successive administrations to ensure our local government is a pride to all of us but some people have left the place in shambles by carting away council.property.

"If at the end of my administration anything that belongs to the council is tranced to.me I should be called the order"

Dr Okem said apart from carting away of council property,  many council vehicles are abandoned in many police stations and parks which is quite worrisome, a development he said is unacceptable and must be addressed..

"Council vehicles instead of putting them to good use for the benefit of the people are  abandoned in places like police stations for years without effort to bring them back to the council. I charge this Committee which is made of eminent and experienced Yala sons and daughters to ensure this ugly practice is not just stopped but every missing item that belongs to the council is returned and  accounted for".

He emphasised the need for continuity in governance where projects and programmes executed by successive administrations are secured, protected and handed over to the  next government put to good use and  build on as that was the only way to make progress as a local government.

He listed the terms of reference of the Committee to include identifying and classifying any asset of the local government which is corruptly and illegally taken away to be recovered and brought back to council.

The Committee to ascertain the state of affairs of vehicles parked in police stations   and anywhere and  return  such vehicles to the council.

To use security apparatus where necessary to recover any identified council property illegally taken away.

The Council Chairman thanked the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for making the state the envy of all by allowing   democracy work in the state and assured the governor of his total loyalty to his administration

The Chairman of the Committee Hon John Wodah Oko expressed his readiness to work assiduously with his members to recover every item illegally taken away from the council .

"We call for prayers because we are going to step on toes. Even if this is the last assignment on earth, I will do my best to meet the terms of reference.. There shall be no sacred cows and anyone found culpable would be made to return the item he took and if it is destroyed, he or she has to pay back".

State Security Adviser , North, Chief Ogbeche said the trend is worrisome and most councils in the northern Cross River experience illegal removal of council property and called for stern measures to change the trend 

He said security is a collective responsibility and called on members of the public to provide information on looted items from the councils.

"Most times the rat you are trying to pursue is within. Efforts should therefore be made to checkmate those working closely with heads and top officials of councils"

The Vice Chairman of Council, Chief Godwin Odama who rounded off the event with a vote of thanks thanked Dr Okem for the foresight to set up the Committee and assured that the people are with the Chairman and therefore  should continue to be courageous.

Credit: Emmanuel Unah, CPS Yala