Yala Local Government Area, like many others in Cross River State, is facing a multitude of challenges as it embarks on a new era of local governance under the leadership of Hon. Fred Okem as Chairman and Hon. Godwin Odama as Vice Chairman. With a long-standing tradition in Cross River of prioritizing political appointments over industrial development, Yala is grappling with the consequences of an overpopulated political class and a resource-constrained system. The region’s limited economic base, coupled with a culture of political patronage, has fostered a population heavily reliant on government jobs, making this a complex scenario for the new administration to navigate.
One of the major issues the administration of Hon. Okem shall grapple with is the sheer number of politicians, an outcome of years of state policies that prioritized appointments over productive development. During the previous administration of Governor Ben Ayade, numerous political appointments were made without concrete portfolios, creating a large pool of individuals who now expect political engagement as a means of livelihood. This trend has led to an overpopulation of unemployed political actors, all hoping for a role in the new local government structure.
This challenge is exacerbated by the structure of the Nigerian political system, which often positions political offices as the primary employment opportunities, especially in regions with few industries. Given this background, every individual involved in supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yala, who is currently unemployed, anticipates securing a government position. The pressure on the administration to create positions and meet these expectations could stretch the available resources and detract from critical development agenda.
Compounding the problem is the issue of resources. Under Nigeria’s local government autonomy, many responsibilities previously managed by the state government may now be shifted to the local level, especially those tasks located within the boundaries of the local government. Hon. Okem is now tasked with balancing these increased responsibilities on a limited budget. This pressure will require him to navigate carefully, ensuring that essential services are provided without jeopardizing the financial stability of the local government.
Resource scarcity presents a further dilemma, as the administration must find ways to fund developmental projects without overburdening the population. With economic hardship and low productivity in Yala, placing additional tax burdens on residents is not a viable solution. Instead, there is an urgent need for the new administration to explore alternative sources of revenue generation.
To build a sustainable future, the Okem administration will need to focus on creating an efficient revenue-generation system that does not overly tax the struggling populace. Infrastructure development, especially road construction and maintenance, is critical to this goal. By improving roads and other key facilities, the administration can boost productivity and economic activities within the local government. This will pave the way for rural businesses to thrive, thereby enhancing the local revenue base without directly taxing already strained residents.
A sound infrastructure will enable agricultural and small-scale industries to operate more efficiently, encouraging growth in the local economy. By prioritizing these foundational improvements, the administration can gradually build a self-sustaining system that enhances productivity, increases income for residents, and indirectly boosts the local government’s revenue.
The Okem administration holds the distinction of being one of the first local governments to operate under a framework that emphasizes accountability to the people. This autonomy provides Hon. Okem and his team with the authority to make decisions that directly impact their constituents, placing them under the scrutiny of a public that expects real results.
Given this responsibility, there is also an opportunity for the administration to empower the people by focusing on skill-building and creating avenues for entrepreneurship and self-reliance. By fostering an environment where businesses can flourish, the administration can promote an economic shift that relies less on government positions and more on individual and collective productivity.
One of the pressing debates within Nigerian governance is whether the government should directly engage in business and production. While some argue that government should not be involved in business, Yala’s economic landscape may require a more pragmatic approach. Given the area’s underdeveloped industrial sector, a government-driven model for initiating small- to medium-scale businesses in agriculture, processing, and trade could provide the economic stimulus needed to build a self-sustaining economy.
Dr. Okem’s reputation for prudence in his private enterprises could be a valuable asset here. Leveraging his business acumen, the chairman may successfully lead Yala towards economic empowerment by taking strategic, calculated steps to stimulate local businesses and improve productivity. By encouraging and even participating in certain sectors, the government can lay the groundwork for a sustainable production base that benefits the local population.
Hon. Fred Okem and Hon. Godwin Odama face significant challenges but also possess a unique opportunity to lead Yala into a new era of growth, accountability, and development. They inherited a system shaped by past policies of dependency on political appointments but can reshape it by fostering an environment where self-reliance, productivity, and infrastructure development are prioritized. With limited resources but an unwavering commitment, the administration has the potential to address pressing local needs and set a lasting foundation for future growth.
Ultimately, the success of the Okem administration will depend on its ability to manage expectations, generate sustainable revenue, and foster an environment that encourages productivity and local business growth. The task may be daunting, but with prudent management and an inclusive approach to development, Yala can begin to move toward a more self-reliant and prosperous future.