By Asuquo Cletus
The leadership of the Yala Local Government Legislative Council, Cross River State, was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday, as members of the 7th Legislative Assembly passed a vote of no confidence on the Leader of the Council, Mary Eje, leading to her immediate suspension.
Citing alleged incompetence, ineptitude, and gross irresponsibility in the handling of legislative affairs, thirteen councilors signed a formal resolution calling for Eje’s suspension for a period of three months.
The decision was reached during a plenary session convened to address growing concerns over what lawmakers described as a persistent breakdown in leadership and oversight functions under her watch.
Top among the allegations was Eje’s failure to enforce the repeated invitations of the Director of Finance and Supply to appear before the Assembly and present a report on the income and expenditures of the council from November 2024 to date.
The lawmakers noted that the DFS had ignored four invitations without consequence, and accused the Leader of lacking the will and legal knowledge to issue a warrant of arrest as permitted under Section 42(1b) and (2) of the Cross River State Local Government Law.
The councilors further criticized the Speaker for her inability to hold the Supervising Councilor for Finance and Works accountable, despite the official’s refusal to attend committee sessions.
They also accused her of hoarding information from fellow members, aiding the executive arm in undermining the Assembly’s oversight functions, and exposing the legislative body to public ridicule.
“She has displayed gross inefficiency in legislative matters and failed to ensure the implementation of key motions and recommendations of the Assembly.
“Her conduct has emboldened the executive to undermine the authority and independence of this legislative house.”-the resolution started
The lawmakers also condemned what they described as an autocratic leadership style, stressing that the Assembly operates on the principle of equality, as all members were duly elected by their constituents and no one holds supremacy over others.
Quoting Order 2.7 of the Uniform Standing Orders, the Assembly announced that the Deputy Leader will preside over the affairs of the council during Eje’s suspension.
As of the time of filing this report, Mary Eje had not issued a public response to the decision.
Photo credit: Rabbit Punch
