Last week, Higgins Peters (Chief), the protemporaneous political ‘leader’ of Yala LGA, led a strong delegation of traditional rulers, politicians, and other leaders of thought from Yala on a courtesy visit to the governor of Cross River State, H.E. Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, in attendance of his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey. Since the passing of Sen. Rose Okoji Oko PhD, Yala Ochumode has been without a political leader. Hence, they have wandered like shepherdless sheep in the political pasture. Indeed, the absence of a leader has caused much political fragmentation in Yala. By nature, the people are egalitarians, autonomous, and tend to lean towards republicanism (anti-royalists).
To many, the visit was timely and well thought out for several reasons. Yala has over the years lost its fundamental political importance in the state. Even during the good old days, Yala lagged behind and still remains stagnant in terms of development in the northern senatorial district. We possess political strength that has only benefited a few individuals rather than the majority. To restore the lost glory, there is a need for robust engagement with the powers that be, and the courtesy call was quite necessary.
Such a meeting is a diplomatic visit, providing representatives of the people with the opportunity to lobby, make demands, praise their host, among other things. I’m confident the delegates pressed for the infrastructural development of Yala, considering it has the most deplorable roads in Cross River State. I believe they sought assistance from the state to address the incessant communal clashes in Yala, as well as discussed other significant matters concerning the people of Yala. With the caliber of personalities in the delegation, I believe it was not merely a junket.
Bringing such a large number of people from Yala to Calabar for this purpose must have incurred quite a significant expense. It’s been revealed that Chief Higgins footed the bills. He deserves to be lauded. Bravo, Chief Higgins!
In the nearest future, we hope to see the fruits of this meeting. God bless everyone one that participated in this event. God bless Yala Ochumode!
