Over 500,000 residents of Yache communities in Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, have raised alarm over years of infrastructure neglect, calling on the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to urgently restore electricity to the area. The appeal was contained in a formal letter addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a copy of which was obtained by The Guardian.
Letter Highlights Grim Conditions
The letter, signed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, painted a grim picture of life in the agrarian communities. Odey stated that the absence of electricity, good roads, and potable water has crippled development and left residents isolated despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy and political landscape.
Political Significance of Yache People
Odey also drew attention to the political significance of the Yache people, describing their contribution to democratic participation as substantial and deserving of government attention. According to his letter, “The people of Yache occupy a dominant land mass in the North-Eastern flank of Yala Local Government Area with an estimated population of over half a million people.”
Agricultural Contributions
The communities stretch up to the boundary with Benue State with extensive agricultural practice in assorted agricultural products that feed the state and beyond. The Yache communities, which include Alifokpa, Uchu, Ijiegu, Wonye, Osina, and Mbuo, have continued to suffer from unavailability of electricity, good roads, and potable water supply. Consequently, little or no level of development is attracted to the area as a result of this glaring infrastructure neglect.
Voting Strength and Political Relevance
Odey emphasized the political relevance of Yache ward and its people to the national democratic setting, noting it is highly inestimable. Apart from turning out the highest chunk of votes in Yala Local Government Area, its dogged support to the APC Administration at all levels is unquantifiable. With 33 polling units and a voting strength of over 23,000, the people deserve unreserved attention to equate their prominence in the political dynamics of the present administration.
Appeal for Intervention
Odey concluded, “It is out of this consideration that I, on behalf of the Chiefs, Elders, Political elites and the good people of Yache, bring this precarious situation to your attention and humbly seek the intervention of your very esteemed commission in the provision of electricity power supply to the Yache communities. Your intervention will surely go into the annals of history and the Yache people will remain highly grateful and appreciative of your kind gesture.”
Broader Context
The appeal comes amid increasing calls for accelerated rural infrastructure development across Cross River State, particularly in agricultural communities considered critical to food security and economic growth.
