Trial Farm Village Councillors Accuse Colleagues of Power Grab

In a statement on social media on Tuesday, Councillor of the Trial Farm Village, Eusebio Chebo Urbina, stated that two members of the village council “seem determined to tarnish my name and reputation.”

He accused the men of “spreading blatant falsehoods.”

According to Urbina, most of the Council are against these members’ disruptive actions, with a petition gathering support. Urbina condemned their efforts to undermine the authority of the Council, stating, “It is wholly unacceptable that two members believe they can arrogantly usurp the authority of the entire Council and act unilaterally.”

In a letter dated April 5, 2025, to Chairman Oscar Cornel, Urbina and four other councillors criticised the removal of the Secretary and Treasurer without the council’s approval.

The councillors stated that “such decision requires the consensus of the majority, constituting at least four councillors to meet the quorum requirements.” The group said that it is a matter of grave concern that one councillor has been unilaterally assigned the responsibilities of secretary, treasurer, and vice chairman. They described this as ‘consolidating power’, which goes against the principles of fair governance and breaches both legal and ethical standards.

The councillors also pointed out their “concerns regarding transparency and accountability” after a new bank account was opened without the Council’s consent and the failure to disclose financial reports for the centenary celebrations. 

In the letter, the councillors demanded an immediate and thorough audit of the council’s finances, claiming that village council funds are allegedly being “misused for personal and political propaganda.”