Infighting Blights Biya’s 22 Anniversary Celebration In Bafut

By Peterkins Manyong

CPDM militants in Bafut celebrated President Paul Biya’s 22nd anniversary against a backdrop of quarrelling, backstabbing and general bad blood, which have left the party there in factions.

The misunderstanding which began much earlier, reached its apex on Tuesday November 2, on the eve of President Biya’s swearing in ceremony, The Post learnt from an executive member on condition of anonymity.

The party had unanimously agreed to be represented at the swearing-in ceremony by 20 militants. Of this number, six persons were to come from each of the three wings of the CPDM making a total of 18.

The remaining two were to be chosen by the Fon of Bafut Abumbi II, who is a Central Committee Member.

Henry Ntumngia, YCPDM President who selected the youth representation, began by choosing himself. But what angered many was the fact that the name of Prince David Achirimbi, Northwest Chief of Land Transport, was omitted.

Besides mobilising the party at the grassroots, Prince Achirimbi had spent over FCFA 10 million for campaigns. Many felt that by leaving out the name of one of the party’s pillars, Bafut CPDM hierarchy demonstrated more love for themselves than for the party.

Another cause for annoyance, The Post learnt, was the fact that John Bangsi, the Section President, who was supported by a group of the militants, was simply handpicked by Jonathan Bangabe, former Section President while he was sick to act on his behalf. The majority of the militants preferred either Joseph Tangie Principal of GTHS Bafut, who has also been mobilising the party and spending lavishly on it.

This disagreement resulted in a low turnout at the party secretariat for celebration, remarked Dr. Francis Ngwa Che, Bafut CPDM Campaign Manager for the 2004 Presidential. The celebration, which began with a solidarity march, was enlivened by interesting speeches from party faithful.

In his keynote address, John Bangsi said although Northwest came last in terms of percentage vote for Biya, it was the fifth in the nation in terms of actual number of voters. Bafut cast 3000 votes and scored 15 percent, an improvement from 6 percent in 1997 election. He foresaw great achievements during Biya’s seven-year rule.

Mrs. Esther Njiyang, WCPDM President, was optimistic that Biya will appoint female SDOs and Governors, having already begun choosing some as assistant DOs and increase the number of female Ministers. She praised First Lady, Chantal Biya for her generosity, arguing that as women generally reflect their husbands, Paul Biya is an outstanding philanthropist.

Ruth Wanzie, veteran CPDM supporter said she started her political career in the KNDP, then CNU. She recalled how risky it was belonging to the CPDM at the dawn of multiparty politics in 1990. “But then God said let there be Ngwa Che and everything became bright for the CPDM in Bafut.” She was pleased that those who championed the arson committed in Bafut have since repented.

Dr. Francis Ngwa Che described the 15.4 percent scored by the CPDM in Bafut  a greater proof of democracy than 100 percent because, he said, it was more real. He was pleased that voters were not induced to choose Biya through gifts, making the votes in Bafut genuine.

Romanus Ngobesing Suh, who represented john Niba Ngu, Central Committee member as resource person praised Biya and called for greater commitment to the ideals he had for Cameroonians.

Speaking to The Post after the meeting, Ngobesing attributed the low turnout to the fact that many militants had exhausted themselves in activities like campaigns and attending the swearing in exercise.

Comments

[Che Sunday (Dr>)]

The comments of Dr. Francis Ngwa could not come at a better time. There is a winner take all mentality that is very pervesive in our thinking that the idea of compromise simply gets eliminated from our thought process. You may disagree with someone on their political inclinations, but you don't have to be enemies. I can recall the years when Foncha headed the KNDP party and Endeley the KNC. Voting for Endeley in Bafut could see one losing his property. It should never be that way. We must accept democracy in its entirety, not pick and chose only those aspects that suit our purpose.
I applaud the people of Bafut for exercising patience and tolerance, and not copying the shameful behavior that occured in Balikumbat. No public office deserves depriving anyone of their lives. Kudos to the Bafut people.

[Joyce Morris]

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