By Pegue Manga 2h>
Contrary to speculations from certain quarters that he might not run for President again, Paul Biya, on Wednesday, September 15, declared his candidature for President. In an addressed to the nation, broadcast on state radio and television, the President said, “fellow countrymen, reassured of your support, sensitive to your encouragement, I believe we can pick up this new challenge. That is why I have decided to put in my candidature once more for the President of the Republic.”
Biya based his decision to go for another seven-year term on calls from diverse sectors of the country for him to stand.“From all the horizons of our country. From the most diverse sector of our population, from our communities living abroad, I have been receiving an increasing number of calls asking me to stand for election,” the President said.
He said he was “undoubtedly very moved by these calls because I see them as a mark of trust you have never denied me.” Biya recalled that during his last seven-year term that is ending, he “took the commitment to strengthen Cameroon’s democratic institutions, put the economy back on the path of growth and to maintain peace, unity and stability.”
According to him, much has been achieved. “Together, thanks to our joint efforts and despite our difficulties, we have achieved our goals.” He said Cameroon’s reputation abroad is recognised and peace, unity and stability have been preserved. He added that public facilities have increased.Then he said, “Now is the time to look further, even higher.
In other words, to have greater ambitions for our country.”He said he was convinced that together, Cameroonians could still do a great deal for their country. It is for this reason that he urged them to renew their trust in him. In a quick reaction to the declaration, Buea Mayor, Charles Mbella Moki, said Biya’s decision was the outcome of many resolutions calling on him to stand for President.
“His declarations put to rest, our worries and expectations,” he said. Mbella said, taking cognisance of the history of Cameroon, someone with Biya’s sinew is needed to steer the ship of state out of the beleaguered waters. “Among all those mounting the rostrums and talking big, I think he is the best manager of the country.”
The Mayor said he was not also surprised at what was happening to the opposition Coalition.
“The blocks that were assembled were meant to build SDF walls. But when they started talking about the Coalition, I knew it was going to fail because the leaders of the SDF are used to collegial politics.”
Mbella said the walls that were originally designed for SDF could not be used in the interest of the SDF, so the party decided to break it.”
He had a piece of advice for Cameroonians: “People should learn to accept consensus and compromise as elements of democratic practice in our present dispensation, and support Biya’s candidature for he is the most organised.”
PAUL BIYA SHOULD HANDOVER POWER FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF ALL CAMEROONIANS.
I strongly disagree with the opinion previously mentioned that, Mr. Biya is the best manager for Cameroon. Following what has transpired in the country over the past years, it is clear that, Mr. Biya has destroyed the future of all Cameroonians. He has never been and will never be the best manager for the country. The inhabitants of Bakassi Penisula prefer Nigeria to Cameroon because of the present situation of the country. We really need a change of government.It will not be surprising if Mr. Biya still wins in the forth coming election which I know will only happen because of unfair election practises. I want Mr. Biya to know that, if an honest, free and fair election is conducted in Cameroon, he will never win.
I wish to seize this opportunity to advice Mr. Biya that, if he truly loves our father land as he claim, he should handover power to somebody else. Please, have mercy for our beloved country and hand over power and the lord God will bless you abundantly. Emulate Mr Nelson Mandela’s example who fought for freedom for his country, handed power to a younger South African while given him constant advice. Even though he is not the president, he is still being highly honoured in his country and the entire world.
I know you have a lot of experience as head of state, you will benefit the country the most not as the President but as an adviser to the President. Please re-consider your candidature as president.
Posted by: BUNGU PETER NDULA, SCIENTIST, SASOL, SOUTH AFRICA. | Friday, 17 September 2004 at 08:05 AM
Only birds of thesame feathers can rally, Mr. Mbella, you are like clean water in a dirty bottle which in the long run will be poisonous.
Mr. Mayor you can recalled what happened in your own election where boxes were destroyed in Molyko on the street but you still won.
Know ye that you always appreciate yourself like a lizard because you are not the right person in that post.
you can support Biya because you are moving in one foot path.
We can't compare one thing, we must try another person apart from Biya because he is above the age of retirement. He also should give way for another Cameroonian.
We need change in Cameroon
Posted by: Munki | Monday, 20 September 2004 at 06:21 AM
Only birds of thesame feathers can rally, Mr. Mbella, you are like clean water in a dirty bottle which in the long run will be poisonous.
Mr. Mayor you can recalled what happened in your own election where boxes were destroyed in Molyko on the street but you still won.
Know ye that you always appreciate yourself like a lizard because you are not the right person in that post.
you can support Biya because you are moving in one foot path.
We can't compare one thing, we must try another person apart from Biya because he is above the age of retirement. He also should give way for another Cameroonian.
We need change in Cameroon
Posted by: Munki | Monday, 20 September 2004 at 06:22 AM
How come, that in a country of almost twenty million, thesame man has been president for a quarter of a century? This alone, I believe speaks volume about the thievery, dishonesty and dictatorial oppression that characterises the political processes engendered by this man.It is a shame.
ako, the painter of the white dove
Posted by: painter of the white dove | Friday, 24 November 2006 at 02:08 AM