Constitutional Amendment:CPDM Castigates US Ambassador’s Stance

By Kini Nsom

Officials of the ruling CPDM party have reacted angrily to a recent statement by the US Ambassador to Cameroon that differed with current manoeuvres to change the Constitution and pave the way for a life presidency in Cameroon.

Speaking to the over 750 CPDM Section Presidents at the Yaounde Conference Centre last week, bigwigs of the party, including Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo and Prof. Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, propagated the bid for the amendment of Article 6.2 of the Constitution.

They condemned the stance of the US Ambassador, H.E Janet Elizabeth Garvey, on the issue as an attempt by a foreign country to meddle in the internal affairs of Cameroon. In a  statement on February 5, the US diplomat had made it clear that her country would not support any constitutional amendment that is motivated only by one person or a group of persons.

In view of this, the CPDM officials then called on the Section Presidents to shun such views and go ahead with the onslaught of wooing their militants for the amendment of Article 6.2 of the Constitution.

One of the CPDM resource persons reportedly wondered why the Ambassador stood against the bid to change the Cameroon Constitution when the US has amended its Constitution twenty five times.

While further defending the amendment bid, Prof. Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, who is also the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, reportedly said such a move would enable Cameroon hearken to global trends. He is also said to have argued that countries like Tunisia, Chad, Gabon, Algeria, etc. amended their Constitutions, delimiting the number of mandates of their Presidents.

The CPDM resource persons are said to have also claimed that, even in Britain, there is no limitation to the number of mandates for the British Prime Minister.When the meeting began on February 8, one of the party's officials, Moukoko Mbonjo, said the forum was intended to equip Section Presidents with information to educate their militants on the bid to amend Article 6.2  of the Constitution.

The Section Presidents were told to go on a crusade to not only convince their militants to subscribe to the amendment, but also to   woo even opposition militants and members of the civil society.

For them to succeed in such a mission, Moukoko said, they ought to be polite, disciplined and convincing in their approach. The Section Presidents were also urged to seek to convince people that President Paul's stay in power is a guarantee that Cameroonians will continue to live in peace.

Some Section Presidents who spoke to The Post were angry that the party hierarchy virtually rammed everything down their throats and did not give them the opportunity to express the views of their militants on the issue of a constitutional amendment.

"When the CPDM Secretary General, Rene Sadi, opened the meeting, we were told to reflect on the issue and express our opinion. But, I was surprised that we were not given a chance to talk during the plenary", one Section President who asked for anonymity, complained.

He said if they asked their opinion, they would have argued against amending Article 6.2 of the Constitution because the issue is whipping up widespread agitations in the country.
The meeting was made up of two principal scenes. The Secretary General opened the meeting on February 8 and only returned the next day for a declaration to be read claiming that all Section Presidents were asking for a constitutional amendment.

During the closing plenary on Friday, February 9, selected participants were asked to move that the main report of the day be adopted. The report urged the Section Presidents to explain the issue of constitutional amendment to the militants in order to convince them.

Our Constitution Is Obsolete

Defending the issue of constitutional amendment, the Section President for Manyu, Hon Rose Abunaw Makia, told The Post that it is incumbent on Cameroonians to amend the Constitution because it is obsolete.

According to her, it is not only Article 6.2 that should be amended. Article 6.4 that provides that elections be organised within 40 days in case of death, incapacity or resignation of the Head of State, she said, is obsolete because no credible elections can be organised in 40 days.

Hon. Rose Abunaw, who is the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, equally took great exception to Article 15.1 of the Constitution which keeps the membership of the National Assembly at 180. To her, current demographic trends in the country have proven that 180 Members of Parliament cannot fully represent the ever-growing population.

Asked if government will organise a referendum to seek the opinion of citizens on the matter, Rose Abunaw said the representatives of the people who are the MPs will decide for them in Parliament when the time comes. This statement lends credence to allegations that the CPDM government is planning to table a bill on the constitutional amendments in the next parliamentary session in March.

For his part, the CPDM Section President for Ngoketunjia II, Ignatius Dingha, said by holding the Yaounde meeting, the CPDM expects other forces of the nation to join them in the bid to modernise the Constitution. Both Linus Ghangha and Juliana Neng Ntam, Section Presidents from Boyo Division, equally corroborated the view that Cameroonians should amend their Constitution to suit the present day realities.

Before the February 8 meeting, the CPDM hierarchy claimed that the idea of the constitutional amendment came from grassroots militants through motions of support to the party Chairman.

Over FCFA 1 billion was reportedly used to organise the meeting, with each participant receiving a per diem of FCFA 100 000.

Get 10 Free International Minutes - PINLESS

Comments

[eyallow]

Its so amazing how a group of selfish individuals are slowly but steadily conniving towards plunging a whole nation into civil unrest.

Without mincing words, I have a deep feeling that amending the Cameroonian constitution to allow Biya to stand for presidency will erode away the patience the Cameroonian people have shown this draconian regime.

If this is what it will take to bring down those crazy bald heads who are only thinking of their gluttonous bellies even I who is a staunch anti-war partisan will take up arms!!

Something, someone, some mystery has to save Cameroon from this impending disaster!

[eyallow]

Gosh i cant hold down myself. Just thinking about this again, my blood boils at hyperthemophilic scales. How dare this people undermind our intelligence?

If u keep on poking a sore, the pain will eventually incite a reaction. We are watching you closely!

[nshom]

These guys are out of ideas, you see the kind of nations from which they are taking lessons? Tchad, Gabon, Tunisia etc.

These numbskull professors know very very well that without Biya they are nothing but thier time will eventually come.

[Kumbaboy]

With such jungle-mania in CPDM circles, one can understand why the current US President carefully avoided Cameroon from his itinerary despite Paul Biya's many trips to the White House.

[payeman]

This is really incredible.That Grand Pa wanna die as a president and leave our fellow brothers and sister in an unbearable situation.Please God you are the only one who can help us because this is beyond our control.WE NEED YOUR HELP

[Ma Mary]

Southern Cameroonians should stay out of this. There will of course be self-serving imbeciles like Elvis Ngolle Ngolle dancing to his master's voice. Let the Camerounese deal with their own demons. John Fru Ndi should keep that crap in la Republique.

[Ahadji]

Let Paul Biya implement the present constitution before thinking about amending it. Please MPs, This is a warning to all of you. We the people of Cameroon are not in support for an amendment that will allow Biya to stand as president in 2011. If this should happen then know that you have openly declared war in Cameroon. Don't be supprise at the events that will follow such a move.
Thank you

[kenedy Epie]

Shame to a learned tribes man in the name of Prof. Elvis Ngolle Ngolle. He is the first Professor in International Relations who romances with bad governance and dictatorship. I doubt the contents of his lectures at IRIC, Yaounde. Professors in his capacity elsewhere are liberal in their political views and strong advocates of democracy in the real sense of it. He is a disgrace to the US University where he obtained his PhD.
kenedy Epie
Helsinki, Finland.

[Ahadji]

Rigobert Song Bahanack will tell you that he doesn’t understand how he could lose a ball to his opponent that will cost him so dearly. God made them to win up to the semi-finals but God knew pretty well what harm a Cameroon victory at the finals will do to our Country especially at this point in time.
We should know that God has heard the cry of Cameroonians and has turned his eyes on Cameroon. All those who drink blood to stay in power or for greater achievements, know that your time is up. The people must be liberated on or before 2011. The power of God is stronger than any other power in the universe. God allows his people to be oppressed so that he can manifest his power and glory. His spirit is transforming Cameroonians now. Thank God Mr. Biya is aware of this transforming spirit. That is why in his recent address to the Youths he began with the statement “In view of the uncertainties of the future” The children of The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have a future that is CERTAIN because of the promises and covenants God made with our forefathers. The future can only be uncertain for the children of blood drinkers, embezzlers, election riggers, corrupters and those who inflict pain on the innocent.

[FRITZANE KIKI]

If the CPDM nincompoops and traitors masquerading as politicans cannot envisage the dark and dangerous path they are pursuing,at the expense of the common citizens, as they continue threatening to amend article 6.2 of the constitution,then it's really betraying since it's against the people's will.The people are sick and tired of thesame presidential politics which has the most dramatic impact to cause a civil strife.

Majority says it will be a fragile and delicate compromise if the authoritarian government persists,since their aim is to maintain the Mr dogooder Bi Mvondo in office after 2011.Cameroonians donnot show any more interest in the political issues since the government shows little chances of fundamentally reforming major socio-economic problems and humanitarian calamities facing them;shortages of electricity,water and bad roads continue,the nations education system is devastating,workplace discouraging,the law enforcement is broken.

The governemt has to put these priorities as top in the parliament agenda than thinking of amending a constitution only for selfish reasons.Those political leaders should think twice before unwittingly aiding the CPDM government in their sinister aims,which can plunge we the people and country in an escalating jeopardy and bloodshed.

Fritzane Kiki
S.K

[Fon]

I join my voice to the already many voices to strongly condemn any attempt to modify the constitution of Cameroon for the interest of Biya and his clique. Cameroonians should use all means available to resist this devilish act.

[wncsadam]

I strongly agree with you Kennedy Epie, some of these money hungers called themselves Prof, they are really a disgrace to this prestigeous academic title. In short that man called Ngolle should come and see real prof here in Europe who ride on bikes every morning to their classes. In i have always none that man Ngollleeellllle as a man who will die behind Paupolle. While i dont blame him for you can't bit the hands that have fed you. But time is coming when the soft penis will be regarded as meat to a baby and he will eat it with pleasure. be warned Ngolle for the death of that man on power will come and you will have no where to go. do what is good as you where taught in your International Realtion Classes.

SADAM

[Donbon]

Nobody, not Janet Garvey, not the USA, France, Britain or even God will give us our freedom if we don't seize it ourselves. We delude ourselves greatly if we think that international public opinion or even God will liberate us.
God only help those who help themselves. The way we are going to gain our freedom is through blood, sweat and tears. If we don't want to pay this price, then our children and childrens' children will continue with our suffering.
Lets stop all this nonsense about Cameroon being a peace-loving people. The monopoly on violence is with the CPDM. Until such a time that we realize that enough is enough, we would be simply whistling in the dark about our so-called freedoms.

[vextoj]

Ma Mary,
we cameroonians have alway told u people-SCNC blablabla or what, to stop disturbing those of us who seek solutions for all cameroonians. THIS IS NOT AN SCNC FORUM. whatever the case ur scnc ideas will be CRUSHED like a rotten pear. we will never allow those stupid scnc activists to destroy this nation just like paul biya.
we are calling on all cameroonians whether english or french speaking, to say `NO TO BIYA'S PLANS' he is not even sure to be alive by 2011 and he is already planning for prolongation.
AS for cpdm militants we all know u are addicted to `food' and `drinks'. Biya has alway used this method to keep u all in the dark. food and drinks provided especially in ebolowa and yaounde, will never replace roads, hospitals, schools and jobs which we all need in this country. the gov't is spending money to educate cpdm militants on constitutional admendmant meanwhile that money can be used to provide scholarships and improving on the poor cameroonian's life. we know all those old tricks mr biya.
As for the SDF i can only appreciate their effort to stop this old and functionless biya. but the SDF needs to improve on that quest. ALL cameroonian are ready to help the SDF on this matter but they need to have VERY STRONG INTERNATIONAL BACKINGS TO SUCCEED. biya survives because he receives support from the past crafty french gov'ts.
Those in diaspora should keep on writing abt this evil regime. keep on sending ur comments at both national and international level, so that the world will focus on cameroon. this is the time, because other african countries are in similar crisis-kenya, chad.
we must make the world know that all these events in these countries occur when the wishes of the people are not heard or taken into consideration.

[itabison]

Its a sad thing to see glutens and parasites determined to kill their host. Biya should know that these selfish guys had been and are using him to achieve their personal greed and he will be the one to be left in the deepest shit at the end of the day. Its a total mess

[Dunnoabakwa]

Sad thing indeed. For how long are these bigwigs going to stay in the hangover? I wonder what kind of rum they consumed in the first place? They seem to hack on the Word 'Peace', every time they are given the stage to blow out their misconceived ideologies on Democracy. What the average Cameroon longs for is not peace as it were, it poverty alleviation and the basics for an average lifestyle. These are people who live superscale standards and all they can do is try to convince the weak populace on Constitutional Amendment. ! Slowly and Steadily Kenya, Congo, Ivory Coast, Here we come!!!!!!!

[lionking]

Ever since i have personally being doubting the credibility of your professorship. And now am very convinced you bought it like others from those mushroom institutions in the US. Unlike other professors, they have publications and try to bring light to the society through their students. The google search results of Elvis Ngolle is CPDM. Naming Chad, Tunisia etc as examples for Cameroon or any country to follow is more than loosing your mind and that really questions your academic sources especially in political sciences as you claim.Idiot.

[ftroit]

Do these people understand that there is no need for this debate in Cameroon? The constitution does not place limits to the number of times a Cameroonian can serve as president like the US constitution does. In Cameroon, the only condition is that you step down after a maximum of two terms and then you are free to contest after seven year. That's IT!!!!! If the people like you, they'll vote for you again after 7 years!!!! That's the argument that should be made and NO one is making it!!!!!!!!!!

[UnitedstatesofAfrica]

We all know, people like Ngolle Ngolle have sold their soul to the devil and that blood-thirsty vampire in Etoudi. He has sold his soul for earthly pleasures and he sucks the blood of downtrodden Cameroonians for good health. This we all know so nobody should be surprised.
Instead of complaining, we have to ask ourselves what next? what next? what next? what next?

[the biggest tboy]

It will be a political fallacy if my fellow cameroonians at home allow the so called political big-wiggs to temper with the law of the land for their self agrondisement.i feel ashame when my senior and lended colleague in the person of Ngole Ngole stands to support constitutional amendment at this stage in the countries democratisation process.infact he makes me to believe that political scientist are those who preach virtue but practices vice.Ngole Ngole you are warned.

[red flag]

THE LAW OF WHAT?
CAMEROUN CONSTITIUTION, WAS WRITTEN BY THE
WHITE MAN OF FRANCE TO SERVE ITS PURPOSE
OF USURO, EXPLOITATION AND SLAVERY OF BLACK AMN IN FRENCH CAMEROUN.
LETS TALK ON OUR OWN COUNTRY(BRITISH SOUTHERN CAMEROONS AND HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE FROM THESE CAMEROUNESE
ILLEGAL
OCCUPANT OF OUR COUNTRY FOR 46 YEARS.