BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI AND DOH JAMES SONKEY
Though cosmetic in nature, the Friday, March 2 presidential surgery on government was a quake of no small magnitude. Aside reorganising his internal cuisine, President Paul Biya let go persons hitherto considered untouchables.
The President of the Republic, Paul Biya took many citizens by surprise last March 2, 2018 when he announced a minor cabinet reshuffle instead of a new government. Not only did the Head of State release it when least expected, but also proved that his choices cannot be influenced by popular opinions.
In the appointment, President Paul Biya rewarded two Anglophones, Atanga Nji Paul as pioneer Anglophone Minister of the split Ministry of Territorial Administration who in the heart of the Anglophone crisis made a highly controversial declaration that Anglophones have never been marginalized under President Paul Biya. Atanga Nji Paul who until his appointment was former Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic exchanged positions with the former Minister of the then Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Rene Emmnanuel SADI.
Another person who received a reward from the Head of State is Prof Nalova Lyonga as she was made the first Anglophone to be Minister of Secondary Education. As former Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, she was highly criticized for her handling of the student crisis at the beginning of the Anglophone crisis.
The swaps:
Atanga Nji Paul formerly Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic was swapped with Rene Emmanuel Sadi, Minister of Territorial Administration.
Elung Paul formerly Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Finance is the new Deputy Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic. Yaouba Abdoulaye takes the place of Elung Paul as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Finance.
Newcomers:
Elanga Obam Georges comes in as Minister of Decentralization and Local Development; a new Ministry created on the wake of crisis rocking the two regions and repeated calls for a return to Federalism or restoration of the State of former West Cameroon.
President Biya sent shockwaves through his internal cuisine, appointing a new Director at the Civil Cabinet, Samuel Mvondo’o Ayolo to replace Martin Belinga Eboutou.
Osvalde Baboke, comes in as Assistant Director of Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic.
Felix Mbayu replaces Dion Ngute as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Corporations with the Commonwealth while Dion Ngute becomes Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic.
Paul Tasong was appointed Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT.
Etoga Yves Landry makes giant entry, replacing Jean Baptist Bokam as Secretary of State at the ministry of Defense in charge of National Gendarmerie.
Eloundou Essomba Gaston replaces Atangana Kouna as the Minister of Water and Energy while Joseph Le is the strong man at the Ministry of the Public Service and Administrative Reforms.
Djodom Armand is Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works in charge of Roads.
Jules Doret Ndongo, formerly Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation is the new Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, replacing Ngole Philip Ngwese.
Secondary Education Minister Ngale Bibehe ousted Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o as Minister of Transport.
Prof. Nalova Lyonga cut short her retirement to occupy the coveted office of Secondary Education Minister.
Wayout:
Those shown the door include Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o, Michel Ange Angouing, Bazil Atangana Kouna, Ngole Philip Ngwese, Jean Baptist Bokam and Martin Belinga Eboutou.
Michel Ange Angouing during his time at the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms picked a fight with the General Manager of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM). His exit is not unconnected to the disagreements between both men.
It is unclear why Ngole Ngwese was shown the door.
It is widely believed that some of those dropped could be appointed into the senate.
Survivors:
Strange survivors include Prime Minister, Philemon Yang; Justice Minister, Laurent Esso; Communication Minister, Tchiroma and High Education Minister, Fame Ndongo.