By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
“Various Organizations and their members must turn out massively on May 20th 2018 for the march pass in their uniforms and boards. Failure to do so will mean they have violated order and will therefore cease to exist” That was the warning by the Divisional officer for Buea Sub Division KOUAM WOKAM Paul recently at a meeting held at the Buea council chambers involving heads of organizations, social groups, village, community and tribal heads, opinion leaders, syndicates etc.
The meeting was aimed at effectively mobilizing stakeholders and the population at large to show up and participate at the upcoming National Day celebration on May 20. It was equally aimed at reminding the chiefs, village and community heads of the roles they have to play in mobilizing their people to all turn out in their numbers.
Addressing those present, the DO congratulated all who put in efforts to make the previous national day celebration a success. He pleaded for more collaborative efforts from those involved to ensure that this year’s celebrations equally records huge success despite the threats from the unknown.
“It is our duty to mobilize our people and ourselves to make sure everything moves on hitch free. Each village must match behind its banner on the 20th of May” said the DO.
Talking about security, General Melingui Nouma Donatien said maximum security has already been put in place in regard to the day. He noted with dismay that most of the traditional rulers stay out of their villages leaving incompetent representatives in charge. He assured the chiefs of Fako to return to their various areas because maximum security has been reinforced and their safety is guaranteed. General Nouma told community heads to mobilize their communities not to fear anything because the Fako area remains untouchable. “Try to help the security forces so that we can help you in return” he advised
The DO reiterated on the need for togetherness as a prerequisite for a successful national day celebration. “We must stand together and put to shame all those who think the 20th May will not hold” he noted.
Transportation difficulties and insecurity were some of the major aspects tabled by some chiefs during the meeting. As to the problem of transportation, the Mayor of the Buea municipality, Ekema Patrick said transportation means have already been made available for the chiefs on May 20th.
Talking to the press at the close of the meeting, the DO said, for the 20th May to really be significant, the people need to be well organized. “That is why this meeting had to do with the village, community and tribal heads, opinion leaders so that we make sure that they who are in charge of the population make sure that they are fully mobilized to participate in the 20th May celebrations not only by being present at the grand stand but by matching effectively on the boulevard so that it will be evident that the people of Buea Sub-division are fully committed and are ready to defend the national symbol which is our National Day”.
To the Vigilante groups, the DO stressed the need for total collaboration with the chiefs and the force of law and order and administrative authorities. The vigilante groups whom he said are made up of about 400 persons in 50 groups have been trained and the only challenge is the smooth collaboration between them and the security forces. “We are making sure that everything flows smoothly between the both parties be it at the level of information, reacting promptly to situations “etc
“We have been called upon to mobilize our population and we are committed to that. Some chiefs had principal issues such as transportation difficulties due to the enclaved nature of their villages but the Mayor has promised to handle that aspect. For now I don’t see any challenge with regard to the National Day celebrations. So far as mobilization is concerned, we are use to it and we can cope” Chief Njie Mandenge of Wonjia village in Buea told reporters.
The Divisional officer concluded by pleading for total mobilization from the entire population. “Buea should defend the face of the South west at the upcoming national day”. He warned of possible sanctions on anyone involved if anything concerning the success of the big day is hampered.