Cameroonians now seem to be looking forward to the prospects of promoting multiculturalism in the Cameroonian society. This
means that, the diverse cultures with which the peoples of the various regions and ethnic groups identify themselves, must be given the respect it deserves. We certainly cannot be preaching one thing and doing the other. We must all admit that we are passing through a very trying period in the history of this country, Cameroon. No one should be given credits for any attempt to ignore efforts by the head of state to fathom out a way of Cameroonians to live together amicably as one people. It is for this reason that a National Commission for the promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism was formed and much is being expected from it, particularly as it concerns Cameroonians on this part of the country.
If we are therefore asking for some restraint on the part of the Speaker of the National Assembly, we are simply flashing our memories back to the treatment the Hon. Speaker accorded one of the House members, Hon. Wilfred Fusi Namukong, SDF Parliamentarian from Bafut-Tuba constituency, on account of his dressing mode.
Hon. Fusi was dressed in what is generally recognized and accepted as a dressing pattern of the people of the North West region and even of the West region. Other minor details of how this dressing pattern must be composed of, may not have conformed. But this could have been allowed to remain the prerogative of the various ethnic groups to determine how complete the make-up ought to be. From the surface view of how the Hourable MP dressed on that fateful day, a stranger not acquainted with the dressing mode of the people from that part of the country, will have no quarrel with it.
But the Hon. Speaker did not take it lightly. He did not only caution him. He was denied the right to speak in parliament for his people, this we consider very harsh.
If we are to dwell strictly on the issue of respect and the promotion of our cultural values, especially in the area of our various cultural attires, and more especially in our dressing patterns, most of our M.P.s will be held culpable. Because a good majority of them appear in parliament dressed in suits in Western style and no one dares bring this to question. They wear expensive suits imported from Western fashion stores and mount the rostrum with borrowed dignity and pride, purporting to be the Ambassadors of our various cultures. And it has never crossed the mind of the Hon. Speaker or anyone else to make an issue out of this. The promotion of our multiculturalism certainly has to draw lesson from issues like this, to help the National Commission see its way through, in its noble mission. This apart, we consider it pertinent to ask the question whether there is any code of dressing that specifies the attire by which members should present themselves during sessions of the House.
If this is so, then the rules should be made known to all and duly respected by all.
In this particular case of Hon. Fusi, we can understand the Speaker’s fury. We are also aware of the experience the Speaker had with Hon.Wirba, which might have compelled him to think that Hon. Fusi, coming up with that attire, could mean something unusual. He might simply have wanted to preempt a repeat performance, especially as Hon. Wirba, from no-where, turned up at the National Assembly, all of a sudden. We shall stop at nothing in reminding Cameroonians, no matter our positions in society, that we are going through a rugged path in our history and we need to tread every step with caution. This appeal goes even more to those who hold positions of responsibility especially in leadership. The Speaker is certainly one of such, because he is leading a group of equals, who represent the masses of the people in their various constituencies, and whom they are expected to defend and speak on their behalf, who will, at the end of the day share credits for their brilliant performance and success, as well as blame for their failures and under achievements.
It is therefore pertinent, as leader of the group, to listen to all shades of opinion without emotions and disturbing sentiments. The issue of private member Bills, should not be treated as taboo. It should not matter, whether they come from members of the opposition parties, or even those from the ruling party. They all are valuable contributions in our democratic experiment. They matter just like government Bills. For this reason therefore, we insist that Mr. Speaker should exercise some restraint on matters before your High office. It will certainly pay dividends in the process of solving most of our biting problems.