By Noela EBOB BISONG
Traditional Rulers in Cameroon say due to the complex nature of the state of Cameroon, only Paul Biya in his ‘wisdom’ can successfully manage the affairs of the country. In a statement which they issued last January 27 in Yaounde, at the close of the statutory meeting of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, the Chiefs maintained that, “Cameroon is a complex State, which needs an experienced statesman at its helm.”
The statutory meeting had two main items on its agenda; to set up a new permanent bureau of the council and to present a statement on the current political situation in Cameroon.
They said, “The experience, wisdom, patriotism and foresight of President Paul Biya are undeniable and irrefutable assets and qualities for our country in this increasingly uncertain world.”
The chiefs hold that, “Thanks to President Paul Biya, Cameroon remains a peaceful, upright, stable, respected and admired country.”
In the Declaration which was signed by a host of traditional rulers at the meeting and read in the presence of Territorial Administration Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, the rulers presented Biya as one who intends to correct “certain malfunctions that hamper the development of our beautiful country, Cameroon”.
The chiefs also took time to thank Biya for giving traditional chiefdom the place it deserves in the country. “1st, 2nd and 3rd class Traditional Rulers now receive a monthly allowance and are part of institutions of the Republic, where they hold important posts of responsibility”, they rejoiced, citing the post of Vice President of Regional Councils, occupied by traditional rulers.
The Declaration further read that, “In recognition of this constant concern, the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, after thorough assessment of the political atmosphere in Cameroon, have decided to give their full and unflinching support to the candidacy of H.E. Paul Biya in the forthcoming presidential election.”
According to the Chiefs, “Our support for the candidacy of H.E. Paul Biya is therefore aimed at affirming and reaffirming the commitment made by the Traditional Rulers of Cameroon in 1983 to support republican institutions and President Paul Biya who incarnates them at all times.”
They pledged that, “As auxiliaries of the administration, the Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, through this solemn and republican commitment, assure public authorities of their full readiness to support all the measures that will be taken to ensure the smooth running of the forthcoming presidential election in a peaceful, calm and serene environment…peace is priceless and disorder is of no good to anyone.”.
The Declaration read by HM Fon Chafah, was signed by such as HRM Jacques Fame Ndongo, HRH Senator Nfor Tabetando, HM Rene Desire, HM Ibrahim E. amongst others.