– Akwaya traditional rulers honour Manghe Donatus Asu with Otu’Otiekpan I
(Chief Tiger of Akwaya)
– He is a bulldozer, a go-getter, a political and economic hunting dog – HRH Otu Ojong Asu
BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
The Deputy General Manager of PAMOL PLC, Manghe Donatus Asu has been conferred the Akwaya traditional title “Otu’Otiekpan I” translated into English as Chief Tiger of Akwaya.
The traditional recognition exercise took place at his premises at Ngeme in Limbe II Subdivision on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Speaking during the event, the President of Akwaya traditional council, president Otu Ojong Asu Jean said the chiefs and elites of Akwaya in an enlarged meeting at the behest of the Moderator of Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba recommended that Mr. Manghe Donatus Asu,who is the political leader of Akwaya and who doubles as their resource person No 1, be conferred with a traditional title.
“We are therefore here today because the environment is safe. Some may ask, why Donatus Asu Manghe? The answer is easy. Since his appointment in October 2020, we have seen in him, the desire, anxiety and the will of a young man, to address the problems of Akwaya in an objective and analytical mind”.
“He has made efforts to bring the people of Akwaya together through meetings and contributions in ensuring that Akwaya is united, strong and forward-looking with a view to achieving those objectives that can bring harmony and development. The Royal Fathers of Akwaya have seen in this young man the aura of a bulldozer, a go-getter, a political and economic hunting dog.” Otu Ojong Asu explained.
He added that by conferring a title on him, the chiefs of Akwaya are hereby empowering, blessing and urging him to keep that spirit of love, unity, development and victory of Akwaya Subdivision.
“We are empowering the go-getter to harvest and bring to his people, those aspects of economic and social development which will make Akwaya greater”,
“We hereby empower him with our all to wake Akwaya from its slumber so that the Subdivision created in 1963, can also belong and receive its due status in the political and economic atmosphere of our country.“ Otu Ojong Asu said.
He implored him to co-operate with other elites to ensure that economic and social development is visible in Akwaya Subdivision. Otu Ojong admitted that the task is big, but he is optimistic that he will achieve it, God being his helper.
“We want to tell the entire Manyu that this is our own son in whom we’re well pleased and that we have presented him for anything that belongs to Akwaya give it to him and he will bring it to us.” Otu Ojong said.
Speaking shortly after his recognition, the Deputy General Manager, Manghe Donatus Asu said; “Today they have conferred on me the leadership role, they have seen that, I can lead the people, they gave me a symbolic name Otu’Otiekpan I of Akwaya.”
He added that it’s not restricted to court areas, villages but for the whole Akwaya.
Manghe Donatus said he felt very honoured and indebted to the whole Akwaya people. “Recognition is not an easy thing. I think that the people like me and they want me to go ahead and do a few things for the people at my power”.
“So, today I feel very empowered. I think I’m happy and I will work with everybody and I’m telling you that today marks the new beginning for the Akwaya Subdivision”,
“We’re backward no doubt, but we’re going to do everything from now to take the Subdivision forward. Look for the things we don’t have, join our hands together, make more friends, eliminate the issue of enemy. In the face of this socio-economic crisis, the thing has hit us more.” Manghe Donatus stated. He regretted that Akwaya is more affected by the Anglophone crisis.
Created in 1963 along side other Subdivisions, these Subdivisions are now having the status of Division but Akwaya is still a Subdivision with 99 villages. Manghe opined that with a geometric population growth in villages, the population is so huge reason why they deserve more than a Subdivision.
On his part, the acting president of Akwaya Students Union, Orzende Hans Iyal while delivering a speech said for non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Akwaya to drop their arms, there is a need for them to be reintegrated into the society for a return to normalcy,
“The challenges remain the fear of being arrested after dropping their arms by the government and the unavailability of what can keep them busy or sustenance.” Orzende Hans Iyal added.
“We believe if these can be solved, it will be a step towards a self-developing Akwaya subdivision because if we are empowered economically, we can plough back the effects in our homeland, support other youths, assist local community projects among other things.” Orzende Hans explained.
“These atrocities have resulted to loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of thousands of Akwaya people all over the National territory and Abroad. The “Amba” remains a threat to the Akwaya person, as home is not safe for everyone except their loyalists.” Orzende Hans said.
He also said that the situation is largely caused by ignorance of the youths to have sacrificed their sovereignty to outsiders who dictate what happens in the subdivision, “thus putting our people at risk and making the environment not conducive for development.Our dear parents and Leaders, a guarantee of total freedom and availability of jobs, will be a very good start to ensure disarming the redeemable “Amba” for reintegration into the society”,
“Leaders and parents do more to improving the youths because we believe that it is a necessity for the growth and development of our great Subdivision”. Orzende Hans said.
While praying for peace and serenity to return, he thanked leaders for initiating the peace process that will bring security back at home so the youths can be useful instruments of developing Akwaya.
A very touching prayer by Rev. Takem kick-started the occasion. The man of God lamented the worrying misfortunes that have befallen sons of Akwaya who have either not completed their legislative mandates or appointments due to death. He implored God to put a stop to this situation.
The event was attended by 10 traditional rulers of Akwaya Subdivision notably
Chief Ondetor Edwin Eshumbhiga, Chief Hans Odeh Ondape, Chief Abang Atem Benjamines and Chief Leku Moses. Others included Chief Ojong Asu Jean, Chief Justice Mbua Alexandra Akon, Chief Agwa Linus, Chief Odi John Ajiah, Chief Taka Denis and Chief Aldof Okumo Nteh.
Also in attendance was the Paramount Ruler of Limbe HM John Elufa Manga Williams, General Manager of PAMOL PLC Solomon Tapea Mbile, Mayor of Limbe III Council, Nseke Luma Dibotti, PAMOL workers, friends, family, clergy, among others.