– New Fako SDO, Engelbert Viang Mekala, takes bold move to re-instate 15 chiefs and their chiefdoms as instructed by MINAT against the wishes of some reigning chiefs and elite
– The non-implementation of the ministerial directive and SW governor’s follow-up instructions was one of the key reasons that led to the former SDO, Chaibou’s early exit from Fako Division
BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
Barely one month, three weeks in Office as Fako Senior Divisional Officer, Engelbert Viang Mekala has put an end to the saga over non-rehabilitation of some chiefdoms ordered by MINAT last year, an order, which the former SDO, Chaibou refused to execute and which led to his early exit from the Division.
In a prefectoral order dated Thursday, March 14, 2024 the SDO endorses the rehabilitation of 15 traditional chiefdom in Buea, Limbe and Tiko subdivisions which were previously homologated by the former Fako SDO, Chaibou.
According to the prefectoral order which The SUN procure the 15 traditional chiefdoms, eight are found in Buea, six in Limbe I and one in Tiko Subdivision.
The prefectoral order states that these rehabilitated chiefdoms which correspond to and cover the villages bearing the same names shall henceforth enjoy administrative and legal existence on the basis of the existing prefectoral order.
He added that all the previous administrative instruments contrary to the provisions of the prefectoral order are hereby abrogated. Viang Mekala instructs the Divisional Officers, D.O of Buea, Limbe I and Tiko Subdivisions to fully implement this prefectoral order.
Speaking to some of the concerned chiefs, they expressed joy for receiving the long-awaited news. Some of them added that the news is timely as next year is election year and they need to mobilize the subjects to massively register and vote.
It should be noted that the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul AtangaNji, approved the rehabilitation of some 15 chiefdoms in Fako Division after ordering their cancellation in July 2022. The former Fako SDO Chaibou backed by some chiefs and elite resisted the implementation of the order.
In another communique from South West Governor’s office signed by delegation the Secretary General Gilbert Acha Nkweti dated Wednesday August 30, 2023 part of the letter reads; “You are expected to strictly comply with these unequivocal ministerial instructions by re-instating the said communities and their traditional rulers in their initial rights. No prior actions or procedures were demanded of you on this issue.”,
“I therefore request you to put an immediate end to any form of agitation surrounding the execution of these ministerial instructions, most especially at a time when local authorities are statutorily expected to focus on sensitization activities to ensure the success of the 2023 “Back-to-School” campaign” Gilbert Acha explained.
The reasons for the MINAT boss’ U-turn remains unclear, especially given that he had instructed for the elimination of such villages amid public outcry of land-grabbing and the creation of illegal villages.
The instructions of Minister Paul Atanga Nji was contained in a confidential letter dated July 28, 2023 which has surfaced to the public space.
The letter reads “Further to your correspondence cited in reference and to our interview on July 19, 2023, relating to the above-mentioned subject, I have the honour to ask you to kindly instruct the Prefect of the Department of Fako to proceed with the rehabilitation of the fifteen (15) traditional chiefdoms of 3rd degree. Buea district upper Fue, Monde, Mapanja, Wokeli, WonyaImali, Lower Ewonda, Kassa, Tiko district Tiko-Duala, Limbe district Mokata, Kole, Mwette, Wonjamba, Ewuke, Tumatal.” Paul Atanga stated.
The call from the MINAT boss and South West Governor for the former Fako SDO, Chaibou to rehabilitate some villages in Fako yielded fruits as Fako SDO Chaibou on Monday August 28, 2023 issued a communique creating a 21 man commission put in place to examine the rehabilitation of villages in Tiko, Buea and Limbe I Subdivisions.
Certainly Engelbert Viang Mekala may have come with specific instructions on this particular file and he has wasted no time in executing.