Cameroon: One-and-one with former mayor of Mamfe, Eyong Ashu Arascam

The Former Mayor of Mamfe town, Eyong Ashu aka ARASCAM paints a sad image of the once vibrant Council he left and declares his intention to stage a come-back in the 2018 elections. In this thrilling interview with Cameroon Concord's Soter Agbaw-Ebai and Bertrand Agbaw-Ebai in Mamfe, Arascam says Manyu elites need to think and rethink things.

Cameroon Concord: Mr Mayor thank you for accepting to talk to Cameroon Concord. You did just one mandate as Mayor of the historic town of Mamfe. Looking back at your time, are you satisfy with the development of the Mamfe society?

Arascam : Yes and No!!! Yes because my team approached development with anger and we were able to give Mamfe a place under the sun.  But is a regrettable fact that what we achieved during my mandate is suffering from serious neglect by the current establishment. All risk I took as Mayor to create new roads have been abandoned without any refurbishment by the team that took over from me.

Cameroon Concord: We gathered intelligence that you were made Mayor by the big men in Yaoundé call the ministers and the same big men got you out. Is this true?

Arascam: No! My politicking and subsequent victory was achieved by the hand of God. I had never nurse any ambition of vying for a Mayor post. The late Mayor Ayuk Ndang suggested it to me and I refused. I wanted to concentrate on being a successful businessman. Before I knew it, many prominent opinion leaders had settled down for me saying it was my turn. Even the list that I headed and became Mayor was constituted by the local people who wanted me to head the council. There were attempts by the Yaoundé based elites to form a consensus list which I rejected. The will of the people prevailed and I was elected Mayor. 

Cameroon Concord: People reading this interview will be saying that you are not happy because you are nursing some hard feelings against the current Mayor Hon. Ayuk Takunchong whom many believe has a popular mandate?

Arascam: No! I have no personal issue with my successor. In fact Ayuk Takunchong is my brother. We have a long standing relationship that runs between both families that was established by our parents and that cordiality has been there till date. It will interest you to know that Plaque as I often refer to him is my cousin.

Cameroon Concord: In a place call Mamfe, when a Mayor is prevented by a political party from running for a second mandate, he resigns from the party and joins another one. Lets get your take on this?

Arascam: Laughs and laughs hard!!!! I know what you are saying and where you are coming from. But it should be equally emphasized that all political parties are good and bad depending on the people managing the affairs. In Manyu, which is the strong hold of the CPDM, the elites are not helping the community. The party is at the mercy of President Biya and his appointees. Their self-serving character is counter productive to the constituency. Therefore, we need to change the boat not to risk the passengers. To be sure, the elites need to think and rethink things. Mamfe and Manyu needs a new idea and we as Manyu people are badly in need of a neutral third option to help move the constituency forward.

Cameroon Concord: Our readers would love to know if you will contest the 2018 elections?

Arascam: Yes! I have made up my personal decision to run and contest the 2018 Municipal elections. The council is a development agency and the post of Mayor is for the community. I should equally state here that during my mandate as Mayor, I taught the Mamfe people that a call to serve should never be compromised with money. I had no salary but just an allowance. Once you have the people at heart you don`t put any financial gains in front. A mayor should be in a position to impact on the lives of the community. In 2018, I will present a new development plan to the inhabitants of Mamfe. Mamfe belongs to all those who live there be you Bayangi, Boki or Ejagham

Cameroon Concord: As Mayor did you receive any Timber Royalties meant for Upper Banyang? If yes how much?

Arascam :That is a catchy question and my answer is yes. I made public the amount and we had very intensive and productive meetings with the Upper Banyang elites and thanks to former Governor  Enow Tanjong we succeeded to resolve the issues amicably. It was a difficult situation but Tanjong and his wisdom guided us out of the crisis and we emerged stronger and united as Manyu people.

Cameroon Concord: Describe in just one sentence the following personalities: Minister Agbor Tabi, Minister Tanyi Mbiayor Clarkson and Hon. Rose Abunaw?

Arascam: Minister Agbor Tabi: I reserved My comment.

Minister Clarkson Mbiayor: I reserved my Comment

Hon. Rose Abunaw: Has some weaknesses but deserved a pass mark.

Cameroon Concord: Former mayor Ashu thank you for your time

Arascam: Its my pleasure