CPDM reorganisation: Tearing the North West region apart

The resignation of some highly placed CPDM officials in order to vie for elective positions and the decision that barred all North West Fons from contesting for posts within the ruling CPDM party has put the reorganization exercise in the North West Region at crossroads. Intrigues, manipulations, blackmail and the consensus idea brought in by some Fons and rejected by some interested persons has continued to make headline news in the region. Cameroon Concord’s Samuel Bantar paints the prevailing situation in this soul-searching report:

The journey began in Mezam-former Bamenda 1 which has been divided into 3 zones with Bamenda 1b that host the lucrative Congress Hall considered the hottest Section president seat. Here, Tazong Abel Ndeh [former Government Delegate to the Bamenda city Council], Tawa Cresy and Rose Saningam are all in for the race described by some political commentators as a clash of the Titans.

As CPDM customs and tradition demands the winner here must be the anointed one with blessings from the Fon of Mankon, 1st Vice National President of the CPDM and Minister Atanga Nji Paul. Mezam 2 involving the Bafourchou´mafia in Santa has her share of problems. With J.B.Ndeh out of the race, Fru Jonathan, the CPDM Central Committee delegate to the locality has declared himself a candidate contrary to party text. It is alleged that he bullied Michael Shupong to submission and has also been accused of accepting an over aged candidate for the post of YCPDM section president. Former Prime Minister and Senator, Simon Achidi Achu has been watching the drama from a distance and looks helpless. To be sure, in Bamenda 1a, there are 5 lists; Bamenda 2b, 4 lists and Bamenda 3-Nkwen is still quiet and relaxed.

In Mbengwi, cat calls had greeted the sacking of Ama Tutu Muna from government putting the party in that area in shambles. Supporters of the former Minister are undecided on which direction to follow. At the close of a meeting to select a candidate for section president, a motion of support and a peaceful match to thank the Head of State for appointing one of theirs Mbah Fomundam as Minister of State Audit was openly rejected by section president-Tembi Jacob whom it is alleged acted on Ama Tutu Muna’s instructions. Ama Muna was heard murmuring privately that Mbah Fomundam is not a politician. As head of the reorganization exercise in Menchum Division, Ama Muna boycotted the opening ceremony claiming it was a day of national mourning for victims of the Mina stampede in Saudi Arabia. Hon. Wallang Richard, Chop Cyprian and Mayor Dighambong Anthony who has reportedly gotten the backing from the Aghem Fons will all be challenging each other for post of Section president of Wum.

The Bafut story was a combined comedy and tragedy as a consensus list brought in by the Fon and headed by Ndifongwa Emmanuel was rejected by Tumngwa Henry, Mbonifor Kennedy and 3 other persons who want the job. The poor state of the road to Donga/Mantung Division did not hinder Mr. Tamfu Simon, head of the delegation to sort out matters in Nwa between the incumbent section president, Hon. Mbucksek Genesis and Mayor Ngomfe Loma-David. Cameroon Concord sources hinted that the mayor has secured party cards ahead of the battle. In Ndu, Abdou Borno Kanfon is enjoying a quiet day as he is the lone candidate while in Nkambe uncertainty still hangs over the candidacy of either Ngala Gerald or Ngabi Paul. In Oku, Ngum Jerome may win as the local population sees the current section president as an absentee landlord. Ngonketungia Division has been described by Dr. Calistus as smooth. Although elections have been held in some areas, tension seems to be mounting throughout the North West region.