Decentralisation: Preparations Intensify Ahead Of Oath-Taking Ritual For Regional Council Presidents

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Yaounde

 

Preparations have intensified across the ten regions ahead of the oath-taking ritual of the newly elected pioneer presidents to head the Regional Councils. This follows a note issued 4 January 2021 by the Minister of Decentralisation, to Regional Governors, a copy of which The Median procured.

Ten regional council presidents 

The letter urged Governors to take necessary measures to ensure the oath-taking ceremonies of Regional Council Presidents hold not later than 15 January 2020. The same document instructs the Governors to also ensure the regional Presidents are installed Friday 22 January 2021. 

Section 310 of the law to institute the General Code of regional and Local Authorities states: “The Regional Council President shall take oath before the competent court of appeal prior to assuming office”. The same law outlines the words to be used during the ritual. 

“…I swear on honour and pledge to serve the interest of the region and to loyally and faithfully discharge my duties without discrimination or favouritism, in compliance with the values of democracy, and the principles of integrity and unity of the Republic,” stated paragraph section 310 of the law. 

SW Regional Council President 

Section 358 of the law states that members of the Regional Executive Council as it is called in the North West and South West regions under the Special Status, are also expected to take the oath before the competent appeal court.

NW Regional Council President 

The Regional Assemblies as it is referred to in the two English-speaking regions it should be reminded are headed by Prof Fru Angwafor III for NW and Bakoma Elango Zacheus for the SW.