The current between the President of the South West Regional Council, Zacheus Bakoma Elongo and his Vice who doubles as the President of the House of Chiefs, Chief Dr. Atem Ebako, seem to have recently stopped flowing.
Bakoma Elango, President of SW Regional Council shuts up vice, other members from making public declarations
The noticeable power tussle between the duo barely six months after their election into office has come to public view following a release with Ref. No. 043 SWRA/SWEC/P/CAB dated Wednesday 26 May 26 2021, signed by the President, Bakoma Elongo, declaring himself the sole authority or his designated representative the mandate to comment on the affairs of the Southwest Regional Assembly.
Outspoken Chief Dr. Atem Ebako, Vice President of SW Regional Council told to steer clear media outings
“Consequently, all public declarations contrary to the letter and spirit of the present press-radio communique are null and void,” partly read the release, adding, that “government has taken appropriate measures to ensure the effective take-off of the activities of the South West Regional Assembly”.
Controversial release issued by SW Regional Council President
While urging the population of the region to remain calm, patient and have confidence as usual, on the government, Bakoma, recalled that the SW Regional Assembly was put in place by the President Paul Biya, to fine solution to some problems raised by the Southwest population.
Political commentators are unanimous that Bakoma’s flare-up is not unconnected to the interview his vice granted CRTV’s magazine programme, Cameroon Calling in which castigated Yaounde over the inertia and lethargy that have characterized the devolution of powers to local collectivities as enshrined in the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities.
The traditional ruler of Talangaye said the much parroted Special Status accorded the NW, SW regions is merely on paper with no meaning. He faulted cabinet ministers for slowing the decentralization process which in tend rubbishes steps taken by the Head of State towards finding lasting solutions to the armed conflict that has killed over 3000, displaced over 700 000 and rendered over 60 000 as refugees according to UN estimates.
Atem Ebako revealed that since their election into office, they have been lost in the dark, wondering in political limbo, while the population that voted them into office anxiously waits to see the result of the much parroted Decentralization and Special Status, which were supposed to be the panacea to the conflict rocking the two regions. He revealed that Yaounde has completely hijacked the voices of the people adding that the overbearing, overarching big hand of centralization is root cause of Anglophone crisis.
This startling revelations which appeared to have embarrassed regime apologists seem not to have gone down well with the regional council boss. Many see the move taken by the former administrator as a way to wash his hands off the embarrassing comments of his vice and stay in the good books of Yaounde.
It is not however clear if the release will prevent the vocal vice president from making further media outings relating to government’s feet-dragging in taking actions to fast-track the decentralization process.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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