Cameroon’s Chinese-constructed National Assembly building was this Friday, April 25, named after incumbent President Paul Biya amid fierce opposition from politicians such as presidential aspirant Barrister Akere Muna.
In a heavily attended ceremony, the speaker of the Cameroon National Assembly, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, named the new building “Paul Biya Glass Palace”.
The christening after Paul Biya has drawn criticisms from many politicians, as he has ruled Cameroon for 42 years and might be seeking another term in October’s election.
Akere Muna Reacts
To Akere Muna, the naming blurs the line between the legislative and executive arms of government.
Barrister Akere agreed that naming the building after Paul Biya would honour his over four decades as president, but he emphasised that this should not happen while Biya remains in office.
He said, “It is crucial to reflect on the implications of naming a national institution after a sitting leader.”
To him, the naming of a legislative building after a sitting president raises significant concerns about the independence and neutrality of this democratic institution.
“It blurs the lines between the state and the individual, a development that is deeply concerning in terms of democratic governance and the separation of powers,” Akere Muna wrote.
“It is essential to remember that President Biya remains the head of one of the parties represented in Parliament, further complicating the perception of impartiality.”
“Unlike other notable figures in our nation’s history, such as Ahidjo, Foncha, Assale Charles, Jua, Muna, Achidi Achu, and Bouba Bello, President Biya has never served as a parliamentarian. This fact underscores the peculiarity of naming the legislative building after him,” he said.
However, Akere is uncertain if this decision will endure over time.
Other Politicians Voice Criticisms
Aside from Akere Muna, other notable political figures like Member of Parliament Jean Michel Nintcheu blasted the move.
Hon. Nintcheu described it as a heresy and a provocation.
PCRN Member of Parliament Nourane Foster strongly decried the naming of the National Assembly after Biya as sad.
She reiterated the need for a clear separation of powers in Cameroon to prevent power abuse by the overreaching executive.
House Speaker Lavishes Praises on Biya
While launching the edifice, House Speaker Cavaye Yegui Djibril highly praised President Biya.
However, Cavaye fell short of highlighting Biya’s achievements for 42 years in power that warrant the naming.
“This ceremony is even more significant for us, the elected officials, and the people we represent. Indeed, in 43 years of his presidency, this is the first time that His Excellency Mr Paul Biya has agreed to have a public building bear his illustrious name,” Cavaye said.
“I pledge, as long as my strength allows, to watch over the Paul Biya Glass Palace as if it were the apple of my eye. Such a beautiful work, with the hallmark it now bears, deserves to be nurtured like an egg. We must not give in to any negligence whatsoever. I therefore urge elected officials, staff, and users to help us maintain this beautiful jewel in its current state,” he added.
