Members of the North West House of Chiefs have shared divided views on whether they should actually use FCFA 30 million budgeted for them perform a ‘cleansing’ ritual that aims to flush out separatist fighters from the Region.
The disagreement among the traditional rulers manifested during a budgetary session of the North West Regional Assembly in Bamenda on Tuesday December 13, 2022.
The Fons had been tasked during the ordinary session of the house in September to pour libations against armed separatists in the region, so as cleanse the Northwest from bloodshed.
The issue became a bone of contention when it resurfaced during the end-of-year session this December 13, especially after it was revealed that FCFA 30 million has been budgeted for the cleansing exercise.
While some traditional ruler said the call for cleansing was ill-advised, especially given the tense security situation in most parts of the Region, others said there is nothing wrong with it, because it is a pathway to peace.
“It was too quick to arrive at the decision to cleanse the land when bloodletting will continue the next minute. The people are not happy with us,” said HRH Nyamsig, Fon of Guzang and representative of Momo Division.
Some members, however, said the decision was good, given that the Region needs peace.
“There is nothing bad with the cleansing of the region and there are many ways to win back peace,” another traditional ruler said, adding that, “Cleansing is about prayers, meditation amongst others. The deliberations have been done and should be respected.”
It is not known wether the issue of cleansing was voted or merely expressed by the bureau members during a joint sitting.
The matter is yet to be adopted as the President of the Regional Assembly referred the matter back to the House of Chiefs for a consensus to be reached.
Mimi Mefo Info
