Atanga Nji charges Governors to scrutinize  actions of political parties, NGOs

Governors of all 10 Regions of Cameroon have been urged by Atanga Nji to ensure serious scrutiny of actions carried out by political parties and non-governmental organizations in their various Regions.

The call was made by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, during the bi-annual conference of regional Governors that rounded up in Yaounde on Thursday, July 4.

“Aside from scrutinizing the activities of political parties, I exhorted them to tighten security as Cameroon geared up for an electoral year,” Atanga Nji said.

According to him, the Governors have the task of guiding these organs to respect state institutions for the sake of public tranquility and have also been tasked with intensifying the fight against hate speech, drug trafficking, terrorism, road accidents, and banditry. 

This first conference of Regional Governors is coming after the Minat boss has been at daggers drawn with some political patties in the country.

Atanga Nji, who had recognized Robert Kona over Cabral Libii as president of the PCRN party, has attempted to thwart campaigns by political parties urging voters to register massively for next year’s elections. He said voter registration was not compulsory, although no political party or civil society group had made it obligatory for Cameroonians.

He also banned some political party leaders from using words used by President Paul Biya to address the nation.

The Minister of Territorial Administration claimed that the actions of some political parties are becoming unbearable.

“Unscrupulous politicians have taken it upon themselves to address the Head of State as if they were talking to a layman,” he said.

“Henceforth, such dangerous behavior shall not be tolerated. No room will be given to soothsayers or preachers of doom who think they master Cameroon more than the head of state,” he added.

Aside from the Governors, the conference was attended by the Secretary of State in charge of General Security and the Delegate General of National Security, among others.

The conclave came at a time when insecurity has intensified in the North West and South West Regions, with the burning of cars in Bamenda and the killing of gendarmes in Mamfe.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Bernard Okalia Bilai, Governor of the South West Region, claimed normalcy has returned to the Region. 

He referenced minimal incidents of separatist attacks and the gradual resumption of normal life in many parts of the Region.

In reality, however, normalcy is yet to be a reality, as separatist attacks have persisted even on the doorsteps of Buea, the Regional headquarters.

Also, Monday ghost towns, imposed by separatists in 2017, still remain a reality in the Region as well, and separatist groups remain active especially in Manyu and Fako Divisions of the South West.

©Mimi Mefo Info