The Divisional Officer for Balikumbat, Forbi Enoh Fritz, has promised to sanction civil servants who will not participate in National Day celebrations in his area of command.
Balikumbat, an administrative unit in Ngoketunjia Division, North West, is plagued by insecurity posed by armed separatists.
The separatists have previously obstructed National Day celebrations in Balikumbat, like in other areas of the Anglophone Regions, through ghost towns and threats.
The year’s National Day, which will be celebrated on Monday, breeds much uncertainty in Balikumbat, as other parts of the nation prepare for the festivities.
In build up to the National Day celebrations, the Balikumbat DO sent an altimatum to civil servants in the area.
“Principals, inspectors, teachers of both primary and secondary schools in Balikumbat, service heads and others ranking as such are all aware of the preparations and Celebration of 20th May 2024 in Balikumbat Subdivision, wherein I reiterated the effective mobilization and presence of all civil Servants before/during /after the said celebration,” the civil administrator wrote.
He insisted that taking part in the national event is an obligation.
“I will like to remind you all,this celebration is a National event and it is compulsory or obligatory for all civil servants. Lodging facilities have been made available at the Balikumbat Municipal Council Building and security coverage/dispositions already put in place.”
Despite a majority of civil servants having fled the area due to insecurity, the Balikumbat DO assured them of security.
“Civil Servants are expected to come in before the so-called (Ghost Town) date which is usually announced and initiated by terrorist fighters’Amba groups.”
Threatening sanctions against those who fail to take part, he hinted that “roll calls will be conducted accordingly, and any person who intends to boycott this year’s celebration will be sanctioned seriously by hierarchy”.
