More than 50 journalists in Bamenda have openly rejected the choice of three CPDM politicians presented by philanthropist and politician Dr Taniform Peter as leaders the press should protect ahead of Cameroon’s upcoming local elections.
The journalists were speaking during a press café organised by Dr Taniform in Bamenda on Monday, August 31.
During the meeting, Taniform presented Mbigha Felix, Mayor of Bamenda I; Mekom Samuel, Grand Councillor at the Bamenda City Council; and Paul Achobang, Mayor of the Bamenda City Council, as politicians deserving the media’s support and protection.
Before he could complete his presentation, journalists challenged the choice, arguing that the three politicians had not done enough to earn the confidence of Bamenda residents.
Mbigha Felix Questioned Over Record in Bamenda I
Mbigha Felix, who was elected Mayor of Bamenda I in 2020, came under criticism over what journalists described as his limited engagement with the local press and residents.
Some journalists argued that despite Bamenda I being relatively stable compared with other parts of the North West Region, the municipality has seen limited visible development under his leadership.
They also complained that the Mayor has allegedly cultivated a selective relationship with sections of the press, responding only to journalists he considers favourable.
Mekom Samuel Criticised Over Lack of Impact
Mekom Samuel, a first-time councillor of Bamenda I and Grand Councillor at the Bamenda City Council, was also rejected by the journalists.
Dr Taniform had presented him as an accomplished businessman and motorbike rider worth millions. However, journalists questioned what they described as a lack of tangible development in the quarter he represents.
Samuel is reputed for having celebrated 100 million CFA francs in his personal account, just three years as a councillor, journalists argue that his personal wealth should not be presented as evidence of public service.
Paul Achobang ‘Booed’
The strongest reaction was directed at Bamenda City Mayor Paul Achobang, who was booed by the journalists during the session.
Participants accused the city administration of being unreceptive to critical reporting, with some journalists recalling an incident in which the Mayor asked a journalist, “Are you normal?” after being questioned about his actions.
The journalists also raised concerns over Bamenda’s worsening waste-management problems, contrasting them with expenditure by the City Council on preparations around the Bamenda Airport ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit.
The exchanges turned the press café into an unusually candid assessment of local political leadership, with journalists insisting that media support should not be granted automatically to politicians.
As local elections approach, participants said politicians should first demonstrate their value through accountability, service delivery and responsiveness to citizens before seeking the endorsement or protection of the media.
The reactions also underline growing tensions between local political authorities and journalists in Bamenda, as the press increasingly demands greater access, transparency and accountability from elected officials.