Barrister Derek Invo Gains High-Profile Support in Bid for Cameroon Bar Vice Presidency

Several prominent Cameroonian lawyers, including Agbor Balla, Dinga Peter, and Njumbe Hans, have publicly endorsed Barrister Derek Invo Buo as a candidate for Vice President of the Cameroon Bar Association General Assembly. The Bar elections are scheduled for July 14, 2025.

Derek Invo’s Vision for the Cameroon Bar

Speaking recently in Buea, Barrister Invo outlined a reform-focused vision for the Bar, citing the need for internal restructuring and support systems. He highlighted issues such as delayed payments, lack of professional support, and burnout among lawyers.

“The legal profession in Cameroon sits at a crossroads,” Invo said. “Our Bar needs to push for minimum fee scales, enforce ethical billing, and most importantly, establish legal health and wellness support. We also need continuous legal education tailored to modern demands.”

He emphasized a commitment to professional unity and practical reforms.

“If given the mandate by my seniors, peers, and colleagues, I am determined to advocate for modern, inclusive, and transparent systems that will empower all lawyers, young and old,” he added.

Key Policy Priorities

If elected, Barrister Invo plans to focus on:

• Establishing a digital legal hub for access to case law and ongoing legal training.
• Promoting mental health services for legal professionals.
• Enforcing ethical standards to restore public trust in the legal profession.
• Expanding access to legal aid for vulnerable communities.
• Supporting young lawyers with startup grants and structured mentorship.

“Young practitioners must begin to see legal service as public duty,” he stated.

Leadership Experience and Legal Outreach

Barrister Invo currently serves as an associate at Agbor Nkongho Law Firm, where he has led initiatives aimed at improving access to justice. The firm offers monthly pro bono legal sessions in rural areas, a model he suggests could be replicated nationally.

“Legal clinics, partnerships with NGOs, and the use of mobile legal teams are strategies that firms can adopt. The law must travel to the people, not the other way around,” he said.

He traced his legal education back to the University of Buea and the Nigerian Law School, where he earned his BL in 2018. Since then, he has consistently worked toward broadening legal access and fostering youth-led legal initiatives.

“It wasn’t so much about speed but about remaining focused, consistent, and building trust,” he explained.

Endorsements from Legal Professionals

Barrister Agbor Balla praised Invo’s commitment to service and legal mentorship:
“In a system where many prefer to remain in the shadows, he has chosen visibility through service, thoughtful leadership, and mentorship,” Balla stated.

He added that Invo’s leadership qualities could advance reforms in legal ethics and continuing education.

Barrister Njumbe Hans described Invo as a “rare blend of competence, humility, and commitment,” while Barrister Muluh Stanly noted that his work is helping shape the future of legal practice in Cameroon.

MMI