Hon Nintcheu Demands Minister Atanga Nji’s Resignation

Hon. Jean Michel Nintcheu, a Member of the National Assembly for Wouri East, has called for the resignation of Paul Atanga Nji, the Minister of Territorial Administration.

He cited failures in financial transparency and the management of recent disasters in Cameroon.

During a heated session at the ongoing November 2024 Parliamentary session, Hon. Nincheu criticized the Minister for what he termed a systemic failure to address the needs of disaster-stricken communities.

He also alleged that MINAT, under Atanga Nji, has mismanaged funds allocated to civil protection.

“Mr. Minister, Civil Protection under your administration has failed. If we are serious about protecting Cameroonians, we need accountability, not excuses. I strongly advise you to resign,” Hon. Nincheu stated.

Failures in Disaster Response

Hon. Nincheu detailed two major disasters that have struck Cameroon in recent months, exposing significant gaps in the country’s disaster management system.

He mentioned the Logan and Maga Dam collapse, a tragedy that occurred in the Far North this year.

It caused significant human and material losses, leaving countless families displaced.

Furthermore, Nintcheu cited the Dschang cliff landslide in the West, Region that led to dozens of deaths and disappearances in November this year.

He argued that proper intervention from the Civil Protection Directorate could have mitigated the disaster.

“After the first landslide, authorities failed to close the area or establish a security perimeter. This negligence cost lives,” he said.

Atanga Nji’s Financial Accountability Questioned

At the heart of Hon. Nintcheu’s critique was the lack of transparency regarding funds allocated for disaster relief.

He pointed out that FCFA 2 billion, which the President of the Republic released for flood victims in the Far North, never reached its intended recipients.

“According to a viral video by the Minister of Legal Affairs, Yaouba Abdoulaye, the money was returned to Yaoundé. How do we explain this?” he questioned Minister Atanga Nji.

The Honorable member further highlighted that the Civil Protection Directorate receives an average of FCFA 6 billion yearly, totaling 72 billion francs over the last 12 years.

Despite this, he noted, there has been no visible improvement in disaster management.

“Where is the money? What has been done with these funds? Cameroonians deserve answers,” he declared.

Inadequate Resources and Delayed Action

Hon. Nintcheu also decried the lack of modern rescue equipment and poor preparedness during disasters.

He recounted how civilians at the Dschang Cliff tragedy resorted to using shovels and pickaxes in rescue efforts.

“It is unbelievable that in the 21st century, we are relying on such outdated methods while modern equipment and trained personnel are nowhere to be seen,” he remarked.

He pressed Minister Atanga Nji to provide a comprehensive account of the Civil Protection Directorate’s operations.

This includes the equipment available and the frequency of training seminars for personnel.

“Why did you not deploy trained personnel immediately after the Dschang Cliff landslide? Why is there no decentralized fund allocation to regional governors and prefects for timely disaster response?” he asked.

Call for Structural Reforms

Hon. Nincheu proposed sweeping reforms to improve disaster management in Cameroon, starting with the creation of an autonomous National Agency for Civil Protection.

“The entirety of the special fund must be transferred to this agency, with full autonomy of management. As long as these funds remain under the control of the Ministry of Territorial Administration, and under your leadership, Civil Protection will not progress,” he argued.

He also criticized Atanga Nji’s Ministry for failing to produce an annual report on civil protection.

“The last report we have dates back 15 years. How can we improve disaster response without a proper evaluation of past actions?” Hon. Nincheu demanded.

Atanga Nji Under Fire

Despite the Minister Atanga Nji’s defense of the proposed Civil Protection Bill, Hon. Nincheu insisted that accountability must precede legislative reform.

“Mr. Minister, stop making a mockery of Cameroonians. You cannot lead Civil Protection effectively with such a record of failures,” he said.