Lamidos From Impoverished ‘Grand North’ Back Biya

Traditional rulers from the three northern regions have endorsed 92-year-old President Paul Biya who, for his 42 years in power, has done everything except ending unemployment, providing basic social amenities and stemming high levels of illiteracy in the country’s most depraved regions.

The Lamidos from the Adamawa, Far North and North Regions were received at the Presidency August 14 by the Secretary General, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, where they pledged to help the world’s oldest president secure another seven-year term.

They reiterated “unwavering support” for Biya and pledged to support him during and after the October 12 polls.

The Lamodos’ discussion with Ngoh Ngoh centered on strengthening collaboration between the State and traditional authorities in maintaining Biya’s hold on power.

Among the participants was Yerima Housseini, representing the Lamido of Kalfou. Other emissaries carried mandates from notable chiefs and lamidos across the concerned regions.

They were the latest group of traditional rulers to publicly pledge support for the President after Sawa Chiefs, North West Fons and West traditional rulers.

The meeting came at a time when Cameroon’s North, Adamawa, and Far North regions face unique challenges ranging from security concerns linked to cross-border insurgencies to local governance and development issues.

Former government Minister and now opposition canidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who hails from the North himself, describes Biya’s rule on his people as “42 years of misery”.

While addressing supporters of his FSNC party in Garoua some months back, he asked them to consider him an enemy if he ever asked them to vote for the party responsible for their woes.

He resigned from the government days later and is now among 11 candidates seeking to challenge incumbent President Paul Biya at the election.

Biya’s approach at canvassing support from traditional leaders is seen as a desperate move to secure victory resentment mounts over his prolonged rule.

Biya recently lost two key allies in the Northern regions—Issa Tchiroma Bakary and Bello Bouba Maigari—who head the largest political parties in the North.

They recently resigned from their Ministerial posts and launched separate presidential bids to challenge Biya.

Without their support, observers say it is difficult for Biya to win in the North, which has historically offered him the highest votes.

Turning to Lamidos, Biya hopes to leverage on their influence as mediators in community disputes, facilitators of humanitarian aid, and advocates for grassroots development to win votes.

Traditional authorities in Cameroon are regarded as crucial partners in governance, playing significant roles in community mobilization, conflict resolution, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Today’s audience reflects President Paul Biya’s continued reliance on these institutions to hang on to power.