The Mayor of Banka Council in Upper-Nkam Division of the West Region, Joseph Clovis Nguessieuk, has rejected a request by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party to use the municipal grandstand to celebrate President Paul Biya’s 42nd anniversary in power.
November 6, 2024, makes Mr Biya 42 years as head of State in Cameroon.
He became president following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, late Ahmadou Ahidjo.
Supporters have been mobilizing across the country ahead of the 42nd anniversary.
In Banga, party supporters are expected to pick a new venue for the celebration after the Mayor denied them from using the municipal grandstand.
Mayor Joseph Clovis Nguessieuk said the council will be holding an important event at the grandstand on the same day.
“I regret to inform you that Banka Council is organizing a large-scale activity related to citizenship education for the population of the municipality, on the same day and time requested,” the Mayor of Banka replied in a letter to the CPDM section president of Upper Nkam Center II.
He added, “Consequently, it is not possible for me to agree to it favorably.”
He, however, wished President Paul Biya’s supporters well in their celebrations.
“I, therefore, have the honour of wishing you pleasant moments of sharing and communion, on the occasion of this commemoration of the accession of His Excellency Paul Biya to the supreme magistracy,” he said.
The Cameroon National Citizen Movement (MCNC), an opposition political party, runs the Banka Council.
Mayor Joseph Clovis Nguessieuk joined the political outfit and won the election for Mayor in 2020 after leaving the CPDM.
