By David Atangana
The Popular Action Party, (PAP) and Social Democratic Front (SDF) political parties have paid homage to late Justice Ayah Paul Abine, the former Advocate General at Cameroon’s supreme court.
The political parties hailed him as a figure who has left a lasting legacy in the fight for justice, good governance, rule of law and equity in Cameroon.
The accomplished magistrate, politician, lawyer and philanthropist died on Christmas Day at the Buea Regional Hospital, in the South West Region of Cameroon.
In separate statements following his death, the SDF and PAP acknowledged his dedication to public service and his impact on society.
The PAP, under whose ticket Ayah Paul Abine contested the 2011 presidential elections, said: “As an M.P in the National Assembly and a man of convictions, Promoter of Democracy and good governance, intrepid defender of Human Rights and Freedoms, challenged the modification of the Constitution in 2008 which saw his resignation
from the ruling party.”
Ayah Paul took leadership of the PAP in 2010, bringing the party to the limelight with a remarkable performance in the local and presidential elections.
The party acknowledged his remarkable leadership.
“In the desire and steadfastness of the incorruptible patriot to make Cameroon a Just society with the respect of the rule of Law and better the living conditions of his suffering compatriots, he was a Presidential candidate in the 2011 Presidential Elections which he emerged 5th position out of the 27 candidates,” the PAP wrote.
The party added that Ayah Paul’s consistency saw the PAP participating in the 2013 Municipal and Legislative Elections.
The election, the party claimed, “was surrounded with too much electoral malpractices by the regime as many of the constituencies the Party won were diverted.”
The PAP regrets the circumstances surrounding his persecution by the Biya government until his last days on earth.
“His Legacy Lives on and it shall always inspire the younger generation and above all until the desired change of the system which was his greatest desire, revisiting the 1961 federal constitution by building a society with equal opportunities and meritocracy,” the PAP stated.
The principles Ayah Paul Abine stood for are an inspiration, according to the SDF party, whose leader is Hon Osih Joshua.
Paying respect to the fallen statesman, the SDF wrote: “His unwavering commitment to democracy and justice has left an indelible mark on our hearts and our nation.”
The party added: “As we remember his tireless efforts for a better Cameroon, we find solace in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire us.”
Ayah Paul stands as a formidable figure who has consistently resisted wrongdoing in Cameroon.
His opposition to a constitutional change as a CPDM lawmaker came at a great cost.
This was worsened by his participation at the 2011 elections, where he challenged President Biya, and later his advocacy for a return to federalism.
The government arrested him in 2017 and jailed him for eight months without trial.
Justice Ayah Paul later retired, but couldn’t benefit from his pension. The government froze his bank accounts, denying him retirement benefits.
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