SDF MPs raise objection in accordance with Section 57(3) of bill on General Code of Regional and Local Authorities

Cameroon’s Social Democratic Front, SDF Parliamentary group has raised a preliminary objection over a recent bill that is meant to Institute a General Code of Regional and Local Authorities.

The bill, SDF Parliamentary Group Leader, Hon. Chief Paul Nji Tumasang states “is marked only by its voluminousity and emptiness with no serious attempt to solve the current socio-political quagmire that the country is undergoing”.

To them, it should be “withdrawn and resubmitted only after a consensual constitutional amendment”.

Presenting the bill without first reviewing the fundamental law of the Land, the parliamentary group explains, is synonymous to putting the cart before the horse as ” the bill is marked by contradictions and a strong desire to hang on to the government’s Jacobin and inert tendencies”.

Addressing the speaker of the national assembly, the parliamentary group noted that “the root causes of this problem have nothing to do with language, the patronage of appointments such as those of the Prime Minister Head of Government and or Ministers just to mention these. They are just a manifestation of the problem”.

The current crisis arose when contrary to the Foumban agreement, some “core values were gradually and systematically deformed, adulterated, polluted, dismantled and erased through discrimination, marginalization, domination, subjugation and assimilation by the majority French Speaking government” it adds.

To the group, this renders special status only in name.

“This bill if voted and promulgated into law will, contrary to the sentiments of the Major National Dialogue, not bring about a return of peace and the violence will unfortunately rage on. It should therefore be sent back to government for inclusive discussions in forums such as of the aborted Anglophone General Conference before resubmission to Parliament” the group recommends.