“The governor was very sobber in his reflection. He told us a lot of things. But he actually played Pontius Pilate. He said that Wazizi was not killed in the South West region. He did not confirm or debunk allegations that Wazizi is dead but he was categorical that what happened to Wazizi happened in Yaounde”.
These are the words of Abah Isidore, Buea Chapter President for the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ.
After an encounter with the South West Governor Barnard Okalia Bilai this morning, the administrator said Wazizi was not arrested for media related offences.
“He was alleged to be collaborating with terrorists and separatist fighters” Isidore quotes the administrator.
“When he was transferred from Muea to 21st motorised infantry battalion in Buea, he lasted just for two days and was transferred to Yaounde on the instruction of hierarchy. He says what has happened to Wazizi in Yaounde, they don’t know. It is against his power, it is against his competence, he cannot question Yaounde” he adds.
The concern of pressmen Isidor says, is not what Wazizi was charged for. “If Wazizi even was a terrorist, he had the opportunity to defend himself. These were mere allegations. We have the courts that would have proven him guilty.”
“There were about five court sessions. Does this mean they were just playing with peoples’ time and money?” He asks.
Despite the Governor’s response, government is yet to make any formal response to allegations if Wazizi’s death.
The Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists and the National Journalists Trade Union have given government till 6 PM today to provide an official response.
Mimi Mefo Info
