Elected mayor of the Buea council in 2013, Patrick Ekema’s reign came with a lot of controversies.
Ekema who was first deputy mayor took over from mayor, Mbella Moki Charles and was installed at the Buea council hall in 2013.
The installation was not without controversy as more than half the number of councillors boycotted the installation because they did not want him to be mayor.
The infighting within the party it should be recalled is one of the reasons for which he eventually dismissed Motomby Mbome Emmanuel , First Deputy Mayor of the Buea Council.
At one point, he said the CPDM elites in Fako Division were responsible for the ongoing crisis that has taken thousands of lives. Known for his outright pro government stance and controversial decisions however, Mayor Patrick Ekema shot fully to the limelight partly as a result of the Anglophone Crisis.
From academic to social scandals, he would always find a way to stand no matter the situation. Last year he came under investigation for fraud and having fake certificates and many thought it was going to be the end of his tenure as mayor.
He also would be remembered for his back and forth with taxi drivers and traders in the fight against ghost towns that earned him a no-nonsense reputation. From impounding taxis to sealing shops and even taking out doors, the administrator did all in his power to restore order in the former town of legendary hospitality.
After he slumped and collapsed after having a hectic day several months back, many thought it had ended for the ‘Great Elephant’. He however bounced back and was back at his duty post days later, performing his duties as before.
In July, the 49-year old was named “Nyamoto Kpwatolo” of the South Region. The title bestowed on him by traditional rulers of the South Chiefs Conference translates as great warrior for his bravery.
While his death this Sunday October 27, 2019 comes as a shock to his acquaintances and foes alike, his impact and actions in the Buea municipality as well as the Anglophone Crisis will not be forgotten in the long run.
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