Meme population celebrate SDO’s transfer

By Johnson Batuo in Kumba

Former Meme SDO, KoulboutAman David

Some denizens of Kumba, headquarters of Meme Division, have been going on boozing sprees in town in celebration of the transfer from Kumba of the Meme SDO, KoulboutAman David, who before his transfer to the Dja and Lobo Division had spent over a decade at the helm of Meme Division.

                The Median gathered that those celebrating are detractors of the SDO both within and out of the administration. Some of the celebrants of Koulbout’s transfer allege that he was hellishly corrupt and his corrupt handling of especially land matters was posing a serous hindrance to the development of Meme.

                Citing some instances of corruption by the former SDO they mentioned his alleged sale of vast lands belonging to IRAD Barombi Kang to private individuals and his ceding of Bafaw Land in Kumba III Mambanda to Mukonje whose indigenes areBalongs.

                Koulbout was also said to be collecting regular ‘brown envelopes’ from mayors in exchange for his protection and support. It is believed that because the mayors had secured his favour, they never bothered to use the council funds for the development of their communities, as the SDO would always intimidate the councilors to endorse their expenditures during council sessions.

                KoulboutAman David was transferred by a unique presidential decree to the Dja and Lobo division in the South region. The presidential decree transferring him came less than 24 hours after he signed a prefectural order restricting the movements of persons and vehicles in Kumba after 9.00pm. The decision was aimed to preempt SCNC militants perpetrating their seditious activities ahead of, during and after 1st October, the day the former British Southern Cameroons gained independence from Britain.

                It should be recalled that when the last appointment of DOs and SDOs did not touch any of the administrators in Kumba, Koulbout was said to have complained bitterly. He blamed his abandonment in Meme on the sweeping victory of the opposition SDF party in Municipal, Parliamentary and presidential elections in the division.                                              This could be understood given that one of the principal assignments of DOs and SDOs is to rig elections in favour of the regime in power, and Koulbout failed woefully in this assignment.

                But destiny has finally removed Koulbout from Meme. He is today the SDO of President Biya’s Division of origin. He replaced another senior civil administrator who was relieved of his functions after he reportedly questioned why people are saying he is due retirement and should go, even when President Biya  is still in office at 83 years and counting.

                Meanwhile, at press time yesterday rumours were making the rounds here that computers containing some vital information had been carted away from the SDO’s office by yet unknown individuals. The Median is still investigating the allegation.