Official Funeral in Mamfe:

Over 5000 Attend Burial of Mayor Priestley Ojong

-Biya, CPDM hail bravery of the slain 35-year old Mayor

By Ekumtambe Eku in Mamfe

Casket of Mayor Ojong Priestley air-lifted to the funeral grounds by policemen

The Mayor of Mamfe, Ojong Priestley Ashu, who was brutally murdered on the 10 of May 2020, on the road to his native village Eshobi, near Mamfe, has been buried in his private residence in Mamfe town.

                Mayor Ashu Priestley was buried after an official funeral ceremony holding at the Mamfe grandstand and presided over by the SDO for Manyu, Joseph Oum II.

                In attendance at the funeral was the Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency, Engineer Victor Mengot Arrey Nkongho, who was bearer of a condolence message from the SG of the CPDM Central Committee, Jean Nkuete.

                Also in attendance was the Vice President of the Senate, Chief Tabetando Ndiep-Nso, all Manyu MPs, Mayors, Councilors, Traditional Chiefs, family members and a stampeding crowd of curious mourners and on-lookers numbering over 5000.

                Presiding at the funeral, the SDO read the condolence message of the head of state, Paul Biya and his wife Chantal Biya. President Biya in the message extolled the bravery of the departed Mayor, noting his exemplary commitment to the ideals of the republic of Cameroon.

                Representing the CPDM Central Committee, the Manyu CPDM leader, Minister Victor Mengot Arrey Nkongho, presented the message of condolence from the CPDM Scribe, Jean NKuete, in which he hailed the unquestionable militancy, commitment and patriotism of Mayor Ashu Priestley. The Minister would later on behalf of the Head of State, elevate Mayor Ashu Priestley Ojong posthumously to the dignity of Knight of the Cameroon Order of Merit. He also placed two wreaths on the casket bearing the deceased Mayor - one from the Head of State and his wife, and the other from the CPDM Scribe, Jean Nkuete.

                In his tribute to the deceased Mayor, Minister Victor Mengot hailed the unparalleled courage and dynamism of the young Ashu Priestley Ojong. He condemned with unreserved vehemence the barbaric acts perpetrated by some misguided sons of Manyu and their accomplices on the peace-loving populations of Manyu division.

                Minister Victor Mengot prayed Manyu children to love one another, noting that when there is love it is difficult for brother to hurt, talk less of killing another brother.

                “I can’t trust anybody anymore in Manyu because there is no love among us… You are with your brother today and sooner or later he turns and stabs you,” regretted Minister Victor Mengot.

                Other speeches and eulogies were said by Nfor Tabetando, Hon. Agbortogo Johanna Agbor-Ntui, the acting mayor of Mamfe, the Mayor emeritus Ayuk Takunchung John and from a family member.