Cancellation of CPDM West Senatorial List:

Constitutional Council to Rule on SDF Petition Today

By Innocent Kum in Yaounde

Justice Clement Atangana

The Constitutional Council will today pass its verdict on the Social Democratic Front, SDF petition against the CPDM list in the West Region.

            When the council meets today, it is expected to continue the examination of the SDF petition against the CPDM West region senatorial list which was amongst some six others filed at the newly created structure.

            Meeting for the first time Thursday since the structure went operational, the eleven members headed by the council president, Justice Clement Atangana examined some six partitions filed-in by candidates and political parties against some of the lists published by last week by the election managing body, ELECAM ahead of the March 25 Senatorial elections.

            Amongst those the various petitions heard during the session was that of the SDF against the CPDM list in the west regions.

            The SDF is demanding the council to reject the CPDM list in the West region on grounds that the ruling party fielded a fictitious candidate.  SDF lawyers during the session on Thursday argued that the said candidate doesn’t exist and went ahead to challenge the CPDM to present the individual before the constitutional council.

            After deliberations in conformity with the law, which followed hours of heated debates and examination, the Constitutional council ordered the appearance of Teingnidetio Jean, the person whose individuality is being questioned on the CPDM list in the West Region to appear before the tribunal on Monday. He thus expected to appear today, Monday before the court at 12:00 pm for a continuation of the hearings.

            For four others petitions filed at the constitutional council, the court observed that four of the litigants did not respect the law as the complaints were brought forth by persons who were neither candidate nor political party taking part in the election or any person serving as a Government representative in the said election. Before dismissing them, the Constitutional Council declared the petitions non admissible because they did not respect Section 129 of the Electoral Code.

All is set for Limbe FESTAC 2018

By Boris Esono in Buea

L’be Gov. Delegate, Andrew Motanga Monjimba flanked to the right by Hon Itomby Gladys
 and to the left by the SDO’s Representative

Barely 23 days to the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Limbe FESATAC, preparations are going on smoothly. During a press conference Monday March 12 chaired by the government delegate to the Limbe City council, Andrew Motanga Monjimba, the populations were called upon to make this year’s event bigger and greater.

            “We all should come out on that day and exhibit our different cultures because Limbe FESTAC demonstrates a peaceful coexistence of all cultures. I want to appreciate the entire population of Limbe for their sense of responsibility, maturity and discernment which has contributed immensely in lifting our municipality and making it unique amongst others,” Motanga said at the Press conference.

            For 8-days running, Limbe will be the site of touristic attractions as thousands of culture fanatics will stream into the town to showcase and watch beautiful traditions from people across the country.

            “Limbe FESTAC is an institution and a strong legacy which has come to stay. Limbe FESTAC 2018 like in 2017 will be very beautiful,” the GD assured.

            He further indicated that they are not blinking an eye over the raison d’etre of the FESTAC.

ELECAM Set for Senatorial in SW

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Southwest ELECAM Board Members schooling stakeholders on electoral code

ELECAM officials in the Southwest Region have revealed their state of preparedness ahead of the March 25 Senatorial elections as well as reassure councilors of their security throughout the voting process.

            The ELECAM Board members made the revelation on Friday 16 March 2018 during a stopover in Kumba, in the course of a five-day tour to access the readiness of the ELECAM Divisional branches as well as school stakeholders on pertinent aspects in the electoral code.  

            “We are on a five days tour to access the level of preparedness of our divisional representatives and to also meet with the administrators and discuss security concerns which are integral to the electoral process,” said the Elecam board member, Chris Tambe Tiku, adding that the tour will equally avail them the opportunity to exchange with electoral stakeholders on some of the provisions of the electoral code pertaining to the Senatorial elections.

            Tambe Tiku and former Governor Ejake Thomas edified stakeholders through a question and answer session on several issues which might pose problems on the day of voting.

Installation Ceremony:

Moma Ignatius takes over as Meme MINEPAT Delegate

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

Moma Anyere Ignatius is the New Meme Divisional Delegate of MINEPAT

The new Meme Divisional Delegate of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT has promised to bring far-reaching transformations in the Division through the proper follow-up of the execution of public investment projects. Moma Anyere Ignatius made the pledge on Friday 16 March 2018 few days after taking over office. 

            He said his plans for Meme can only be achieve through effective collaboration by all the stakeholders of the MINEPAT family in the Division.

            “I believe so much in teamwork and collaboration because these are the ways through which we can bring much-needed development projects that can transform the Division and put it on the path of the Head of State’s 2035 emergence drive,” Moma Anyere said.

            Quizzed on his immediate plan of action, he said he will swing into urgent action as there is no time to waste especially as there are many unfinished projects left by his predecessor.

            “This week I will pay courtesy visits to the councils under my jurisdiction beginning with the Government Delegate to the Kumba city council, the Mayors of Kumba I, II and III and subsequently the Konye and Mbonge councils,” Anyere announced.

Four Detained for Trafficking Elephant Tusks, Pangolin Scales

Partial view of the items seized by wildlife officials

Some four suspected poachers are currently detained in Yokadouma in the East region for trafficking elephant tusks, giant pangolin scales and panther skin.

            Eco-guards of Lobeke National Park working in collaboration with gendarmes and the police arrested the suspected poachers on March 3 in Socambo, a frontier locality with the Republic of Congo.

            They were arrested in possession of 12 elephant tusks, 9 kilograms of giant pangolin scales and a panther skin.

            The suspects, comprising two Cameroonians, a Malian and a Senegalese, will face trial for trafficking in totally protected species, wildlife officials have said.

            According to the Cameroonian law, they risk up to three years imprisonment if found guilty.

            Not less than 10 people have been sent to court in less than a month, for wildlife related offenses and trafficking in arms around Lobeke National Park.

            Last month, six persons were apprehended in Moloundou in possession of 6 war guns and 65 munitions.

Presidential election:

All Opposition Parties Put Together Can’t Defeat Biya

                     -SWELA Scribe

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

The Deputy Secretary General of the South West Elite Association, SWELA in charge of Meme Division has revealed that President Paul Biya will humble the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Front, SDF Party in the forthcoming presidential polls in the country. Prince Nasako Mokondo Daniel made the declaration to reporters in Kumba on Wednesday March 14, 2018.

            he began by congratulating Hon. Osih Joshua for his election as the SDF presidential candidate since he (Osih) is a son of Ndian Division and a Southwest Elite.

“…I want to personally and on the behalf of Meme elites say that Osih Joshua will meet a baptism of fire in the forthcoming presidential elections because it is not going to be easy,” said Nasako, adding that “even if all the opposition parties were to be joined together they won’t be able to defeat even the son of the Head of State, Frank Biya in an election.”

            The plain-speaking son of Barombi Mbo went further to say “anybody connected to the family of President Paul Biya can defeat all parties joined together in any election in the country.”

Buea:

New Bojoke Chief Told to Mobilize his Subjects

By Boris Esono in Buea with additional Reports

Chief Donald Likine and DO for Buea pose for snapshot

The newly installed third class chief of Bojoke village in Buea has been urged to mobilize subjects for massive registration ahead of upcoming elections in the country.

            This came from the Divisional Officer for Buea, Kouam Wokam Paul, recently as he presided over the coronation ceremony of HRH Chief Donald Likine Eko at the chief’s palace in Bojoke.

            Kouam Wokam Paul said “Considering this year has been declared by the Head of State as an electoral year, I charge you to encourage your subjects to register in the electoral list”.

            He equally called on the chief to relate well with his subjects, collaborators and administrators, and to handle matters of the village more equitably and objectively, while encouraging everyone to embark into meaningful activities and guard against drug abuse, delinquency, and criminality among others.

            The new chief was told to contribute in ensuring the security of persons and property by collaborating closely with the forces of law and order and to caution the youths against any act that will tarnish the image of the state. He was equally reminded to ensure that there is effective and consistent follow up of his community in Buea land consultative board that argue land matters for his community.