- Opposition Accuses CPDM Of Hijacking Whole Show
Supporters and sympathisers of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM, gathered at the Mezam SDO’s office to watch and celebrate President Paul Biya’s legacy.
The event was the public projection of the Documentary Film, “Paul Biya, A Great Statesman With An Extra Ordinary Destiny.”
Accompanied by government elites, population came from all seven Divisions of the Northwest Region to and celebrate the life of the statesman.
The speakers took turns to sing President Biya’s praises in areas of peace. They also highlighted Biya’s various achievements.
CPDM elites, starting from Bamenda City Mayor, Paul Achumbong, to the President of the Northwest Regional Assembly, Prof. Fru Angwafo, and the acting Regional Coordinator of the CPDM in the Northwest, Senator Regina Mundi, expatiated on the benefits and achievements the Region has had as a result of President Biya’s rule.
According to the Northwest Regional Assembly president, Prof Fru Angwafo, “The appointments of sons and daughters of the region to various posts of responsibilities is a true testament that Bamenda is Biya’s second home. Northwest sons and daughters currently head some ministries, notably Territorial Administration, Mines, the Supreme State Audit.
“Several Minister Delegates, secretaries of state, heads of parastatals, and many others. The fallout of the Major National Dialogue and the special status accorded to the region with their various structures are all thanks to President Paul Biya.”
The acting Regional coordinator of the CPDM in the Northwest, Senator Regina Mundi, on her part, noted the strides Mr Biya has taken to resolve the conflict in the Region, with the creation of the DDR to absorb ex-fighters, re-orientate them and reinstate them into the community.
More interesting, she said, President Biya appointed a son of the Northwest to head the structure. She lauded the state for introducing the Universal Health Coverage which is helping to reduce infant mortality and facilitate access to health care. In her take-home message, she noted, “We must embrace peace if we want to move the Northwest Region Forward”.
The documentary film was produced by two Cameroonians, Cathy Meba and Solange Edimo, with collaboration from the Ministry of Art and Culture under the general supervision of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic.
Opposition Accuses CPDM Of Hijacking Show
Before the public projection of the Documentary, a mass media campaign called on everyone to attend the event. None of the communications had anything to do with the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM.
As people started trooping in from all over the Seven Divisions of the region to the event venue, they quickly dressed up in CPDM outfits; from top party leaders like the interim CPDM Regional Coordinator, Senator Elizabeth Regina Mundi, who equally doubles as Poli-Bureau Member, down to party supporters–all were in bright party wears or mufflers to demonstrate their love to the Head of State.
Embarrassed by this ‘deceit’ and apparent hijacking of the film projection, other stakeholders and the opposition took an exception, saying it was not a party affair.
Others, especially from the opposition party like the members of the Social Democratic Front, SDF, and Council Officials who arrived so close to the ceremonial ground, simply turned back.
Bamenda III Councillor, Fru Gilbert, said: “We never knew that this was a CPDM rally and campaign film projection. What prevented them from coming out on the radio to say it? I regret the fact that my family and I have taken the pains to climb Station Hill.
“Again, what prevented them from projecting this film at the Commercial Avenue Grandstand, where such events are held? The greatest population resides downtown not up here. Traders and unemployed live downtown and this film is for them to see what the President has been able to do for 42 long years. Tell me, is it normal that Ministers, Directors, Fons who have abdicated their palaces will travel overnight, just to watch a film about the Head of State for 1 hour 30 minutes and take off? Fru fumed.
The Northwest Region is the ninth Region to undertake this public project, and Biya’s region of birth, the South Region, is expected to be the last.
