Despite calls from separatist leaders on social media for a “ghost town” and for the population of the restive Anglophone regions to stay away, the Bamenda population jammed the Bamenda Commercial Avenue ceremonial grandstand for the celebration of the 53rd National Day of Cameroon.
Thousands of ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement militants marched, while opposition political parties boycotted the occasion.
The military demonstrated that they were in control of the day, exhibiting the latest military hardware as well as new vehicles to fight crime and protect lives and property. Primary, secondary schools, and higher institutions marched to the admiration of the Northwest Region.
Medalist Mayor Bamenda I Mbigha Njah Felix, honoured May 20th, by President Biya
The occasion witnessed the award of medals to some meritorious civil servants and elected officials. Top among them were the Delegate of Economy and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Buinda Godlove, for the changes and numerous achievements he realised in just two years as Northwest Regional Delegate of MINEPAT. Speaking to The Post, he thanked God for the strength and President Paul Biya for honouring him with the Cameroon Officer of Merit award.
Another recipient, Mayor of Bamenda II Council, Peter Chenie, whose development projects and humanitarian activities have penetrated the municipality and beyond, was awarded the same medal. The Bamenda II Council’s twinning with councils in Canada and other countries scored him highly. The Mayor of Bamenda I, Felix Mbigha Njah, was also awarded the medal for his achievements.
At a recent council administrative and stores accounts meeting, Mbigha Njah said he took over a limping council that could only run on CFA 200 million but now operates on a budget above CFA 600 million. “I am a proud mayor, and as we explore the quarries in the municipality, the council revenue will hit the ceiling,” Mbigha Njah said.
Mayor Chenie Peter Of Bamenda Ii, Honoured By The Head Of State For Realising Projects In Bamenda Ii Subdivision
The Commissioner of the Bamenda Central Police, Emmanuel Mbock Noe, was awarded the medal of Officer of the Cameroon Order of Merit for his recent successes in seizing huge bags of marijuana, dislodging thieves from their hideouts, and neutralising Amba fighters from their camps without making noise. He has also been effective in implementing the “population and police bond” initiative in Bamenda, which has yielded fruits in terms of crime reduction.
The military brass band kept the Bamenda population alive. This time, the population defeated fear to turn out in large numbers to the Bamenda Commercial Avenue. For the first time, there was no gunshot as the whole occasion, which started with a campfire on the eve, ended without a gunshot heard in any part of the town. Few bikes plied the roads as shops remained closed, and taxis were not on the road.
Fireworks lit up the event on Tuesday, May 20, for three hours in the evening.
By Ta Nformi Chris Mbunwe