By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
After a high-profile ceremony attended by top officials, the renaming of Cameroon’s National Assembly building after Paul Biya has split public opinion, reopening debates about the separation between state institutions and individual legacies.
The official naming ceremony took place on April 25, chaired by House Speaker Hon. Cavaye Yegui Djibril and attended by Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, among others dignitaries.
Yaounde city dwellers voiced their concerns to The Post, shortly after the naming ceremony. While other argues that it undermines institutional neutrality, some Cameroon hailed the move as a rightful tribute to the President’s decades-long legacy.
“I feel unhappy with the decision to rename the National Assembly, Paul Biya Glass House because it doesn’t seem appropriate for a venue intended for the people’s representatives. A neutral name should have been chosen,” said one resident.
Samson, a local trader, remarked, “It is good to honour our President when he is still alive, but I don’t think naming the National Assembly is suitable. The National Assembly should remain neutral for all Cameroonians.”
Another city dweller warned of future political repercussions stating, “What happens if another party takes power and removes the name? State institutions should remain neutral.”
In contrast, Marie Stella finds the renaming unique and interesting. “President Paul Biya has done quite a lot for this country and deserves to be honored. Naming that magnificent building after him is a lovely initiative.”
While some Members of Parliament declined to comment, others expressed concern about the implications of naming the assembly after a sitting leader.
Barrister Akere Muna, a Presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, stressed that such a decision blurs the lines between state and individual, raising issues regarding democratic governance and the separation of powers.
“It is essential to remember that President Biya is the head of one of the parties represented in Parliament, complicating perceptions of impartiality,” Muna stated.
Hon. Jean-Michel Nintcheu criticised the naming as provocative. Conversely, Hon. Cabral Libii, PCRN MP and potential presidential candidate, endorsed the decision, citing Biya’s lasting impact on the institution.
“Those involved in choosing the name wanted to ensure it was permanently recorded in the country’s institutional history,” Hon. Libii explained. “The National Assembly has left an indelible mark on his journey, and he, in turn, has left his mark on the institution during his tenure.”
Hon. Njingum Musa commented that the National Assembly’s image has been enhanced globally thanks to President Biya’s diplomatic efforts. Hon. Tabot Lawson supported the bureau’s decision on behalf of all parliamentarians, while Hon. Théophile Baoro expressed joy and gratitude for Biya’s policies and the partnership with China.
During the renaming ceremony, Speaker Cavaye Yegui Djibril paid tribute to Biya for his achievements over the past four decades, stating, “This is the first time in 43 years of his presidency that HE Paul Biya has agreed to have a public building bear his name.”
“I pledge to protect the Paul Biya Glass Palace as if it were the apple of my eye. Such a beautiful work deserves to be cherished,” he added.
In the meantime, members of the Follow-up Committee for the construction of the new National Assembly complex were awarded medals of honor, including Hon. Datouo Théodore, Hon. Muyali Meboka, and Hon. Jean Philippe Ongola, with some medals presented posthumously to the families of deceased MPs.
The new National Assembly building, constructed over five years, was inaugurated on November 30, 2024. It is a gift from the Chinese people, costing over FCFA 50 billion.