Amidst the raging storm now being termed “The Fako Land Saga” chiefs in the division have decided to enthrone a new leadership at the helm of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference.
Chief Mokoto Njie Johannes, former one-term mayor of the Muyuka Council has been elected President of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference for the next two years. He was elected, Thursday, August 14, 2014, during an ordinary conference of the Fako Chiefs at the Muyuka Council Chambers.
The elections were organized to renew the executive organ of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference that was put in place on March 12, 2011 in Limbe. Enthroned and installed chiefs from all the subdivisions in Fako constituted the Electoral College. The new executive members were elected by overwhelming acclamation from the Fako Chiefs present.
Fako chiefs say the mandate of the executive of the conference is two years and that the office of President and Vice President rotate from one subdivision to the other every two years. The elections were conducted by Chief Johnson Njoke Njombe, outgoing Secretary General of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference and Social Secretary of the South West Chiefs’ Conference.
Chief Shadrack Esambe, President of the Muyuka Chiefs’ Conference who convened the meeting urged Fako chiefs to keep aside their difference and to work for the interest of the Fako people.
He said the resolve of the chiefs in Fako is to build a new positive image for the chieftaincy institution and to build a society based on the virtues of trust, mutual respect, honesty and togetherness. The chiefs extended congratulations to President Paul Biya for upgrading the status of traditional rulers and for the war he has waged against the extremist group, Boko Haram.
Initially previewed to generate fireworks, the elections went on hitch free amidst an atmosphere of conviviality. The outgoing President of the conference, Chief Samuel Epupa Ekum boycotted the meeting, describing it as ‘illegal and unconstitutional”.
Chief Njoke Njombe was however quick to clarify that the circumstances leading to the elections in 2014 are similar to that of 2011where Chief Epupa was elected president. Epupa was then the president of the Limbe Conference of Traditional Rulers.
Thomas Tambe Tabot, Divisional Officer for Muyuka Subdivision told the chiefs that he refused to bow to pressure mounted on him from some quarters to withdraw the authorization to hold the meeting.
The elections were witnessed among others by the Mayor of Buea, Patrick Ekema and the 1st deputy mayor of the Muyuka Council, Albert Njoh. The chiefs at the end of the meeting resolved among others that “…we will not accept any breach of our most cherished peace by any individual(s) or group(s) within Fako Division; we shall not permit or tolerate any group of persons who preach disunity, xenophobia and exclusion among Cameroonians.”
Addressing the land saga, the chiefs called on “all those residing or working in Fako, especially those who have chosen Fako as their natural or second home not to be disturbed by enemies of progress and that they should consider themselves as stakeholders with legitimate rights to own properties in Fako.” Chiefs rally behind Governor, SDO, others.
As the Fako land “war” degenerates, some of the chiefs at the Muyuka meeting have rallied behind South West Governor, Okalia Bilai Bernard, who last week was subject of a newspaper revelation that he is a major benefactor of land surrendered to some villages.
The chiefs allege that “newspapers have been bought to drag the names of eminent personalities – Governor Okalia Bilai; Fako SDO, Zang III and the mayor of Buea, Ekema Patrick Esunge – into mud. They renewed their support in these officials, assuring them of their constant support”.
The chiefs stated that: “As peace loving people of Fako Division and in consideration of the prevailing stories, reports, agitations and conflicting accusations on certain administrative authorities and chiefs within Fako, it is incumbent upon those who are being either by omission or by commission accused to throw some light on these salient issues, especially those that have a direct bearing on lands. The recent Fako Land Saga, if not promptly and carefully addressed may end up stigmatizing innocent people who are today being brandished like enemies of the Fako people.”
The chiefs go ahead to unanimously say “NO” to the “slanderous and sinister campaigns against state authorities, chiefs, all stakeholders and development partners in Fako Division.” Their words: “…We are of the convinced opinion that xenophobia is not part of the people of Fako Division. And we do not consider that for any citizen of this indivisible nation to own land anywhere should be viewed as a crime or an abomination…an all-inclusive policy of national integration should be promoted and protected,” the chiefs advise.
The newly elected executive
President Chief Njie Mokoto Johannes
Vice President Chief Mbua Mokute
Secretary General Chief Ndike Kombe Richard
Assistant Secretary General Chief Njie Mokossa
Treasurer Chief Kaka Esowe Daniel
Financial Secretary Chief Ewome Kinge
Protocol Officer Chief Lyonga Samuel
Assistant Protocol Officer Chief Nanyowe David
Public Relations Officer Chief Andreas Ndumbe
Assistant Public Relations Officer Chief Ndoto Elinge
Advisers: Chief Liteke William M.L. II
Chief Njie Mandenge
Chief Nangoh Yume
Chief Findi William
Chief Kalla Essoh
Chief Mathias Elali
Chief Etina Monono
Chief Eseye Isuma Nyoki
Chief Aaron Mukete
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