Traditional rulers of the South West Region have appealed to President Paul Biya to launch his 2025 Presidential election campaign in their Region.
The chiefs made the call during a general assembly that took place in Limbe, Saturday February 22. During the meeting, they also called on the President of the Republic to run for the upcoming Presidential election in Cameroon.
The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, was represented at the event by the Minister, Director of Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s office, Balungeli Confiance Ebune.
Be Our Candidate, Launch Campaigns here
The South West Chiefs in a strongly worded motion, noted that, “considering the high confidence and trust he has shown to the people of the South West Region through the successive appointment of their illustrious son to the position of Prime Minister, Head of Government; mindful of all the measures taken for peace to return in the South West Region notably the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions,” Biya should flag off his campaign in their Region.
To further justify this, they said “in view of the forthcoming presidential election in 2025 and the efforts to guarantee peace in our beloved nation; the chiefs of the South West Region hereby declare as follows: call on His Excellency Paul Biya to present his candidature in the Presidential election of 2025; invite President Paul Biya…to launch his presidential campaign in the South West Region”.
PM’s Envoy Calls For Unity, Peace
The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, through the Minister, Director of Cabinet, Balungeli Confiance Ebune, noted that, dispatched the PM’s goodwill message of peace, love and unity.
Due to their proximity to the population, “Chiefs are ambassadors. They work for peace. They lucid and men of wisdom. Chiefs are men of beacon. Chiefs are custodians of our tradition,” he said.
Major National Dialogue Impact Visible
The PM’s envoy said even in this crisis period, “we all are living witnesses to the measures taken to bring solutions in the troubled English-Speaking regions”. He then cited the fruits of the Major National Dialogue which gave birth to structures like the National School of Local Administration, NASLA, disarmament centres to ensure peace reigns.
On the question of rebuilding the crisis-hit regions, Balungeli Confiance Ebune underscored the results of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions.
Results which he described as “are very much appreciated by the public.”
Through the Plan, he said, there has been the rehabilitation of schools, religious, social facilities of public utilities, hospitals, and. Markets which were destroyed by the separatist fighters.
The next phase of the plan, he further noted, is very promising with the ongoing funding of the Islamic Development bank. Minister Balungeli hinted on the possible finalisation of the Limbe Deep Seaport project soon.
New SWECC leadership
During the groundbreaking General Assembly, the Southwest Chiefs Conference (SWECC) elected His Royal Majesty, Chief Dr. Mokube of Bafaka Balue, as its new President. The election marked a pivotal moment for the Balue people of Ndian Division, who are now at the helm of the conference.
Joining him in leadership is Chief Ekpe Inyang, who was elected Vice President. The transition, he said, reflects the rotational leadership model of SWECC, with Ndian Division now taking center stage.
The Chiefs expressed the heartfelt appreciation to Chief Oben Ofonde of Manyu, the outgone president, for his exemplary service and commitment to the conference.
New President Restates SWECC’s position
The President-elect of SWECC, Chief Dr Mokube Ahmadou, noted that, “SWECC is the last remaining independent and objective mouth piece of the South West people. We are conscious of the messages of our people. We are Frontline administrators and constitute the frontline intelligence and security services”.
He also added that: “We are the stepping stone between the government and the population. Our importance in society can’t therefore be over emphasized”.
He saluted the huge legacy the predecessors were living and celebrated actors who participated in achieving this success.
Chief Dr Mokube expressed gratitude to his peers for choosing him as President, stating that: “I look forward to working with every one of us to improve the respect and dignity of our association. I call on every Chief here to consider the association as their own and for the success of it”.
