An unprecedented reception has been accorded to the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, who is on his maiden official visit to the South West Region.
From the legendary hospitality town of Buea, Tuesday March 27, it was a bevy of peace plant-carrying commercial motorbike riders who gathered at the entrance to Kumba (K-Town) to welcome the Minister.
The happy riders, flanked by CPDM militants sang peace songs and made friendly gestures as the ushered in the visiting Minister; a never-seen scenario since the onset of the social upheavals in the region.
During a concertation at the Kumba City Council hall, Minister Atanga called on the commercial motorbike riders to regularize their situation by identifying themselves to competent authorities. The Minister noted that the sector is an important one which cannot be left for laissez faire.
As the riders manifested their support for the unity of Cameroon, the Minister told them that their support to the State should be unconditional. “People should not impose their ideas and beliefs on others,” Atanga Nji noted.
Tuesday’s meeting was an opportunity for Minister Atanga to symbolically offer helmets and jackets to some bike riders as an indication that they have to be identified and take safety precautions while exercising. The Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, marveled by the action, promised to multiply the materials. The Territorial Administration boss also handed peace plants to the bike riders so that they can be messengers of peace.
The Kumba meeting was preceded by a meeting in Buea with administrative and security officials of the region. After the meeting, Minister Atanga told reporters that they had done an evaluation of the security situation which led to the conclusion that the South West Region is calm. “There is good collaboration between security forces and the population,” the Minister noted, reiterating that nothing can justify atrocities and calling on everyone to be united against terrorism.
Atanga Nji posited that dialogue can only be done within the framework of State institutions. He used the meeting to extend the congratulations of the Head of State to administrative and security officials for so far handling the social upheavals in the South West Region. He commended them for their professionalism.
AMINDEH Blaise ATABONG
Peace Process: Kumba Warmly Welcomes Minister Atanga Nji
Hundreds of commercial motorbike riders in the city pledged to work towards restoring peace and order, while contributing to sustainable nation building report CT.