By Wirngo Peter.
The CPDM Section Mezam IV Bafut has celebrated the 44th anniversary of President Paul Biya’s accession to power with a strong call for party unity, peace and increased mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming legislative and municipal elections.
The celebration, which took place at Nsoh in Bafut, brought together party officials, elected representatives, traditional authorities, women and youth leaders, and militants from the various party structures across the subdivision.
Addressing the gathering, CPDM Mezam IV Bafut Section President, Ngwakongoh Lawrence, who is also the Mayor of Bafut, thanked militants for their commitment to the party, with particular recognition of the 47 Sub-Section Presidents whom he described as the strength of the party at the grassroots.
He recalled their contributions during the 2020 municipal and legislative elections, noting that their mobilisation played an important role in bringing the current municipal councillors into office.
Ngwakongoh also spoke about projects undertaken by the Bafut Council, including infrastructure development, community support initiatives and improvements in public services. He commended the Mayor, Deputy Mayors and councillors for their work, urging them to maintain good relations with party structures and the population.
With the next municipal and legislative elections approaching, he appealed to the 47 Sub-Section Presidents to consider the performance of the incumbent councillors when the party begins discussions on candidates.
Using a football analogy, he said a winning team should not be changed simply for the sake of change. Instead, he called for an assessment of its weaknesses and necessary adjustments to improve performance. He maintained that councillors who had worked hard and delivered results deserved consideration for another mandate.
The Section President also used the occasion to call for peace and reconciliation in Bafut. He urged sons and daughters of the subdivision to embrace dialogue and work together to restore lasting stability.
He welcomed the community dialogue initiative launched during Prime Minister Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute's recent visit to the North West Region, calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, families and community groups to take an active part in the process.
According to him, development would remain difficult without peace and security, regardless of the resources available. He insisted that the responsibility for restoring peace should begin within families and extend to the entire community.
During his address, Ngwakongoh also distributed copies of the Bafut Council Magazine, encouraging militants and residents to read about the projects and activities carried out by the council during its first mandate. He acknowledged that challenges remained but maintained that the council's achievements should be recognised.
Speaking on behalf of the CPDM Mezam Divisional Team, Mejang nee Tabod Jacqueline Mah expressed satisfaction with the turnout, describing it as a sign of growing political mobilisation in Mezam IV Bafut.
She recalled that party activities in the subdivision attracted very few participants about three years ago, making the turnout at this year's celebration particularly encouraging.
Mejang, an Inspector General in the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform, called on Bafut residents to take responsibility for the peace process instead of waiting for others to speak on their behalf.
She said peace must start with individuals, families and neighbourhoods through love, dialogue and mutual understanding. She added that insecurity and division could only make development more difficult.
She also assured militants that the divisional party leadership was ready to listen to their concerns and present their challenges to the appropriate authorities.
Chesi Lum Miriam Njibamum, WCPDM Section President for Mezam IV Bafut and First Deputy Mayor of Bafut Council, called for greater involvement of women and young people in party leadership and decision-making.
She urged party officials to give women and youths more opportunities as preparations begin for the forthcoming elections. She also pledged that the women's wing would carry the message of peace and dialogue into homes, families and neighbourhoods.
Njibamum reaffirmed the commitment of the WCPDM to mobilising women across the subdivision and encouraging their active participation in the party's activities.
For his part, Tchoffo Kongni Herman, YCPDM Section President for Mezam IV Bafut, called on young militants to remain committed to the party and take an active part in community development.
He urged them to demonstrate discipline and responsibility, while encouraging young women to remain resilient and participate in the affairs of their community.
The celebration also witnessed the admission of five new militants into the CPDM. The five, who left their former political parties, were formally presented by the representative of the Mezam Divisional Team.
In another gesture, 30 bags of 50kg rice were made available to militants by the Member of Parliament for the Bafut/Tubah Constituency. The donation was presented by his alternate, who represented him at the celebration.
The event also featured cultural entertainment, with Ngwakongoh Lawrence joining the famous Elegant Dance Group in traditional dancing, much to the excitement of those present.
The celebration ended with the reading of a motion of support to President Paul Biya by Che Philip Amabo, Section Treasurer of CPDM Mezam IV Bafut.
In the motion, militants reaffirmed their loyalty to the CPDM National Chairman and pledged their support for the party ahead of the forthcoming legislative and municipal elections. They also expressed their determination to work towards a landslide victory for the party.
The gathering at Nsoh brought together different generations of CPDM militants around discussions on the party's future in Bafut, the performance of elected officials and the need for peace in the subdivision.
As the party looks towards the next elections, its leaders called on militants to remain united, strengthen their grassroots structures and work with the wider community towards lasting peace and development in Bafut.
