CPDM Mayors told not to outshine the party

Peter Mafany Musonge, Grand Chancellor and Senator of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM party, has urged residents of the South West Region to be vigilant, collaborate with law authorities and with the local administration to combat the threat that the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, poses to the country.

Musonge made the call as head of a CPDM Central Committee Delegation in a seminar in Buea, last week.

The seminar was held as an informational meeting for South West Regional CPDM Mayors and Presidents of CPDM Council Groups.

Being the first time the CPDM was bringing its Mayors together for an information seminar, the meeting held within the context of increased security concerns and the need for absolute vigilance from the population to fight Boko Haram.

“More than ever before, we must be alert,” Musonge said.

Patrick Aboko, Mayor of Kombo Abedimo and Senator Simon Anja expressed fears that the Boko Haram insurgents may strike at anytime in their localities.

While Aboko said Kombo Abedimo is no longer safe, Anja said he can no longer travel to Akwaya freely, given that he hasn’t bodyguards to protect him.

With several worries expressed, Musonge called on all forces to establish a permanent information link with Local Administrative officials and also with the forces of law and order.

Aside security concerns, the seminar was a forum for the CPDM hierarchy to remind its Mayors of what is expected of them and also to educate them on their relationship with other party and administrative officials.

Victor Arrey Mengot drilled the mayors and local party officials on the responsibilities of the CPDM mayors while former minister, Elvis Ngolle Ngolle spoke on the theme “CPDM Mayors and the Party’s Influence.”

He said that CPDM mayors have to make the party shine and not try to outshine the party.

Joseph Dion Ngute called on the mayors to establish a cordial relationship between the National Assembly Members, Senators, Administrative and Traditional authorities, as well as with the hierarchy of the party.

Musonge also used the seminar to call for unity within the ranks of the party, stating that time for useless infighting was over.

“Time for useless and vain quarrels is over. As mayors, you know better: the people, the voters, including our many militants, will judge you by the number of kilometres of roads built or maintained, the number of schools built, and the number of people who enjoy proper health care and good shelter…that is your role. That is your mission."

"That is your duty. It is a collective duty. You have to work very closely and collaborate with Municipal Councilors, Senators and Members of the National Assembly, Administrative and Traditional Authorities and Local Party Officials.”