They Too Have Started Absenting from Momo PIB Follow-up Meetings

They Too Have Started Absenting from Momo PIB Follow-up Meetings

Pavement bricks for rehabilitation of roads in Mbengwi central town abandoned at the council

Members of the Momo Divisional Participatory Follow-up Committee for the Evaluation of Public Investment Budget (PIB) projects held their first quarterly meeting for the new financial year,  Tuesday April 21st 2020 in the conference hall of the Labour and Social Security Delegation. 

Convened at the behest of  the Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) the divisional and sub technical  participatory follow-up meeting brought together statutory and beneficial members to evaluate 2020 PIB and flash back at 2018 and 2019 PIB which are still far below 100% physical realisation.

Unfortunately, as has often been the case in the past, all the mayors but for that of Mbengwi were absent. The Widikum and Njikwa council had no representative for the meeting and these are new mayors that just took over office. Even the new president of the committee, Hon. Foo Ngang Prodencia also recorded her first absence. Being new in office and doubling as development agents, one would've expected these politicians not to miss such a meeting  but they prioritised their other engagements.

Following recommendations from the last follow up meeting for the year 2019, the supervisory authority had warned all out gone mayors to endeavour to execute all  council projects that ought to must have been extracted from the Council Development Plan worth below 5 million francs yet almost all kept exercising laissez-faire, a bad habit that is seemingly already being copied by the new ones.

They were also tasked to keep updating the list of destroyed public and private property in their respective municipalities accompanied with costing so as to facilitate the compensation process to victims when the reconstruction project of the region shall commence.

To curb such challenges this year, an order by the regional governor has been signed creating project maturation committees in all divisions and tasked to ensure all earmarked projects for realisation must have maturity elements. This means they are  to be accompanied with public utility declaration, attestation of availability of site, compensation report, risk analysis report, environmental impact assessment report etc.

More still, in executing projects that have to do with wood, the councils were advised to use species like mahogany, "iroko" or "sapele". The Mbengwi Council has already identified 9 projects for this year 2020 out of which five contracts have been awarded among which is the rural electrification of G.R.A - Bessi Fomukong and Barakwe - Wumnebit - Chenam villages.

Others include construction of dressing rooms on the Mbengwi municipal stadium, purchase of chairs and sound system for the council, construction of two classrooms in G.S Wumsom, digging of boreholes at the S.D.O's residence, gendarmerie and prison. 

Eyebrows were raised last year during the reign of former mayor Tebe Beatrice when news was broken that the stretch of road Checkpoint - Mbon Park Entrance - Africa Petroleum will be constructed using pavement bricks. As has often been the case, since then till date, apart from some pecking that was done, the rest has been stories upon stories with no hope of realisation any moment soon. 

This is a mouth watering project that would've transformed the Momo Divisional headquarters and give a positive impression about the municipality to visitors but unfortunately, main roads in Mbengwi town these days are a disgrace. The money for the road pavement project is missing. 

"This Time We Mean Business" Mbengwi D.O Warns Labourers

"This Time We Mean Business" Mbengwi D.O Warns Labourers

The first preparatory meeting towards the 134th International Labour Day celebration in Momo Division took place on Tuesday April 21st 2020 in the conference hall of the Divisional Delegation of Labour and Social Security. 

Chaired by the first assistant Senior Divisional Officer, Arrah Amatangana Maxime, attendees who were mostly divisional delegates and heads of services were tasked to ensure a remarkable celebration this year through effective participation in the earmarked weeklong activities in the build up to the day and physical presence on the Mbengwi ceremonial grandstand come Friday May 1st 2020.

"Excuse for absenteeism because of security reasons won't be tolerated. You are all workers and we cannot be celebrating the day without you" the assistant SDO remarked in his opening address

The Divisional Officer for Mbengwi subdivision, Sakwe Jarvis in corroborating the SDO's remarks warned that "This time, we mean business. Either you're for or against us. There's no midway" He also insisted that the effectiveness and efficiency of all committee members in executing their various  assigned terms of references is mandatory.

The Momo Divisional Delegate of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Alota Bridget while reviewing last year's celebration of the day regretted that it was boycotted by all worker's trade unions and establishments in the private sector within the entire division. "Though not massively attended, it all went well" she affirmed after having disclosed the importance  of labour day in the life of a worker.

She explained that "It is an important day in the life of workers of the public and private sector to rejoice over their little contributions to nation building." Despite last year's boycott, the delegate remained hopeful that this year will be better considering the current relatively calm atmosphere.

Before closing the meeting, over five committees were put in place to better plan for a successful labour day celebration in Mbengwi, the divisional headquarters. Attendees were reminded that march pass by all the delegations carrying their sign boards won't be optional, reason why they must be on high alert to be in Mbengwi before the D-day in case ghost town calls are to be made by separatists.

Where's the Water Promised by Mbengwi Council Mayor to Fight COVID-19

Where's the Water Promised by Mbengwi Council Mayor to Fight COVID-19?

The mayor of the Mbengwi Council, a local administrative unit in Momo Division, N.W Cameroon has been leading a team of health officials from the Mbengwi District Hospital to various stomping grounds within the municipality for a COVID-19 sensitisation campaign.

Population at the Mbon Motor Park Listening to the COVID-19 Message

The Divisional Officer of Mbengwi, Sakwe Jarvis and the Momo Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education, Chumbom Elisabeth were part of the mayor's caravan. Using a megaphone, the officials took turns to school the listening population on the pandemic focusing on preventive measures put in place by the WHO and the state. While the D.O hammered on sanctions for defaulters, the secondary education delegate preached school resumption. 

She told the people that "If our schools don't resume in Mbengwi, we are the ones losing because elsewhere, classes have effectively been going on till of recent that they were shutdown nationally because or corona. The state broadcaster, CRTV is now broadcasting lessons especially for examination classes. Dear parents, endeavour to rally your children in front of the TV set at 8pm, after the 7:30 news for them to follow the lessons"

Secondary Education Delegate & Team Addressing Crowd at Mile 19 Square

Humphrey Amando Yaya, Mbengwi Health District's Focal Person for Communication in explaining what took them to the field said "We went to expose to the community the danger in which we find ourselves and debunk the many rumours people have developed the attitude of accepting." He also appreciated the mayor for the timely intervention and gesture. 

At every stop, the medical experts explained to the listening population the origin of the virus, it's situation in Cameroon and preventive measures. Wash and or sanitize your hands regularly, avoid handshakes and hugs, cough in your elbow or disposable tissue, keep a distance from the person next to you and if you notice someone suffering from watery nose, dry cough, fever, difficulties in breathing, rush to the nearest  health unit and report. Above all be prayerful. These preventive measures were given the population by Tunga Hilda Anne, General Supervisor, Mbengwi District Hospital.

D.O Sakwe Jarvis Presenting Mayor Ndangsa Kennedy to the People

Sakwe Jarvis, the administrative officer on his part passed across the state's 13 preventive measures of no opening of bars after 6pm, no drinking in bars, no transportation of more than a passenger on a bike, compulsory wearing of face masks, installation of hand washing buckets in front of shops, no gathering of more than 50 persons in churches, funerals etc. "I've come to tell you that if you don't implement these measures they are telling you, I'll punish you" he told the listeners. 

Apart from educating the population, the council also distributed reusable locally fabricated facemasks and  installed giant hand washing buckets and hand sanitisers in the Mbon Motor Park, Mile 19 Square, the various health units in Mbengwi  and public administrative offices. At the Mbon Motor Park the people asked their mayor "Where is water" and he promised them that the council is already putting in place measures to see that the park has water in the nearest days ahead.

Population Scrambling for Face Masks in Mile 19

After keenly following the public lectures, Nduku Titus, an inhabitant of Mile 19 expressed appreciation for the council's gesture. He said "We thank the mayor and D.O for these donations. We pray God guides us, gives us strength and understanding to implement these preventive measures they've given us." The masks were limited compared to the needy population. As such, the council promised to provide more subsequently.

Before leaving the park, the D.O held a brief working session with commercial motor bike riders during which they tabled their worries of a non functional union and military harassment to him. On the spot, he dissolved the old union that existed and gave them 5 days to reconstitute themselves and present to him a new executive, an assignment that's already been done and submitted.

Mayor Ndangsa Kennedy Donating Hand Washing Buckets, Masks and Sanitisers to the Population

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam it should be recalled was voted mayor of Mbengwi on the 25th of February 2020, kidnapped by separatist fighters on the 28th, released on March 30th, sworn into office on the 8th of April and the very next day, the 9th, he started work by descending to Mile 19 square and the Mbon Motor Park to sensitize the population on COVID-19.

The promises made by the mayor to donate more masks and provide water at the Mbon motor park are yet to materialize, weeks after. Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the world and Cameroon, no case has been confirmed in the NW region. Based on its devastating consequences,  preventive efforts are being intensified by various stakeholders to bar its way from entering for prevention they say is better than cure.

The Return of Mayor Ndangsa K. from Dreaded "Amba" Barrack

The Return of Mayor Ndangsa K. from Dreaded "Amba"  Barrack

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam because of his daring and risk bearing attitude has gained more fame than he ever had since birth not for any extraordinary achievement but for his predicaments. How he came out of the blues in the heat of the ongoing  Anglophone crisis to be voted mayor, beating the incumbent Tebe Beatrice who was tipped favourite even by her political opponents, later kidnapped, released a month after and has now been fully installed into his office is what some observers have referred to as an unsolvable equation. What manner of man is this Ndangsa?

Born on the 10th of November 1974 in Mbengwi where he schooled, after pocketing his primary and secondary school certificates, he proceeded to Government Teacher's Training College (GTTC) Nkambe where he graduated with a "CAPIEM" in 1999. By January 7 2007, he entered the public service and served as head teacher in at least three primary schools in Mbengwi before later being transfered to the Momo Divisional Delegation of Basic Education. Ndangsa is holder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Education from Hibums Polytechnic, Mike 90 Bamenda obtained in 2017 and was accorded a distinction as best teacher in 2010 and 2013. He's married and father of 5.

This is the man who after the February 9th 2020 municipal elections that saw the CPDM sweeping the Mbengwi Council was voted mayor. Two days after, he was kidnapped by separatist fighters and kept incommunicado for a month. He was later  released on March 30th and as such, a special swearing in ceremony was organised for him on Wednesday April 8th 2020. 

A flashback into what transpired from the onset shows that a highly tensed atmosphere characterised the day Ndangsa was voted mayor. At the beginning of the exercise, at the preliminary level, he was almost losing to the incumbent yet he stood his grounds, relatively calm and comported. He had confidence in the game he was playing and  victory found favour in him. After winning, he still had courage to go continue staying in his Mile 20 abode amidst heightened insecurity. Unfortunately, luck parted ways with him this time around.

Population Witnessing the Oath Taking Ceremony in Momo High Court

Two days after being voted mayor, precisely on March 28, he was kidnapped by separatist fighters and taken to an unknown location where he was held incommunicado for a month. During this period, rumours spread that he's in a dreaded  "Amba" camp in Batibo. Some online sources like  http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/13/content_75807358.htm published that he had been killed. On the 12th of March, a message went viral on most WhatsApp groups thus: Breaking: Kidnapped Mbengwi Mayor, Ndangsa Kenedy Akam killed in captivity despite paying 5 million FCFA ransom. Source: Laary's Newsroom With this, many drew the conclusion he had crossed the Rubicon.

When the dust was about settling on his alleged dead, on Monday March 30th, Ndangsa Kennedy "resurrected" and the news of his freedom was confirmed through a picture of him standing in between the Senior Divisional Officer for Momo and a uniform officer that went viral on social media. How he found his way out of "the lions den" remains a mystery. In his first Facebook post, https://www.facebook.com/100022243989051/posts/677445723006888/?app=fbl he disclosed that it was the handiwork of God. 

Cases of brutality, molestation and torture on victims that fall into the dragnets of restoration forces are common. While in their camp, most captives especially those charged for going contrary to the demands of the fighters and thus termed "Black Legs" are often beaten with a cutlass till the sole of their feet get swollen. Many thought while in their keeping, Ndangsa Kennedy was going to be beaten beyond recognition and possibly killed considering his crime. He was charged for treason by disobeying the ban imposed by the fighters on elections in "their land". Not only did he vote, he went in as a councillor and aimed straight for the mayor's seat which he grabbed. Contrary to these fears, he came out of their custody with just a wound on his head, looking seemingly healthier.

Wednesday April 8th was scheduled as day for him to take his oath of office. An event that was due to start at latest 10am ended up starting at 5:10pm. Friends and relatives that had come to witness the swearing in ceremony ended up being stranded the whole day because the expected legal luminaries that had to preside over the event were also stranded in Bamenda waiting for armoured cars. Many wondered why anything about Ndangsa Kennedy is always exceptional. Finally they arrived and swung into action.

Mayor Ndangsa & Momo SDO, Fouda Nicaise

Magistrate Wirngo  Tobias before swearing in the mayor explained that a civil statues registrar is called upon to deal with all documents related to the statues of persons, that is birth, marriage and death certificates and also to act in accordance with the laws of the republic. "You can't comply with a law when you don't know its content. So I challenge you to use the first week in your office to study and master the law on decentralization" he told the applicant. "On the day of your election, we didn't see these many people seating here. They didn't even come out to vote you but now you have to serve all of them" he added. 

After listening to the submissions of the state counsel, he then ordered that "The applicant before the court is accordingly declared as having been sworn in as the civil statues registration officer of the Mbengwi municipality" This order came after the mayor had swore to conduct the affairs of the council and serve the interest of all its inhabitants without discrimination or favouritism and to discharge his duties in all loyalty and faithfulness in compliance with the law.

As insinuated by the presiding magistrate, almost all who came yo celebrate the success of the mayor never contributed to it. They boycotted the February 9th municipal election in Mbengwi. Even on the day he was voted as mayor, they weren't there to witness it. A majority of those who voted for the CPDM party that won the council were military men and the administration. Now that he's made it through all the huddles, many are surfacing from far and near to celebrate victory with him physically and on phone. However, that's just the way most humans are. When the going is good, many people will be your friends.

Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia, M.P, Momo East

Honourable Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia is the new Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency. She witnessed the oath taking ceremony at the end of which she gave a piece of advice to the new mayor that "He should be committed, dedicated and above all be disciplined. He should watch his family, friends and entourage because he's now expected to serve the people irrespective of those who voted for or against him"

Ndangsa Kennedy on his part reiterated the promise he made on the day he was voted that the council is going to do everything possible to see that there's peace and development in Mbengwi. He added that "We know there are already some community schools organised in some villages around. We are going to empower them and that could be the beginning to something. I am calling on all the people of Mbengwi to make sure after schools resume following the national shutdown by the state due to the corona virus, they should send their children to these community schools as this could be a stepping stone to normal school resumption."

Fobang Roland, an inhabitant of Mbengwi expects the new mayor to mobilise communities, the fons, the church and even "Amba Boys" in the bushes fighting for the independence of "Ambazonia" to come out and improve on their farm to market roads and demystify the issue of Mbengwi being a desert. In his words, "I see him as a young gentleman who's very disciplined and quiet and people who listen more will do better things. Everything being equal, we are between the hammer and the ambit but I know Ndangsa Kennedy will do his best to deliver the goods to this our municipality. The priority of this moment is agriculture, roads and the youths."

Fobang Roland, Mbengwi Inhabitant

The new mayor is an elder in Presbyterian Church Mbengwi Congregation and also home branch president of Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA). These and many more accounts for why his kid sister, Ndangsa Linda thinks he's a square peck in a square hole chosen by God. In her opinion, he's going to do what everybody expects thus the population should wait and enjoy him. She also begged all those who've been trying to pull him down in one way or the other to stop it because it's going to be of no help even if he's killed. 

The swearing in ceremony took place at a time when the government of Cameroon had ordered the implementation of 13 measures to combat the global pandemic COVID-19 among which is social distancing of at least a metre apart, wearing of face masks and no gathering of more than 50 people. The officials who've been "singing this song" in Mbengwi were in the court, seated so closely to each other together with the rest of the more than 50 attendees. Some persons had masked on, others didn't. One would've expected some persons to be asked to step out but that wasn't the case. Everybody squeezed his way in to witness the event from start to finish. But for those who had their personal sanitisers, there was no provision for hand washing and sanitisation in front of the court. If an infected person was to be in the midst of these people, obviously the rest would've been contaminated.

Legal Luminaries

With Ndangsa Kennedy now fully in charge of the municipality, he has a mandate of five tears to deliver the goods or be shown the exit door cone 2025 considering that no mayor has served the Mbengwi Council for more than a mandate since the 90s. It's time for him to make amends with disgruntled councillors who never had him as their choice and whose alleged boycott of his events is already being noticed. They were not there for his swearing in ceremony and may not still be there during subsequent events. The new mayor to disprove skeptics and those questioning his legitimacy must ensure an enviable developmental record is established in the municipality during his reign without which it may just be a matter of time for him to be knocked out.