New old faces dominate Senate bureau, Niat retains crown.

Niat Njifenji, who has been President of the Senate since the organ went operational in 2013, got 97 votes to emerge leader of the parliamentary organ for the 12th consecutive time. There was one invalid vote during the poll. 

Meanwhile, Niat Njifenji ran unopposed to succeed himself. The election was supervised by the provisional bureau led by the eldest Senator, former Minister Rene Ze Nguele. 

The elder statesman had presided over the plenary session for the election of President of the Permanent Bureau of the Senate before handing the relay to the newly elected president.

Immediately after his re-election, Senator Niat Njifenji, expressed gratitude to the Head of State and Chairman of the ruling CPDM party, Paul Biya, for the renewed trust in his person. 

He also thanked his peers of the Senate for the fresh confidence bestowed on him for the umpteenth time. 

The octogenarian politician said he was honoured to be selected by Senators to pilot the affairs of the Senate for the 2023 legislative year.

After delivering his brief address, Niat Njifenji, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House, then took over and supervised the election of the other bureau members. 

Just like Niat Njifenji, who picked up a fresh mandate on a platter of gold, incumbent Senator Aboubakary Abdoulaye, was also 're-elected' as the Senior Vice President of the Senate. The Lamido ran for the position unopposed and was elected with 97 votes.

The election of Niat Njifenji and his Senior Vice President yesterday, political commentators have stated, was a mere formality. The outcome, they say, was expected, given the CPDM majority in the Senate.

Who are the newcomers?

While more than half of the members of the 17-man Senate permanent bureau voted into office less than a month ago were maintained, some new faces, however emerged following yesterday’s election.

While Senator Nfor Tabetando of the South West Region and Senator Vanigansen Mochiggle of the Social Democratic Front, SDF, were maintained as Vice Presidents, former Minister, Senator Robert Nkili and Senator Din Bell Marie Armande, made their debuts into the bureau as Vice Presidents. 

Meanwhile, all three Questors at the Senate survived yesterday’s 'elections'. The three Questors, all of the ruling CPDM party, include Senators Abdoulaye Wouyak Marava, Otte Andrew Mofa and Bisseck Paulette.

For the eight Secretaries 'voted' yesterday, three new faces emerged following the exercise. They include billionaire businessman, Ngouchinghe Sylvestre, Begala Mikel Naomie Akono and Abba Harouna.

Those maintained include Senators Hayatou Aicha Pierrette, Fon Chafah Isaac, Obam Assam Samuel, Ngayap Pierre Flambeau and Leke Besongoh Akemfor.