Biya @91, still kicking.

But one thing that has remained consistent in the makeup of the character Biya represents is that he is a human being living in a world of his own. 

Those who have lived through the ages from the early days of the Head of State as a career civil servant, to becoming a member of government, Prime Minister and later Head of State, say, Paul Biya has always been a serene and reserved character.

The Biya of many decades back, most of those who have been closed to his working cuisine say, is not different from who he is today. Unlike those who have opted to stay noisy, irrational and reactive, once in a position of authority, the soul, Biya, has been in a vicarage that always beats expectations. 

The Head of State has, at best, continued to remain a dazzling character, even in the face of circumstances that have bamboozled many.  Biya, for most of his supporters, is a man who has seen it all, but is yet to say his last when it comes to public life and leadership in Cameroon. 

He has lived several epochs, emerging more difficult to interpret in the process. Paul Biya, for many a Cameroonian, has simply remained a marvel.

On several instances, many have predicted doom for him, but he, in most cases, has come out a wunderkind, switching political options and keeping his political philosophy intact. 

Given the influence and power age commands in the African society, Paul Biya, in most circumstances, many say, has remained revealing with the changing times. 

This, for most of his supporters, has been a depiction of wisdom, not common even to those of his age group.

Biya enjoying the game of numbers

The embodiment of Biya, especially in political life, it is now being said, has been the consistency of support members of his Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, party have been giving him over the years.

Glorified as the man who opened up the political space in the 90s for the return of multiparty politics in Cameroon, Biya, it is now being said, has continued to reap the fruits of democracy. 

Even in the face of increasing debates about his leadership, supporters of the CPDM have remained unwavering, vetting and endorsing Biya for political consultations without blinking. He has been declared winner of successive presidential elections, attesting to what supporters say is Biya’s experience. 

However, critics have continued to project arguments about his age and ability to govern.

Biya & uncommon signs of strength 

As the President has hit another milestone in his age, one of the most topical issues have been if he actually governs. 

From the perspective of an outsider and the reading of arguments from supporters, Biya has proven that he remains in charge.

Though possessing rare traits of a leader who doesn’t work under pressure and does things within the ambits of his power, Biya has remained difficult to interpret and comprehend on several issues. 

Even at 91, the Head of State has remained rare in actions and gestures.

At 91, one of the things Cameroonians admire about their leader is that his stature has not changed. 

As if to say age is just a number, Biya at 91, is still walking around freely without the use of a walking aid. This is not a given for people of that age bracket.

Biya has always been on his feet, be it during public ceremonies or private audiences. This, he has done repeatedly, exceeding timeframes which doubters sometimes project to proof what sometimes play out in their negative imaginations.

Eyes not dimming 

Living to a new decade beyond 90 years has also always been sandwiched and stereotyped with the use of special eyeglasses to help lowering eyelids and ease reading for some. 

Paul Biya does not appear to Cameroonians in that form and shape. Even if he does so, such occasions are rare. 

Be it at the Unity Palace or international assignments, Biya has always stood up, delivering speeches and making key contributions without the use of lenses. This alone, many argue, shows that the Head of State is a man blessed by God and made of sterner stuff.

Robust body frame

Another aspect that has remained a wonder about the Head of State, many have also been saying, is that of a body frame that has remained intact and solid. 

Even if he may not have the acrobatic beauty and rapidity that is known of Olympic athletes, President Paul Biya, in the reading of his supporters, still squares up to the demands of his office as Head of State. The zest and energy in his bones, supporters say, make for a good dose of service in public life.

Connecting with global, local realities with ease

For those who have been singing for years that Biya is not in control and knows nothing about what is happening in Cameroon, supporters say such are narratives of people with bad intensions. 

Biya, they argue, has shown on several occasions that despite his age, he masters local realities in Cameroon and global challenges.

Many of the President’s supporters are now projecting his extempore declarations. They are today citing the responses he provided to pertinent questions when President Emmanuel Macron visited Cameroon in July 2022.

Supporters also say they have not forgotten the vital analyses Biya made on global dynamics during the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Russia from July 26 to 30, 2023.

Even when Biya grants audience to diplomats, his supporters say the way the President analyses issues have been outstanding. Cataloguing these, Biya’s supporters say, at 91, his faculties are still active. This, they attest, makes extra meaning when it comes to the management of State affairs.

Experience sought globally 

The constant request for Biya’s position on key sub-regional, continental and global issues, political analysts are insisting, shows even at his age of 91, he still has much to offer the world.  This, it is being analysed across several fora, shows that Biya is not only a national but a global patriarch who possesses the experience and influence needed to influence transition in several domains of global life.

Matchless nationwide birthday celebrations

Meanwhile, yesterday, there were multiple celebrations of the President’s birthday nationwide. Hundreds of young people across the country’s 10 Regions marched to governors’ offices in show of love and support for Biya. They also handed motions of support calling on Biya to seek another mandate.

In Yaounde, it was yet another epic celebration, as thousands of young people converged on the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex to celebrate Biya’s birthday. 

The Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, chaired the event.

Several members of government attended the event. Amongst them were;  the Minister Delegate at the Presidency of The Republic in charge of the Supreme State Audit Office, CONSUPE, Mbah Acha Rose Fomundam; the Minister of Labour and Social  Security,  Gregoire Owona; Minister of  State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof  Jacques Fame Ndongo; Minister of Basic Education, Prof Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa; Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Monouna Foutsou; Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi; Minister of Special  Duties at the Presidency in charge of Relations with the Assemblies, Bolvin Wakata; Ministers of Special  Duties at the Presidency, Philippe Mbarga Mboa and  Ndong Soumhet Benoit.

The Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea, the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Mfoundi, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, also lived the event. Mayors of the seven Subdivisions of Yaounde and the City Mayor, Luc Messi Atangana, also attended the event.

Ngoh Ngoh on Biya’s support for youth

Speaking at Biya’s birthday ceremony in Yaounde, Ngoh Ngoh said the Head of State is aware of the love youth have for him year after year. 

Biya, Ngoh Ngoh told the thousands of young people in attendance, remains Cameroon’s champion. He described the celebration of the President’s birthday by young people as a never-seen.

He thanked them for using their talents and ingenuity to show love to the one who incarnates the State, Paul Biya. 

“You love Paul Biya, you love your father, you love your Head of State,” Ngoh Ngoh remarked, retorting that “President Paul Biya loves and adores you too”.

The Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, urged the youth to have trust and confidence in Biya, irrespective of whatever challenges and circumstances. 

He said he had taken note of their show of love and will transmit same to the Head of State and the gift from the youth destined to Biya.

Biya, he intimated, knows the expectations of Cameroonian youth. He then questioned rhetorically: “Who can love you more than him?”

Ngoh Ngoh reminded them of what he said is Biya’s consistency in ensuring the protection, education, training and social insertion of the youth. 

Ngoh Ngoh also advised the youth to shun drug abuse, remain disciplined and engage in wealth-creation initiatives. The Secretary General also called for the responsible use of the social media. 

The youth, the Presidency scribe said, are the light of Cameroon. He joined them in asking God to continue to grant Biya long life and good health.

Youth reaffirm support for Biya

Speaking earlier, youth leaders, among them, Fadimatou Iyawa, President of the Cameroon National Youth Council, CNYC, extoled Biya’s leadership qualities.

They issued a declaration at the end of the festivities, declaring their willingness to continue supporting the Head of State in his exacting task as Head of State.