At closing of March session: Cavaye castigates advocates of political transition, alliances.

He made the declaration at the close of the March session of Parliament, Wednesday April 3, at the Yaounde Conference Centre. 

According to the House Speaker, such calls are baseless. He stated that the country’s political system and institutions are functioning properly and harmoniously. 

The octogenarian CPDM lawmaker of Mayo-Sava Division, who has been House Speaker since 1992, also rubbished opposition politicians fronting a formidable coalition to defeat the current regime.

 Such moves, he said, “are a sign of weakness”. 

Cavaye said he considers those fronting opposition coalitions to be “in dire straits”. 

Political alliances sign of weakness 

Despite admitting that the concepts of alliances and transition have their place in politics, especially in the build up to upcoming elections, Cavaye, however, stated that such alliances are “a sign of weakness” and a clear indication that those fronting them “are in dire straits”. 

Hon  Cavaye described the formation of political alliances as “activism, agitation and mere politicking that will not improve the lot of Cameroonians”.

He insisted that the ruling CPDM party is bent on pressing on, while those advocating political alliance to oust the ruling party “make the noise”.

Calls for political transition baseless 

The Speaker of the National Assembly was categorical that calls being made across the country by opposition politicians for a political transition in the country are baseless. 

Cavaye said all political transitions see the light of day when the political system in place is not functioning properly and does not have a democratic base.

Transitions, he added, depend on the “situation, adored, condoned or accepted by the citizenry and the international community; even though they are bereft of legitimacy”. 

He said political transitions in most cases perturb peace, social cohesion and efforts deployed for development. 

Such situations, Cavaye stated, “contrasts sharply with the real situation in Cameroon, where institutions function harmoniously” with an economy that has been diversified and is characterised by vitality and resilience.

Cameroon, he went on, “is still that host country where people of diverse backgrounds live in harmony”. 

According to him, the country is being steered masterfully with equanimity and wisdom, by its captain and great visionary leader, Paul Biya.

Cameroon not a failed State

Cavaye used the closing ceremony of the March session of parliament, to tell regime critics that: “Cameroon is not a failed State. All the arms of government are in place and are piloting State affairs with the support of Cameroonians”. 

He then rhetorically questioned the rationale for a political transition and wondered whether such calls are not baseless. 

The Speaker of the National Assembly, said: “It is clear those talking about political transition are already in a transitory stage of their lives”. 

Be on alert against ill-intentioned politicians 

Cavaye called on compatriots to more than ever before “be on the alert” against opposition politicians, whom he said, have sinister plots against the State.

“I wish to urge you to still be on the alert. Let’s watch out for sirens and illusion peddlers! Let’s increase our guard when we hear the ominous sound of owls!”, he advised. 

Cavaye further cautioned that: “We can now perceive that if such politicians accede to power, they will readily perpetrate a reign of terror and vengeance in the country that contrasts sharply with the peace and tranquillity in our country today”. 

He advised citizens not to be misled into civil disobedience but to continue to “listen to the sweet melody of our country, Cameroon; that is, in spite of the odds, leaping forward and confronting numerous challenges in its bid to prepare a brighter future for its people”. 

Hails Biya for new National Assembly edifice 

Cavaye extended what he said is deferential gratitude to the Head of State, Paul Biya, for his constant attention to the National Assembly and for lending his support to the ongoing construction of a new complex for the lower house of parliament.

 “He has ordered the disbursement of close to one billion, nine hundred thousand CFA francs, to our House Chamber to see to it that construction work is completed within set deadlines and to honour our country’s financial obligation under the project,” he revealed.  

He also expressed gratitude to the government of China for solely financing the project. Cavaye also thanked President Biya, for not only giving his consent to Cameroon’s bid to host the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, APF, Africa Region, from 28 to 30 May 2024, but pledging to support its success. 

Yesterday’s closing ceremony was attended by members of government, led by the Prime Minister, Head of Government; Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations among others.