For championing living together: NW Fons confer prestigious ‘Wa Ntoh’ title on Konye Mayor, Musima George.

The custodians of the customs and traditions of the North West Region said Mayor Musima was singled out for the distinction for his matchless efforts in championing social cohesion and living together.

This, they said, has been demonstrated through Mayor Musima’s levelheadedness and maturity in handling of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, who have fled the North West Region and other parts to seek refuge in Konye Subdivision. 

The visiting traditional rulers were under the banner of the North West Fons Union. It was led by the President of the North West Fons Union, Fon Teche Njei, who doubles as traditional ruler of Ngemuwa village. The delegation comprised the Fons of Kai, Bujung, Kejom Keku and Bambui villages. 

IDPs urged to uphold peace, respect local authorities 

Speaking during the ceremony, Fon Teche Njei said they came as bearers of a message of peace and to foster living together amongst the population of the North West and South West Region cohabiting in Konye.

The erstwhile Senator appealed to Northwesterners living in Konye Subdivision to uphold peace, respect the local administrative and traditional authorities and know that they are at home.

“Do not joke with where you are working and having your daily bread because if you do, you may lose it and become wanting…" the traditional ruler cautioned IDPs.

The Fons advised the population to listen and run to the mayor when they are in difficulties because Konye has now been designated as the bridge between the North West and South West Regions. 

In what is now known as the Konye declaration, the Fons called for a peaceful coexistence amongst the population, clamoured for return of peace and normalcy in the restive English-speaking regions and called on the population to massively enroll on the electoral register so as to actively take part in the upcoming elections. 

Enter Konye Mayor 

Speaking earlier, Mayor Musima George Lobe thanked the population of Konye especially the North West community for their massive turnout and expressed gratitude to the Fons of the North West Region for choosing Konye for the historic visit to the South West Region. 

The municipal authority seized the opportunity to for the umpteenth time appeal to separatist fighters to drop their weapons and join the disarmament centre.

While harping on the hospitality of the population of the municipality, the mayor said is a perfect reflection of living together and national integration preached by the Head of State, President Paul Biya. 

With main activity being agriculture, Mayor Musima said Konye has a population of over 80,000 inhabitants made up four tribes notably Bafaw, Bakundu, Balong and Mbonges. 

Konye DO hails NW Fons 

The Divisional Officer, DO, of Konye, Ntep Moses Attah, saluted the Fons for taking the pains during the festive period to visit their people. 

The administrator lauded the mayor for the mobilisation made towards the success of the event. The visiting Fons were later treated to the cuisine of the Konye people at the palace of the Chief of Konye. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3317 of Wednesday December 11, 2024