Biya's re-election bid gets big boost in Ndian, Meme.

The fresh boost is from the traditional rulers and indigenes of the 13 villages that make up Barombi Clan in Ndian and Meme Divisions of the South West Region.

The traditional rulers and population are unanimous that the decision to massively vote for President Biya is their own way of thanking him for appointing their Paramount Ruler (Nkak), Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, as Prime Minister, Head of Government.

Their decision was arrived at during a strategic sensitisation and mobilisation meeting in Kang Barombi, Kumba III Subdivision, in Meme Division, on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Retired civil administrator, Godlive Mboke Ntua, who doubles as traditional ruler of Kotto Barombi, in Mbonge Subdivision, represented the Prime Minister at the gathering.

Say Dion Ngute proximity, servant leader 

The Chief of Kang Barombi, HRM Akama Jacob, and a cross section of elite of the Clan, in separate speeches, saluted the strides of their Paramount Ruler cum Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.

Chief Akama and the elite, including the Mayor of Ekondo-Titi, Utam Margaret Ndiba; Mayor of Bamusso, Pastor Samuel Meme Meme; the First Deputy Mayor of Kumba III Council, Nsongo Jonas Ndiba; as well as a Regional Councillor of South West Regional Assembly from Ndian Division, Lilian Ndingi, and an elite and Councillor of Ekondo-Titi Council, Apo Moses Nwanja; said PM Dion Ngute has proven to be a proximity leader who always thinks of his people back home.

Chief Akama seized the opportunity to recount a series of development projects that have been directed to their respective communities, since Dion Ngute became Prime Minister, Head of Government. 

The traditional ruler, among other things cited the cooking gas plant under construction in Kang Barombi. 

"The benefits of the project to our youth cannot be overemphasised,” Chief Akama said. He also praised the PM for not relenting in raising many sons and daughters of the Clan to glory. 

Giving President Biya a 100% vote in the upcoming October election, Chief Akama said, is a way to thank the Head of State and also align with the Prime Minister, Head of Government. 

"I am therefore calling on the people of Kang Barombi, to join hands and scratch his back. Let us forget about where we are coming from and from which political party. Our interest is to tell our brother, PM Dion Ngute, Thank You; for what he has done and will still do for us," he stated. 

Chief Akama was categorical that ensuring a100% victory for the CPDM in the upcoming polls will send across a strong message. The message, he said, will be that the Prime Minister is a strong field soldier of the ruling party and would undoubtedly contribute to his stay at the Star Building. 

"This is an opportunity we must not let go," he appealed to all and sundry during the meeting.  Other elite reiterated that Barombi people should not fall for the distraction from the opposition. 

"Let us stand behind the Prime Minister, Head of Government, who is standing behind President Paul Biya," Nsongo Jonas Ndiba said. 

Barombi Clan youths also used the meeting to express gratitude to PM Dion Ngute. They acknowledged having benefitted a lot from the government of President Biya and vowed to ensure the CPDM gets a resounding victory, come October 12, 2025. 

Enter PM’s representative 

In his keynote address, the representative of the Paramount Ruler of Barombis (Nkak), Godlive Mboke Ntua; said Dr Chief Dion Ngute, is resolutely behind them and also counts on their support through the results of the election. 

Chief Mboke Ntua, on behalf of the PM, underscored the need for all traditional rulers and elite to convince their communities not to ask but to say they are happy with the development projects by voting for President Biya, come October 12, 2025.

He said ensuring victory for the CPDM in all Barombi villages is telling of whether they want to position their Paramount Ruler on a high or low stool system. 

Chief Mboke Ntua said Barombis have been supportive of other Prime Ministers and it is but normal for them to be supportive of their son.  

Appeals for reclassification of Chiefdoms 

Chief Mboke Ntua also used the occasion to advocate the reclassification of Chiefdoms in the Clan. He also highlighted that the Barombi Clan has a Second-Class Chiefdom in Bongongo I, Ekondo-Titi Subdivision, but is looking forward to it being upgraded to a First-Class Chiefdom by the government.

Chief Mboke Ntua also mentioned three other Chiefdoms, including Kang Barombi, in Kumba III Subdivision, Mbo Barombi in Kumba I Subdivision and Kotto Barombi in Mbonge Subdivision, that should be reclassified to Second-Class Chiefdoms. 

The highly attended strategic meeting witnessed traditional animation from artistes and choral groups.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3545 of Tuesday August 26, 2025