2025 Presidentials: Biya, the choice of traditional rulers!.

Cross section of traditional rulers at the meeting in Yaounde

No fewer than 200 traditional rulers, drawn from all the ten Regions of the country, have pledged their support to President Paul Biya, in the forthcoming presidential election, slated for later this year.

The traditional rulers expressed their support for Biya, 92, during a meeting held Monday in Yaounde. The Yaounde gathering was organised under the aegis of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon.

It saw in attendance the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, and his peer of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, himself a traditional ruler.

Minister Atanga Nji, who spoke at the start of the meeting, saluted the royal fathers for constantly supporting President Biya as he guides the nation to emergence. Describing the meeting as crucial, Minister Atanga Nji challenged the monarchs not to relent in crusading peace and national unity.

Meanwhile, in a declaration which sanctioned yesterday’s enlarged executive bureau meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, members of the lobby group were blunt in their pronouncements.

In a declaration read out in English by Senator Fon Chafah XI who doubles as Secretary General of the association, members of the group were unequivocal.

Stating that they were strongly behind President Biya during the forthcoming presidential election, the traditional rulers said Cameroon needed him most at the moment.

They recounted that: “In his end-of-year address on December 31, 2024, the Head of State…made a vivid assessment of government actions during the just ended year and then drew a clear roadmap for the year 2025. The President of Republic left out no sensitive topic affecting the life of the nation and Cameroonians”.

They said through his frank speech, the traditional rulers of Cameroon understood that President Biya intends to correct certain malfunctions that have been hampering the development of the country.

“…in light of the above, the Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, deem it opportune to take a clear and unequivocal stand on matters that take central stage to most Cameroonians- that is the presidential election programme for this year,” they said, stating that: “First and foremost, the traditional rulers of Cameroon would like to thank the Head of State…for giving traditional chiefdoms the place it deserves in our country. 1st, 2nd and 3rd class traditional rulers now receive a monthly allowance and are part of the institutions of the republic, where they hold important posts of responsibility. When the Regional Councils were set up, the Head of State decided to involve traditional rulers in the electoral college and used his discretionary authority to ensure that the post of Vice President was given to traditional rulers”.

In recognition of the constant support, members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon said after thorough assessment of the political atmosphere in Cameroon, “we have decided to give our full and unflinching support to the candidacy of His Excellency, Paul Biya, in the forthcoming presidential election”.

The royal fathers said Cameroon is a complex State that needs an experienced Statesman at its helm. 

They argued that the experience, wisdom, patriotism and foresightedness of President Paul Biya are undeniable and irrefutable assets.

Speaking further, they said as auxiliaries of the administration, traditional rulers of Cameroon, “through this solemn and republican commitment assure public authorities of their full readiness to support all the measures that will be taken to ensure the smooth running of the forthcoming presidential election in a peaceful, calm and serene environment as promised by the Head of State…”

“The traditional rulers hereby pledge to support the administration in its duty to protect persons and properties; before, during and after the presidential election. The traditional rulers remain convince that peace is priceless and disorder is of no good to anyone,” they added, before recalling that on his ascension to the supreme magistracy on November 6, 1982, President Paul Biya sought the approval and blessings of the traditional rulers of Cameroon.

They said since then, traditional rulers have supported the Head of State in his esteemed and delicate mission at the helm of the country.

“Major challenges have been faced and obstacles overcome. Thanks to President Paul Biya, Cameroon remains a peaceful, upright, stable, respected and admired country. Our support for the candidacy of His Excellency President Paul Biya is therefore aimed at affirming and reaffirming the commitment laid by the traditional rulers of Cameroon in 1983, to support Republican institutions and President Paul Biya who incarnates them at all times,” they concluded.

 

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3352 of Tuesday January 28, 2025

 

 

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