At close governor’s meeting: Atanga Nji drums consolidation of social cohesion.

This was at the closing ceremony of the Second Bi-annual Conference of Regional Governors for 2025. The conference held under the theme: “Administrative Authorities and Maintaining Law and Order in a Post-Election Period”. 

The minister said the theme calls for Governors to return and intensify ground work. He asked the regional bosses to relate recommendations arrived at to their subordinate, ensure effective contact with the population on key national issues especially when it comes to peace and social cohesion.

Minister Atanga Nji underlined the central role of administrative authorities in safeguarding public order and sustaining national stability. 

He told the governors to ensure that officials under their command remain proactive, close to the population and engaged in routine field visits.

“I invite you to encourage the administrative authorities under your command to increase and intensify their visits within their respective command units,” he said, noting that: “These field visits will help prevent excessive behaviour and, above all, should aim to inform the population about government action”.

The minister further stressed the importance of collaboration with vigilante groups, noting that community intelligence remains vital in maintaining security at the grassroots level.

He reminded governors that “in all circumstances, there must be good synergy between the administrative authorities, the defence and security forces, and the population”.

Calls for firm security measures

Minister Atanga Nji also urged governors to rigorously monitor the implementations of recommendations arrived at during the conference.

He insisted that such measures are essential for the Head of State’s vision of progress and national cohesion. 

Atanga Nji said priority, should be on; strengthening predictive intelligence, ensuring smooth execution of major development projects, securing highways and reinforcing urban and border security grids.

Atanga Nji equally called for actions to combating terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking; supervision of the commercial motorcycle sector and transportations unions.

“You must intensify the search for predictive intelligence and promote the use of strategic and sensitive information among all defence and security forces,” he insisted.

Appeals for more vigilance

Reflecting on the recent presidential election, Minister Atanga Nji noted that the electoral process is now behind the nation. 

He also denounced what he described as “a vast conspiracy against the Republic planned and executed by Cameroonians devoid of any notion of patriotism”.

He noted that despite the attempts, the security situation remains under control, even as the Head of State, President Paul Biya, continues to call for heightened vigilance.

Prescription for regional polls

Atanga Nji equally tasked governors to ensure security for voters, ELECAM staff and materials in Sunday’s regional election.

“…place particular emphasis on the security of voters, electoral materials, and ELECAM facilities,” he said, noting that peaceful elections remain central to consolidating democracy.

The minister encouraged governors to translate the resolutions adopted during the conference into concrete actions on the ground. 

“Let us remain vigilant, alert, and proactive at all times. This is the best way to defend the Republic and ensure the protection of people and their property,” he said.

Hands new vehicle to Bandja DO

Another highlight of yesterday’s ceremony was the handing of a special gift from the Head of State to Annie Barbara Wanko Wankam Sangon Lecco, Divisional Officer, DO of Bandja in the Upper-Nkam Division of the West Region.

Her official vehicle was set ablaze during the post-election violence. The minister equally saluted Wanko Wankam for her bravery in calming down tensions in her area of command.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3638 of Thursday November 27, 2025