It came like a bombshell in the ears of Cameroonians especially those from the English speaking regions.
Dr. Ben Aki, circulated a voice note in which he is heard renouncing unitary state of Cameroon.
‘…We are doomed in this prison, I cannot support separation but I cannot advocate for a united Cameroon in which the principle that allow for competitive elections to protect the interest of minorities are completely obliterated by a system of Catholic political philosophy’
His reaction comes a day after the government introduced a bill at the National Assembly to extend the term of office of Parliamentaroans and Mayors from March 2025 to 2026.
‘It was prepared pursuant to the provisions of Article 15(4) of the
Constitution which stipulates that In case of serious crisis, or where circumstances so warrant, the President of the Republic may, after consultation with the President of the Constitutional Council and
Bureaux of the National Assembly and the Senate, request the National
Assembly to decide, by a
law, to extend or abridge its term of office. ‘
Such extension is warranted by the need to lighten the electoral calendar, which provides for 4 (four) elections in 2025, namely the election of
Members of the National Assembly and Municipal Councilors, as well as the
election of the President of the Republic and Regional Councilors.’ the government explained.
But Dr. Ben Akih, Coordinator of English Cameroon for United Cameroon, says this bill is meant to eliminate a potential contender, Professor Maurice Kamto from the 2025 Presidential elections.
‘But with this system it is impossible to enjoy such protection article 15.4 only all0ws the president to request extension of mandate in case of serious crisis or if circumstances warrant…’ Dr. Ben bemoaned.
‘Our arguement and activism has been that we can fight to ensure that the regions of north West and south west can act together and change absurd situations.’
Professor Kamto’s Cameroon Renaissance Movement party does not have a Councillor nor Parliament
arian and cannot be a candidate for the 2025 elections.
Though there can be independent candidates, but it remains unclear if Kamto will be allowed to be a candidate. Recently, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, made mockery of Kamto, insinuating that he may not have the chance to become a candidate because he blew it off when he boycotted the 2020 elections.
Source: Cameroon News Agency