By Nchendzengang Tatah
Chiefs of Buea subdivision were exhorted to ensure peace before, during, and after the October presidential elections in their respective villages. Also, they should drum for massive voter registration and the collection of voters ‘ cards to empower their subjects to participate effectively in choosing the nation’s leadership. This was part of the remarks of Chief Ikome Philip Mokwa of Wokeka village moments after he officially assumed duty as the Buea Chiefs Conference President.
The 19 new executives of the Conference were given the power of command during an event on June 18 at the chambers of the Buea Council. The executives installed were: Chiefs Ndoto Thomas Elonge (VP), Ndongo Emmanuel (SG), Edward Elice (VSG), Marcus Motowe (Treasurer), Kombe Paul (FS), Nasea Matthias, Woka Mafany, Ikome David, Ekema Churchhill (Social Secretaries), Teke Oscar, Moka Emmanuel (PRO), Njumbe Herman, Mbonde Ngando (culture), Benda Mwafise, Molinge Edward, Ngomba Mende (Auditors), Mbwaye Daniel, Evakise Paul (discipline). The solemn installation ritual was carried out by the Conference’s “wisemen” – a group of eleven crown heads – which was led by the paramount ruler of Buea, Chief Esuka Endeley, under the watch of the 1st assistant DO for Buea subdivision, Emanga Violet.
The newly installed Conference President was thankful for the input of the outgoing leadership and their predecessors, which he admitted had given the association the relevance and prestige it currently enjoys. Chief Mokwa said the chiefs had a critical role in the upcoming October presidential elections and the responsibility to maintain peace in their respective communities. The next three years of his mandate were pitched under reconciliation. He said it was time for the chiefs of Buea to polish out the squabbles amongst them and chart a unity course.
“I know that the election of this new executive left some cracks on the walls of the conference, as in many elections. Reasons why I have placed my mandate on reconciliation. My dear peers, no human endeavour is perfect. I plead with you all to give me and my executive a helping hand to see that we better serve the interest of the conference,” the new Buea Chief Conference President stated. He did not fail to ask for the collaboration of his peers to realise set objectives, amongst which was the construction of a befitting secretariat.
Handing over with pride
The outgoing president, Chief Ngange Isaac, expressed pride at the achievements attained during his three-year tenure. Which he cited to include checks on the welfare of the kingdoms and their subjects, fostering unity, settlement of disputes amongst chiefs, organisation of coronation and funerals of Chiefs, maintenance of the dignity of the traditional institution amongst others. Chief Nganje declared his conviction that Chief Mokwa had exhibited a commendable sense of leadership throughout the years, especially as head of the Muea Court Area Chiefs Forum for seven years, counting till then. It is on this backdrop that Chief Nganje called on Chief Mokwa to ensure a peaceful transition at the sub-conference in the shortest possible time. He, however, charged the incoming leadership not to make a means of the conference, but to uphold the pride of the chieftaincy institution. Chief Nganje further told his successor not to take the Conference letterhead for granted by using it to gain personal objectives.
The paramount ruler of Buea, Chief Esuka Endeley, read from the signs of the morning that the gods of the land had sent their blessings on the development. He was thankful to all members for the peaceful and seamless transition that had marked the association throughout the years. Finally, Chief Endeley pledged his loyalty to the new leadership, promising to accompany them throughout the execution of their task.
