SWRA: Bakoma gets Second Mandate, Chief Ndike Emerges
By Nchendzengang Tatah
Zacheus Elango Bakoma, incumbent President of the South West Regional Assembly, has clinched a second mandate. He retained the position following the December 16 bureau elections at the premises of the Buea Council.
Chief Kombe Ndike Richard of Mondoni, Tiko ascended to the Presidency of the House of Chiefs and automatically became the Vice President of the South West Regional Assembly, in replacement of Chief Atem Ebako Bisong Andrew. Four of the eight 2020 pioneer executive members were retained.
The executive was elected through a list system voted on by 97.7% of the participants. Eighty-nine participated, among whom was one proxy. Out of the 87 that voted, there were two null ballots.
The elections took place under the coordination of the oldest house member, Hon. Ntuba née Beatrice Mbone Epie. Supervised by Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai in the presence of Minister Mbayu Felix representing the CPDM Central Committee and Minister, Director of Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Office Balungeli Confiance Ebune.
Upon the election of executive members, the Governor urged them to put aside differences and work towards the good of the region. He reminded them that they now represented the region and not only their divisions.
Mbayu honours Atem
Speaking for the CPDM Central Community, which was the lone party on whose ticket all seventy councillors were voted, Felix Mbayu saluted the councillors for showcasing maturity in the process.
He said that among the new executives, he found honesty and determination. Mbayu extended courage to those who were not enlisted. He hailed the outgoing House of Chiefs President Chief Atem Ebako Andrew, who he said had quit the stage with elegance.
Setting stage
President Bakoma, reacting after his re-election, said the priority of the next five-year mandate was to be the construction of a Regional Assembly Complex. The first mandate he explained was full of discovery, considering that the office was pioneering.
For William Elangwe Itoe, the incumbent Commissioner for Health, it was another opportunity to serve more. He hoped that through concerted efforts, goals would be achieved. Hon. Same Mesape Samuel, who is one of the new faces in the executive, wasn’t indifferent. The new Commissioner for Economic Development said he was going to serve diligently to meet the needs of the people.
Bureau members
All eight beareau members of the South West Regional Assembly are: President; Zacheus Bakoma Elango, Vice President and President of the House of Chiefs; Chief Kombe Ndike Richard (new), Commissioner Economic Development; Same Samuel Mesape (new), Commissioner in charge of Health and Social Development; William Elangwe Itoe, Commissioner in charge of Education, Sports and Cultural Development; Walters Tarkang Atuk, Secretary House of Divisional Representatives; Effoe Limunga Rebecca, Secretary House of Chiefs; HRM Ojang Eno Cyprian (new), Questor; Ntemngwa Fomenky Nicodemus (new).
