Its better to leave the corridors of power before power leaves you or allow yourself to be ejected from power by either the ballot box or the barrel of the gun. Many a times, when I look at the prosecutions, trials, charges, sentences and executions handed to current and former African Head of States (e.g Charles Taylor, Laurent Gwagbo,Hosni Mubarak,Mohamed Morsi etc) by either the ICC or the Supreme and Military Courts of the States concerned, I begin to wonder the kind of treatment La Republiqué du Camerouns octogenarian sit tight dictator will sail through if forced out of the Etoudi Palace like his mates cited above. In a few hours it will be exactly 31 years when on the 4th of Nov. 1982, at 8:23 pm many a Cameroonians were taken aback when the deep and chocked voice of Ahmadou Babatoura Ahidjo was heard over the National Radio announcing his resignation as president of the United Republic of Cameroon. As per the constitution at the time, the constitutional heir was to be the Prime Minister. Ahidjos reason for resignation was basically poor health as he was advised by his doctors to do so. His resignation decision was to go into effect from 6th Nov, 1982. On Saturday, 6th November 1982 at 10:30 am under the Legislative Command of S T. Muna who was the Speaker of the National Assembly, the then Prime Minister of the United Republic of Cameroon in the person of Paul Bartholomew Bi-Mvondo Biya took the I so swear oath at the Glass House. This was followed by the presidential swearing 101 gun salute outside the National Assembly. This was the most unheard and peaceful transfer of power within 48 hours without a single gunshot in opposition at a time when the continent was rocked by coup détats. Ahmadou Babatoura Ahidjo’s 22 years (1960 - 1982) in power was criticized by many Cameroonians especially Cameroonians South of Grand Nord because he was considered to be more conservative and less charismatic than most post-colonial African leaders. When Ahidjo resigned in 1982, the ascension of his constitutional heir Mr. Paul Bartholomew Bi-Mvondo Biya to power was received with a great euphoria. Literally motions of support and congratulatory messages could sink the Unity Palace. The Christian population of Cameroon was happy to have a Christian at the helm of power. Many Cameroonians especially Southerners (Cameroon south of Grand Nord) criticized Ahidjos government as it was dominated by Northerners and Muslims. Others complained he had stayed in power for long and little did they thought his successor will last longer. Many former British Southern Cameroon politicians hated him for imposing an unpopular constitution in 1972 which ended the autonomy of British Southern Cameroons and established a Unitary rule. His actions were dictatorial; but his policies allowed Cameroon to attain comparative prosperity and became one of the most stable in Africa. Biya’s 31 years have been years of stagnation for Cameroon. Cameroon has witnessed the worst form of dictatorship though his pro-supporters claim the best system of democratic governance. He is one of the worst sit-tight dictators in Africa and in the world. Biya has amassed a personal fortune of more than 200 million US dollars (FCFA 100 billion) while more than 98% of the population lavish in poverty. His 31 years have been characterized by human rights violations, corruption, capital flight, embezzlement,tribalism, nepotism and other negative vices which have virtually become a norm. Lord, we commit the Cameroon political situation in your hands. Its not by our might. Grant us our heart desires. We ask all these through Christ our Lord. Amen
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:34:56 +0000
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