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Peter Ngufor welcomes Biya’s dialogue call but says it must address equity for Anglophones.
Peter Ngufor welcomes Biya’s dialogue call but says it must address equity for Anglophones.
By Etoh Anzah George in Bamenda
Ngufor Peter, CEO of Farmers’ House, is one of those that have remained optimistic that President Paul Biya would do something to end the three-year- long Anglophone crisis. Though the announcement of a major national dialogue was late in coming, he believes it was better late than never.
In a reaction to The Horizon, the influential North West member of elite began by appreciating the tone of the president as a major break with his past firmness and determination to stick to his guns.
“It was a more level-headed and vigorous Paul Biya I watched, and this I think is thanks to the first lady who certainly has been giving him all the necessary care. I saw a sober Paul Biya who seems to have mastered the problems of the troubled regions. He promised to call a dialogue and I was personally elated.”
Ngufor, however, hoped it would be more broad-based and address the issue of equity enshrined in Cameroon’s constitution.
"I hope it will be broad-based as he said, and more inclusiveness because this has been highly awaited. Most especially, broad mindedness should take front role".
Pa Ngufor said he felt touched that the president extended his condolences to “victims of the aggressions". For the CEO of Farmers’ House, Biya “has recognized the Anglophone regions have suffered so much and I think as of now he is determined to put an end to it...These signs are visibly reflected in the reduction of the rate of gun firings lately".
Pa Ngufor expressed optimism that President Paul Biya would go the extra mile to grant clemency to jailed separatist leaders.
"The provisions of the constitution give him the right to grant clemency. I thus hope between now and the hours before dialogue something specifically would be done for those behind bars in connection to the existing plight. That not withstanding Cameroon is a state of law and we don't condone those who take the laws into their hands. Despite this, I reiterate like before that frustrations can push a man to make all deadly moves. Conclusively his speech was preceded by the PM’s visit to the region and as I said before we must listen to him too because he charts a way out of the present upheavals", he stated.
Peter Ngufor is disturbed that the President fended off criticisms of glaring marginalization and inequities against Anglophones, pointing to the PM job reserved for them since 1992.
"He has learnt a few things. The crisis stemmed from the non-application of the principle of equity and over time through the crisis he has seen that we are not happy owing to its non-application. I won’t say our prime ministers don't have functions, but will insist we should be given real executive prime ministers".
Asked what he intended to propose if invited to the dialogue table, Pa Ngufor stated:"We voted for reunification and this subject was backed by a constitution and we should respect this constitution and it doesn't stop us from being fair to one another". He added: "he is noted for saying things and doing more. Let’s not dwell on the speech only because he is certainly en route to other surprises".
Speaking earlier to Cameroon Tribune, Pa Ngufor stated:
“It was a fatherly speech that the Head of State featured on September 10, 2019. It is my wish that great work be done between now and the end of September so that the President will be able to fast-track the dialogue process. It was a good speech and the president looked worried that children are not going to school and the crisis has not helped things with increased criminality, destruction, kidnappings and killings. We acknowledge two distinct cultures in Cameroon where Anglophones will want things to go fast and Francophones may not be interested in things going fast and my prayer is that we should all give the Head of State the chance to act because I have known him to act more than what he says. Remember that he cited his constitutional powers in the speech which is indicative that he can do more for normalcy to return.”