President Biya who doubles as National Chairman of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party, has banned North West traditional rulers “Fons” of the First and Second Class from running for elective positions in the ongoing reorganization of the grassroots organs of the party.

The CPDM Central Committee delegation leader in charge of the reorganization operation for North West Region, Joseph Dion Ngute who is also Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth, dished out Biya’s instructions to regional and divisional officials coordinating the exercise in Bamenda on October 10.

Besides warning Fons to stay clear of the election, Dion Ngute also told them to avoid influence-peddling. Some traditional rulers not only in the North West Region but throughout the country have hitherto used their positions to impose themselves as CPDM Sections presidents against the will of party supporters.

Ngute stated that gone are the days when the CPDM used to win elections without putting in enormous efforts. “Our party wants to put credible people so that it remains the strongest party in the North West and Cameroon. As such, fraud will not be tolerated.” He noted that party hierarchy in the past realized that delegates tasked to carry out the exercise caused confusion as they tried as much as possible to position favourites and dump others.

“Our objective is to leave the North West Region, after this exercise a stronger and more vibrant CPDM party. Be reminded that every action taken by you should be geared towards uniting militants,” he stated.

The traditional ruler of Chomba, Fon Martin Fobuzie Asanje, reacting to the instructions of the CPDM National Chairman said, “I thank President Biya for the move. It will take Fons out of the unnecessary wrangling with elite and subjects who are vying to be Section Presidents. I have always argued that Fons should not take part in politics by standing elections with their subjects , but they should remain at the background and play advisory roles to the politicians ; be they of the opposition or ruling party.”

Fon Charles Mbah Nyamsing of Guzang said, “I see a lot of sense in restricting Fons from running for elections, because most of these Fons have been disgraced by their subjects.” He however, wondered, “What I do not understand is why the President should ban First and Second Class Fons from running for elections and allow Third Class Fons to.”