...Buea Tenders’ Board Secretary challenges Public Contracts Minister

Members of the Buea Council Tenders’ Board have been installed, but a cold war seems to be in the offing.

According to a decision signed by the Minster of Public Contracts, Abba Sadou, the Buea Council Tenders’ Board will be chaired by Daniel Ndode Ebouele with the following members: Ghiia Kilian Nsom representing the ministry of Public Contracts, Seidou née Kouotou Wouossayou Chetou, representing the Ministry of Finance and Councillor Ewonda Thomas Elive, representing the Buea Council. Going by the Minister’s decision, Atem Tabe Ebot Bessong is to serve the Tenders’ Board as secretary.

However, during the installation of the members of the board, Bessong was no show.

He is said to have challenged the decision of the Minister of Public Contracts that appointed him secretary to the Buea Council tenders’ Board, insisting that he can only serve the Board in the capacity of chairman and not as a ‘mere secretary’.

In an attempt to clarify issues, Mayor Ekema said the council was given the task of nominating two persons to sit in the board; the secretary and the council’s representative to the board.

Ekema said he was the one who proposed Atem Bessong as secretary of the Board. “But after the minister confirmed the proposals we made, Atem Tabe Ebot Bessong wrote asking us to write to the minister to reverse the decision and rather appoint him as chairman of the committee.

He said he cannot serve as secretary when someone else is chairman. He insisted that if he is not made chairman, he will not be part of the board,” Ekema explained.

The Mayor, however, went on to appoint Councillor Daniel Ngomba Wose to act as interim Secretary to the Board while pending confirmation by Public Contracts Minister.

Even before speculations began on whether or not there could be an eventual clash of interest between the Buea Council Administration and the newly installed members of the Tenders’ Board, Ekema has been quick to say that there will be maximum collaboration.

“…There shall be no clash of interest between the Tenders’ Board and the council administration. We as a council body will work together for the good of the municipality,” Ekema said.

Atem Bessong refused to offer any comments.