Paul Elung’s homecoming will forever remain etched in the hearts of the Bakossi people and indeed the entire Kupe-Muanenguba.

It was the day that witnessed the highest gathering of the “crème de la crème” of society – very important personalities (VIPs) – including top government functionaries from all over the country.

They all came to the old town of Tombel nestled at the flanks of Mt Kupe, to felicitate and celebrate with their very own Elung Paul Che who was honoured in a grand red carpet reception.

Indeed, Elung Paul Che, the first Anglophone Finance Minister delegate was presented with a garland of blossoms at a thanksgiving ceremony and celebration of his prestigious appointment by President Paul Biya in the recent government.

The auspicious event took place at the Government Primary School field where the guest of honour started his journey in search for knowledge some 42 years ago. It was a day laced with razzmatazz, pomp and pageantry as the ancient town came alive to receive the mammoth crowd that graced the epoch-making event.

A-List Attendance

The finance minister delegate arrived the ceremonial ground with an A-List entourage that included the “Who is Who” in the government and the South West elite. It was the first time Tombel was receiving over 10 members of government in a single ceremony.

Ministers Alamine Ousmane Mey of finance, Louis Paul Motaze of economy, planning and regional development, Philip Ngole Ngwesse of forestry and wildlife, Eyebe Ayisi of agriculture, Ange Angoiun in public service, Jean Claude Nbuentchu of public contracts, Chief Dion Ngute of external relations in charge of commonwealth, Rose Acha of supreme state control, Beyehe of secondary education, minister delegate in charge of public works, among others.

Speaker after speaker showered praises to the awfully impressive career of the young and hard working finance administrator who has help key positions as paymaster general in the North West and South West regional treasuries, interim director of treasury, director of treasury, director general of treasury, controller of BEAC, General Manager of National Hydrocarbons Prices Stabilisation Fund, CSPH, and now Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Finance.

First was the message from the presiding priest, Bishop Andrew Nkea Fornya of the Diocese of Mamfe, at the thanksgiving ceremony that opened the event.

Minister Elung’s Career Acclaimed

He acclaimed the steady upscale in the career of Elung Paul Che which he described as a special gift from God. He, however, called on Elung to be steadfast and watch against detractors.

“There’s a lot of distraction in the world today, enough to take your attention away from the Lord and His Kingdom. There’re those who are fervent in serving the Lord, only when everything is calm: Their business is thriving, they’re getting promotions at work, etc. At such times, they’re full of testimonies of God’s goodness, loving the Lord and demonstrating His love to their world. But once trouble strikes, they get discouraged. They change their confessions and their commitment to the Lord begins to wane. Don’t be that way; be on fire for the Lord all the time. Be the servant and not the master,” Bishop Andrew Nkea said.

The Bishop said some others only serve God when they have problems. They only want to “use” God to get out of their trouble. They remember the Lord only when they have challenges. But as soon as the Lord helps in their situation, they disappear! “You even have to look for them to testify. Now, they don’t have time for the Lord anymore; they’re too busy. How sad. No matter what happens in your life, never allow anything distract you or dampen your zeal and commitment to the Master. If you allow anything take your attention away from serving God, then you’re not steadfast; you’ve become moveable, but the scripture says, ‘Be steadfast, and unmovable.’ As you remain steadfast in serving the Lord, the enemy will throw darts at you; refuse to be moved”.

Traditional Rulers Pledge Unflinching Support

His Highness the president of Kupe-Muanenguba Chiefs Conference, Chief Etame Albert Ekane, used the occasion to express the traditional rulers’ gratitude, saying, “on behalf of the entire chiefs we pledge our unalloyed loyalty and support for President Paul Biya for singling out a son from our division. We, the Kupe-Muanenguba people are solidly behind the President and will go to any length to preach the gospel of peace, harmony and achievements of the present regime.”

Minister Elung’s Achievements Hailed

The head of the organising committee, Okie Johnson, also hailed the achievement of the guest of honour and his humility and respect especially for his elder brothers from the division.

President Biya Is Best Thing For Cameroon

The guest of honour used the event to enumerate the numerous achievements of President Paul Biya in Kupe-Muanenguba, which according to him, “are the best thing that happened to the region.”

After listening to the guest of honour the mammoth crowd responded with a rapturous applause in approval.

In an emotion-laden voice, he emphasised the support given him by massive turnout from far and near will forever remain indelible in his mind and that of his family and therefore, dedicated the honour to all sons and daughters of Kupe-Muanenguba without whom he said he would not have been where he is today.
She thanked the people for the great support and loyalty shown to President Paul Biya and the ruling CPDM.

While calling on everyone in the region to join hands and support the development programme towards economic emergence in 2035 and towards global reckoning, he reiterated that this is a period of high insecurity and thus the need to protect their environment by being vigilant and give themselves the best support and encouragement more than ever before.

Word Of Caution

It was not all just praises at the epoch-making event in Tombel. The presiding priest, Bishop Andrew Nkea, said Kupe-Muanenguba people need to do more than unfurl the red carpet for yet another appointed son to high office of minister. The community must raise some red flags against cultural practices and other heinous activities that breed hate and divisive tendencies and thus retard development in the area.

“It’s all the more important that the people speaks out on witchcraft practices, jealousy and hate that scare elite from returning home to carry out development projects,” Bishop Nkea said.

Remain United

The appointment of two sons from the region to the position of minister he said is an opportunity to see the west, east, south and north or upper Bakossi people to try to develop their relationship and work for the common good of the people.

‘This isn’t just a historic thanksgiving ceremony, it’s a historic opportunity.
It’s an opportunity for the Bakossi people, tied by history, people, culture and values, to work together to overcome the biggest challenges of our age, hate and jealousy.

“Kupe-Muanenguba should thus grab that opportunity with both hands. Because in doing so, they can make their community one of the greatest in Cameroon and even greater,” the man of God said.