The people of Fako have come out massively to say no to the Islamic Insurgent, Boko Haram that is causing havoc in the northern parts of the country.

The people rallied behind the Governor of the South West Region, The Senior Divisional officer for Fako, the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, Mayors in Fako and Traditional rulers to put up their own fight against Boko Haram.

The march began in the morning by an ecumenical service at the Community Field, bringing together Pastors, priests and Imams from in and around Fako Division.

The Ecumenical service was a spiritual battle against Boko Haram, according to the coordinator, Brother Njume Raymond.

Njume noted that God is the first army that stands on the side of his people and that the Cameroonian Army needs to rely on God for their Victory.

Speaking during the service, the Imam called on Allah to show his mercy upon Cameroon and free them from the trouble happening up North.

Meanwhile Apostle Dr P.E Tambe, raised Cameroon up to God and called on all to continue to throw ceaseless prayers to the throne of grace.

Reverend Dr Mary Salle of the Presbyterian Church Mighty Beach Congratulation came out strong to say only God can see Cameroonians through. Hence, she called on all and sundry to put the battle in prayer and allow God in his infinite mercy to do his work.

Other speakers included Dr. John Ngoh and Rev. James Nkang, who all preached unity in prayer to be able to defeat the enemy. They all repeated the fact that because who know the power of God through prayers, Cameroon will emerge victorious in the fight against the terrorist group of Boko Harram.

Motanga’s lamentations “Our hearts are weary and bruised when we see our valiant soldiers come back to us in coffins; we are struck when we see men, women and children being slaughtered; we are distraught when we see so many displaced from their homes and have to live despicable lives inside tents.

Despite all these, it is not time to be weakened. Rather it is time for massive mobilisation so that those on the battle fronts will keep up their resolve and determination and fight to the finish.” Motanga Andrew Monjimba, Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council laments in hope.

Fundraising and transparency Though it was announced that funds would be raised on the ground to support the military, the population was taken aback when it was announced that monies should be paid to particular accounts.

A good number of young men and women who spoke to THE SUN said they will not be able to trace bank accounts to donate their little FCFA 1,000 that they brought.

Others opined that like it is done in other areas, the money is raised on the spot and the amount communicated to everyone for transparency. A good number of persons were also not very ok with the procedures on how the support with get to its expected destination.

Placards from here and there The match past brought together thousands of persons, groups and associations from all over Fako Division.

It covered distance from the community field to half mile through Church Street to new town through the SDO office and back to the community field. Placards carrying the words “No to Boko Haram” could be seen from across the crowd.

The main banner that was set in front, said it all “The entire population of Fako supports the Head of State and the Armed Forces for the fight against Boko Haram and all forms of Terrorism.”

The Limbe III Bike riders had theirs that read “We Say No to Boko Haram now and Forever”

The Drivers Syndicate, SN CHAUTAC was also part of the solidarity demonstration “SN CHAUTAC Say No to Boko Haram”. The Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ- Limbe also contributed their quota by giving the event a total coverage as well as also taking part in the solidarity march.

National Youth Council feels sidelined Meanwhile, representatives of the National Youth Council, told reporters that, they feel sidelined in a project which was conceived by them and taken to the administration for its blessings.

The members of the National Youth Council said they were kept in the cold after attending meetings with the administration to plan for the event. It should be noted that throughout the event, from the Ecumenical SERVICE to the Solidarity March pass, the National Youth Council was not mentioned by any authority.

They however said they were happy that their initiative had been a success and prays that it works in other divisions of the region as they initially planned it to be.