More Scandals Rock SDF District Elections

- MbahNdam’s Candidate Defeated!

(Heavy Rigging in Tiko; Masquerade In Kumbo; Manipulations in Babito; Intimidation In Kumba)

By Tetuh Mbah

Varied petitions are in vogue for the National Executive Committee, NEC of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF. The petitions have been over the conduct of elections primaries within varied electoral districts and even the South West regional elections. The bitterness has been moreso, given that whoever emerges as District or provincial chairman calls the shots in the upcoming municipal/legislative elections. Ahead of the confrontation, battle-lines have been drawn. SDF which has been preaching transparency has suddenly been reduced to championing massive election rigging. In Kumba for the regional elections, intimidation was rife; in Fundong, there was a deadlock; in Tiko, Fai Sylvanus was outwitted by unorthodox means while in Kumbo and Batibo respectively manipulations were at centre stage so much that even Hon Mbah Ndam’s candidate was crushed.

Last weekend, Chronicle learnt that the situation in Tiko has been over who picks the gauntlet, so as to exploit CPDM flaws. The rife created by dissenting CPDM voices to replace Richard Tita Fonbon, the dynamic Mayor of Tiko is what SDF wants to exploit.

At the district election, Daniel Ngande Mokoundou, one-time Tiko SDF mayor white-washed Sylvanus Fai, the incumbent district chairman by 357 to 212 votes; a difference of over 145 votes. Though Fai accepted his defeat, his supporters told Chronicle that the process was flawed. Majority of those brought from the creeks (Moungo area) to vote Makoundou were not SDF. When the slogan SDF was sounded, instead of responding ‘power’, they said ‘oyeh’

Money changed hands in Tiko, Chronicle gathered. Moreso, children from CDC camps were ferried to vote Mokoundo, no matter what party they belonged. That everyone who came was in the name of a ward chairman, moreso as the wards had not been reorganized for the last 3 years.

Mokoundou’s vice is Barrister Charly Njualem, while the Secretary is Barrister Stanislus Ajong, who has been at the same portfolio for the past 10 years. Barrister Njenje was elected the legal adviser. Some other of Fai’s exco members retained included Lundi, Nganlo and Njenje, though 15 out of 19 of them opted that he steps down.

Commentators hold that the cream of lawyers that man the Tiko SDF district exco, reflects the trepidations they would mount at election time. Barristers Njualem and Njong are legal luminaries of class. They stand for equity and the truth. Speculations that they could be eyeing the mayorship are rife, given their very successful years in legal practice.

In Kumbo, Bui division of the North West region, the district elections were a non-event, Mbinkar John Bosco Ahidjo a stooge to Mayor Donatus Njong was voted by acclamation alongside with his entire executive for continuation. No one could dare to challenge the statuesque, else would be qualified as black leg.

The Batibo electoral district, the constituency of Hon Joseph MbahNdam staged its elective conference last Saturday June 23, 2012. The key contenders were councilor Werewum Maurice and Elias Nwati. At the end of the day, it was Hon MbahNdam’s candidate that was crushed. Elias Nwati secured 320 as against 350 for Maurice Werewum. Nwati could have won but lost 100 votes at the dustbin.

Last weekend’s outcome is now a determiner as to who represents Batibo in parliament and as mayor next year. Chronicle learnt that because both Mayor Tenoh Lawrence and Hon MbahNdam had been caged to openly declare for any of the candidates they now claim that the victor had support from each of them. Allegations are even rife that both Tenoh and MbahNdam personally and secretly assisted both aspirants.

Tanjoh Fred, first deputy mayor had an easy ride for the position of district secretary, given that his adversary stepped down. Also Clifford Teke, a pro-MbahNdam supporter was elected as Assistant communication secretary. What Teke stands for, it is common knowledge, reflects the sentiments of MbahNdam. Teke openly campaigned for Nwati, who lost. Commentators say MbahNdam who was present, could not pretend to be neutral in the contest.

In Kumba, where the South West provincial elections took place, intimidation was at centre stage. Ferdinand Asapngu, Mayor of Kumba II and National organizing secretary openly bullied at electors and aspirants. He even threatened to flush out/expel electors from the hall given their unruly behaviours. At the end of the day, Likiye George Nganda from Limbe whitewashed Tanyi Raphael from Kumba to become the new South West Provincial Chairman; John Makia whitewashed Barrister Ajong Stanislus by 99 to 32 votes to become the provincial secretary.