Commotion Over Appointments Mistaken for Cabinet Reshuffle - Dr. Peter Abety; Ministry of Education

By Musa Isa

Since the return of President Paul Biya and wife, Cameroonians have been expecting sweeping appointments, especially a cabinet shake-up. The 1pm, 5pm and 8pm French news on CRTV (radio) have respectively been listened to. Last Thursday September 13, 2012 the 1pm newscast over CRTV created panic. Names of some top government functionaries like Dr. Peter Abety, Chi Asafor were read and linked with particular ministries. Most listeners, who were not glued to their radio sets at the start of the newscast, misinterpreted it for a cabinet shake-up. But it was less so.

Shortly after the news ended, Chronicle’s news desk was inundated with phone calls from listeners in Yaounde, Bamenda, Kumba, Buea, about the development. But then, rather a cabinet reshuffle, it was instead a decree appointing Chairmen of Tenders Board in the various ministries. Dr. Peter Abety was appointed to head the board in the Ministry of Education, while Chi Asafor Cornelius another North West son was appointed in another ministry. The names read, corresponded to all the ministries.

Chronicle gathered that some of the appointed officials, who merely received phone calls about their appointments almost plunged into celebrations. Yet, a source at the presidency hinted Chronicle that such appointments have its effects.

Dr. Peter Abety is presently the board chairman of the Cameroon GCE Board. Having been appointed as tender’s board president in the ministry, it is believed that his days at the GCE Board are numbered. Abety is even a former member of government. At one time, he served as minister of mission at the presidency, until he was dropped. He had allegedly been foxing out all strategies for a come-back or appointed Vice Chancellor. Yet, Biya has other options.

The anxiety, which last week’s radio appointment of Board Chairmen in ministries, mistaken as members of government is a tacit indication that there could be one in the offing.

Already, President Biya has reorganized the ministries of Defence and Old Servicemen. Even the Ministry of Communication and others have had similar reorganizations. It is highly probable that with this, and speculations about the aftermath of Marafa’s verdict, a shake-up would be inevitable (Read separate story elsewhere in this edition)