How ELECAM Mourned Departed Senior Staff

t was a complete show of solidarity from across the region by the staff of Elections Cameroon, ELECAM on Saturday October 06, 2012. They all converged at Eric Motomu’s Ntarinkon residence, then the Bamenda Hospital Mortuary then in Batibo to pay their last respects to their fallen staff, Desiyi Stella Bikenun. She worked as communication officer for ELECAM in Mbengwi - Momo division. Being a senior staff of ELECAM, staff from most of the ELECAM Divisional Delegations thronged in their numbers to the burial ground. Both at the wake-keep in Mbah Motomu Eric’s Ntarinkon residence and at the family compound in Batibo ELECAM demonstrated a high degree of solidarity which was proof that they were each others’ keeper. Not that the solidarity was reduced to just the region.

The Director General of Elections Cameroon sent his message of compassion which read as follows:

“We have just learned with dismay the passing away on the 28^th September 2012, of Mrs. Mbah Motomu born Desiyi Bikenun Stella, previously a senior staff member at the Divisional Branch of Elections Cameroon for Momo. The entire staff of Elections Cameroon , to which I join my voice, consequently extends its sincere condolences and expresses its deepest sympathy for this heartbreaking occurrence that plunges your family into mourning. Ladies and gentlemen, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May her soul rest in peace!”

On his part, the Board Chairman of ELECAM, Dr. Azu’u Fonkam, did not remain indifferent. His letter of condolence read at the burial by the Divisional Chief for Momo was as follows:

“I was very shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of your dear wife Desiyi Stella Bikenun on the 28^th of September 2012 in Yaounde . On this very sad occasion, I wish to convey to you the heartfelt condolences of the ELECAM family and my personal expression of profound compassion. As you mourn for your wife, may you find comfort in the words of Prophet Jeremiah’s Lamentations chapter 3:21-26. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers during these times of trials and tribulations”.

Speaking on behalf of ELECAM staff in Momo, the Divisional Delegate regretted the fact Stella left them so soon. He said Stella had gone just at the time they needed her most given that the recompilation of voters rolls need a lot of information, education and communication and Stella was good at that. He regretted the fact that so many whose names were to be on the voters roll may not be there but also that Stella’s own name would no longer appear on the voters’ roll. According to him, Stella was a hard working and jovial staff who made the work environment in Mbengwi just too interesting. Stella, he said, has been so instrumental in enhancing the relationship amongst other services in Momo division. Reason why the Momo Delegation to the funeral was not only composed of ELECAM staff but also of other service heads. He wondered how ELECAM Momo would succeed without Stella’s inputs. He prayed God Almighty to grant her peace and to give the family grace to overcome the grief.