Yang Philemon Fetes Biya’s 30th Anniversary in Misaje

It was an exceptional 30^th anniversary celebration in Misaje in Donga Mantung division last November 6, 2012, as militants and sympathizers of the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM converge in Misaje ceremonial grounds to say “happy anniversary” to President Paul Biya. The November 6^th anniversary was the more exceptional with the surprised arrival in Misaje of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Yang Philemon. Excitement and anxiety filled the air as news of Philemon Yang’s arrival was confirmed. By 3.30 when he arrived the whole of Misaje came to a standstill. When the event proper started, the population of Misaje was all praises to Paul Biya for leading Cameroon skillfully through all the turbulent waters.

Welcoming the Prime Minister the Mayor and the section president said how delighted Misaje was to receive him on such an occasion. Emphasizing that it was the first time Misaje sub division was receiving the Prime Minister, speakers saw in Yang’s decision to fete Biya’s 30^th anniversary in Misaje, a humbling one. The keynote speakers at the event, H.E Fuh Calistus Gentry, central committee delegation leader to Misaje and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, was elated and humbled to receive the Prime Minister in his constituency. Dr. Fuh Calistus said how honoured the people of Misaje in general and CPDM militants in particular were to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Biya’s accession to power. Dr. Calistus, while praying God to continue to give the Prime Minister wisdom to lead his government, urged the Prime Minister to carry the pleas of the Misaje people to President Paul Biya who is “the way, the light and the truth” in matters of development.

Talking to the press after the event, Dr. Fuh Calistus said Yang’s choice of Misaje for anniversary celebrations was in recognition of the fact that Misaje was the bastion of the CPDM in Donga Mantung. He saw in Yang’s presence in Misaje a reason for all people of good faith there to continue to support the CPDM and the ideas of President Paul Biya

In response to the hectic welcome, Yang Philemon said he insisted on coming personally to Misaje because of the love he has for Dr. Fuh Calistus, whom he has known even before he entered government. He stressed the fact that Dr. Calistus was to him like a brother and so there was no reason why he would have an opportunity to commune with his brothers and sisters and miss it. Philemon Yang said he would not have failed to come to Misaje because he wanted to personally thank all the militants and sympathizers in that sub division for massively voting for the CPDM candidate in the last October presidential elections.

He thanked local party officials and especially Dr. Fuh Calistus for the job the continue to do for the CPDM and President Paul Biya. He told the people that although he did not come to Misaje to make any particular promise, he was going to make sure Misaje partook of the national cake. To him, it was that possible because as he put it, Misaje was not just waiting to take part in the eating of the national cake but that through their son, Dr. Fuh Calistus, Misaje right in the kitchen, taking part in the baking and icing of the cake. The more than 45 minutes speech of the Prime Minister in communicable pidgin did not leave anyone untouched as he gave real meaning to the 30^th anniversary celebrations.

The event that was animated by traditional dance and choral music ended with merrymaking in quarters in Misaje. A gala night crowned it all at the Minister’s residence.