National Assembly:Rene Sadi Babbles As Arrests/Detention of 6 NW Mayors Brought-UP

By Yussuf Sariki
Hon Enwe Francis Abe, CPDM Member of Parliament (MP) for Momo took parliament by storm last Friday, November 22, 2012 during the Question and Answer session. The Widikum/Njikwa/Ngie MP questioned Rene Emmanuel Said, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, MINATD about several anomalies, beginning with the situation of some six North West mayors detained. But the MINATD boss merely adjourned answers meant for public knowledge, urging that it be looked into later.
For nearly 6 months, the mayors of Batibo, Mbengwi, Andek and Deputy Mayor for Njikwa have been detained over their alleged misappropriation of funds derived as proceeds from the sale of communal stamps. Three of those detained come from Hon Enwe Francis’ oversized constituency- Agogho Johnny and Awanakang Godlove (Andek) and Amahndong of Njikwa.
Hon Enwe was worried by the varied complaints which his constituents would pose, when he returns to base at the end of the current parliamentary session. He told parliament that he needed clarity from the MINATD boss, under whom the mayors fall. He therefore questioned Rene Sadi that because these mayors were duped by one Emanuel Mbanwei “Emmanuel Becks”, can there not be a way they can be released, moreso as some had already paid what was misappropriated?
To this, Rene Sadi told parliament that he will have to work in collaboration with the minister of justice to find out a headway. This response had long been qualified as empty by analysts, given that interim mayors have since been appointed to man the various councils in distress.
More recently, the court admitted that some of the mayors had refunded what they misappropriated. Lawyers of the defence have been arguing that it gives reason why they should be set free. Yet, sources at the legal department hinted Chronicle that it is only the minister of justice, who can order for them to be granted bail.
Should a final decision to release the mayors be reached, then Agogho Johnny of Andek may still be detained. Chronicle gathered that he remains the only culprit, who has been unable to pay back the 34 million FCFA which he allegedly misappropriated.
Though Hon Enwe’s preoccupation concerned Momo mayors, the effects of his intervention would be expected to rescue the Ngoketunjia mayors also detained under the same misappropriation stamp scam. Tikanjo Stephen of Babessi, Ntoh Daniel of Ndop and Wasum Augustine of Balikumbat have been languishing at the Ndop prison too.
Meanwhile, Hon Enwe Francis exploited the plenary to pose other concerns to Rene Sadi. He was disturbed by the oversized constituency which he manages, comprised of three sub divisions- Widikum, Ngie and Njikwa. He thereon requested for constituencies to be recarved.
The MINATD boss was also jolted over the flood situation in Widikum. Hon Enwe questioned why government has been laxed about intervening, whereas other none government institutions have reacted with gifts to the flood victims. To this, Rene Sadi invited the Widikum MP for a meeting next Wednesday.