By Bless Zoshe
Tiko, Cameroon
In view of upcoming Council and Parliamentary elections, local officials of the National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP party say they are ready to break new grounds in Tiko Sub-division, and win more seats in parliament.
In the past two months, series of activities have been going on in the town; first in the build up to this year’s Youth Day celebration, then a sensitization drive with strategic stake holders in the area on the salient issue of voter registration.
Sakeh, addressing Tiko Youths
Addressing youth leaders and representatives of associations from across the sub-division in various sessions held since February 13, the Southwest Regional Secretary, ELECAM Delegate, and member of the National Council, Mr. Roland Ntui and other members of the party’s hierarchy have been calling on the population, especially youths to register massively on the electoral list, as they are the group of persons who can change the nation to suit them. “I encourage youths to take part in public politics; register and vote massively for the NUDP party, and make sure their wishes are granted through the ballot box”.
Commenting on why the new-found interest in the sub-division, Ntui said “the party had been active in Tiko but lost steam along the line. However, the Chairman thought it wise that activity should be relaunched in Tiko, being the gateway into the region so that if Tiko is strong, the other sections in the region too will emerge. Consequently, the plan of action now is to reorganize the basic organs and get all militants of the party to register and participate in the upcoming Municipal and Parliamentary elections. That way, we can expand the party at the base.”
This took place on the eve of their departure to Yaounde, for a vital reunion with the National Chairman, Minister Maigari Bello Bouba last February 16. As such, Roland Ntui also used the occasion to highlight some of the issues to be channeled to his boss during their exchange.
“So far, Fako has seven sections, and four are ready for reorganization. So I will tell him to invest more here, since we are sure to win some councils and parliamentary seats in this area.”
Speaking as the ELECAM Delegate, Ntui remarked that there was general apathy with regards to the registration process at the beginning, but it has picked up with only a few days to the deadline. He however pointed out some irregularities in Kumba II such as double registration, as well as unjustified influence by other political parties.
On his part, the president of the youth wing, one time president of the Law Society, University of Buea, and president of the University of Buea Students’ Union, UBSU, Sakeh Qui Elvis stated that a majority of youths in Tiko had hitherto been apolitical or had simply lost hope in the status quo. Thus he and his team are out to “preach a new message of patriotism, take the lead in changing the mind set, and advancing the force of argument.”
Consequently, he had been working in collaboration with other youth leaders and party hierarchy, to identify pertinent challenges faced by his peers in the sub division.
“The problem of unemployment tops the list. We have a lot of jobless degree holders in Tiko. Some have indulged in petty trade, but with the draconian taxes imposed by the council, it is difficult to make progress. There is a serious hygiene and sanitation problem in Tiko. Sakeh declared.
Above all, from the party stand point, we will ensure that the youths are heard and dully considered in the subdivision. We also look forward to organize a series of socio cultural activities to galvanize the youths of Tiko, as well as address their basic needs. We can no longer fold our arms and wait for change. That is why we need to go out, register and vote, to be part of that change which we are talking about.” He added.
