By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – His Royal Majesty Chief Esambe Shadrack, traditional ruler of Yoke Village in Muyuka Subdivision, has been installed as the new President of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference, following a successful elective general assembly held in Limbe on Saturday.
Chief Esambe succeeds HRM Chief Dr Otto Molive Molungu, who has completed his two-year mandate at the helm of the traditional rulers’ body. The leadership baton was handed to Chief Esambe by HRM Chief Daniel Woka Ngale I of Bobende Village, Limbe, on behalf of the outgoing president.
The transition followed a gathering of more than 30 traditional rulers from across Fako Division, who came together to elect a new executive to steer the affairs of the conference for the next two years.
Chief David Elove Kale of Masona Village in Muyuka was endorsed as Vice President. The election and transition are in line with the constitution of the Fako Chiefs’ Conference, which limits the mandate of the President and Vice President to two years and provides for a rotational succession system based on subdivisions and alphabetical order.
With the outgoing President, Chief Dr Molive, and his Vice President, Chief Woka, both coming from Limbe, the leadership positions consequently rotated to Muyuka Subdivision.
The Muyuka Chiefs’ Conference presented Chief Esambe and Chief Kale as its choices for President and Vice President respectively, with the wider conference subsequently endorsing the selections.
Smooth transition of power
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, Chief Woka said the outgoing executive deliberately worked towards ensuring a peaceful transition to preserve unity and continuity within the conference.
He said the outgoing leadership wanted the principles of peace, love, unity and growth to continue under the new administration. “HRM Chief Dr Otto Molive Molungu, the outgoing President, who is unavoidably absent, asked me to convey to you his best regards for the success of this meeting,” Chief Woka said.
Chief Woka acknowledged the challenges encountered during the outgoing administration’s two-year mandate and thanked members of the executive for their contribution to the affairs of Fako Division. “Our mandate, which is ending today, started some two years ago with many challenges,” he said, while expressing appreciation to the entire executive that worked alongside Chief Dr Molive.
He urged the incoming administration to maintain the spirit of solidarity and continue working towards peace and unity among traditional rulers and their communities.
Esambe promises unity and peace
In his first remarks as President, Chief Esambe pledged to dedicate his two-year mandate to promoting peace, unity and solidarity among the traditional rulers of Fako.
The new president, who has served as traditional ruler of Yoke for 17 years, said his administration would focus on issues capable of bringing the people of Fako closer together. “I think our major interest shall be to see how to push the growth of Fako forward as chiefs… to see how Fako will once more be united,” he said.
Chief Esambe expressed concern over the relatively low attendance at the elective assembly, noting that fewer than 50 chiefs were present out of more than 150 chiefdoms in Fako Division.
He used the occasion to call on traditional rulers to move beyond personal interests and tribal considerations and work collectively for the development of the division. The new president stressed that Fako is a diverse society comprising not only the Bakweri, who form the majority population, but also Balong communities in Muyuka and other clans and minority groups.
New leadership faces expectations.
The new executive assumes office at a time when traditional rulers across Fako are expected to play an important role in promoting social cohesion, peace and community development.
The Fako Chiefs’ Conference provides a platform for traditional authorities from the division’s different subdivisions to deliberate on issues affecting their communities and coordinate their efforts.
Following the installation of the top two officials, the chiefs proceeded to elect the remaining members of the executive. HRM Chief Simon Lyonga of Likoki Village in Tiko was elected Secretary-General, with Chief Edward Ekomboni of Ndame Island as his deputy.
Chief Ngale Bruno of Lower Boando in Limbe II will serve as Financial Secretary, while HRM Chief Marcus Motove of Wolikawo Village in Buea was elected Treasurer. The Public Relations and Cultural Affairs portfolio went to HRM Chief Barrister Kwame Beckley Nangoh of Monde Village in Buea Subdivision.
Chief Efeme Ngange Francis will oversee Social Affairs, while HRM Chief Jacob Ekema of Wonya Imali Village in Buea and HRM Chief Derrick Molokwa of Mwitte Village in Limbe will serve as Protocol Officers.
