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Cameroon: Assembly Bureau Elections - Adama Modi Embarrasses Cavaye Again
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The Post (Buea)
COLUMN
17 March 2008
Posted to the web 17 March 2008
Kini Nsom
The CPDM MP, Hon. Adama Modi, created confusion and panic within the ruling party Friday, March 14, by once again challenging the re-election of his comrade, incumbent Cavaye Yeguie Djibril as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The MP stood trial in the CPDM disciplinary council last year and was issued a warning for opposing the re-election of Hon. Cavaye, who was designated by the party hierarchy. Standing his ground, the MP was reported to have remained unapologetic for the stand he took.
It was not surprising therefore, that Hon. Adama Modi rejected Hon Cavaye's candidature when the 23-member bureau of the National Assembly was being elected in the weekend. Surreptitiously convened at short notice, without the knowledge of many MPs, the plenary sitting that began at 5pm spanned over three hours.
When it was time for the election, Hon. Joseph Mboui, CPDM MP for the Sanaga Maritime constituency who chaired the plenary as the eldest member of the House, asked for nominations for the post of the Speaker.
The CPDM Parliamentary Group Leader, Hon. Ndongo Essomba took the floor and nominated Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril as his party's candidate. Like an irate activist, Adama Modi charged to the rostrum and announced his candidature. Hon. Joseph Mboui and other CPDM MPs argued that the internal regulations of the National Assembly do not allow independent candidates to run for any post in the bureau.
Adama Modi argued that he is an MP representing the entire nation and has a right to present his candidature for the post of Speaker of the National Assembly. He accused the authorities of using what he said were flimsy excuses and with a parochial interpretation of the law to stall democracy in Parliament. The debates went on for quite a long time and Adama Modi's candidature was rejected.
Following this, the MP went wild with anger. He tore into shreds the ballot papers that were given to him. He then jumped onto the floor and kicked off chairs that were put for those who were chosen to count the votes. He later embraced the leader of the Progressive Movement, MP, Hon. Jean Jacques Ekindi before storming out of Parliament in protest.
When the Minister Delegate at the Presidency at the Republic Incharge of Relations with the National Assembly and CPDM Deputy Scribe, Gregoire Owona tried to restrain him, Adama asked him whether he is not ashamed of being one of those stifling democracy. He later asked Hon. Joseph Mboui, whether an MP and University don like himself could be proud of rejecting his candidacy in a very undemocratic manner.
It is not known whether the CPDM hierarchy will create another disciplinary committee to try Adama Modi for once more violating party discipline.During the plenary, Hon. Jean Jacques Ekindi picked a quarrel with the Vice President of the CPDM Parliamentary Group, Hon. Emilia Lifaka.
Lifaka had taken the floor to announce what she called the consensus list for other bureau members. Ekindi cut in, arguing that such a list cannot be said to be a consensus one because he, for example, was not consulted. Hon Cavaye who had taken his chair after his re-election, ignored Ekindi and ordered that deliberations should proceed.
All the 23 members of the bureau were elected by acclamation with the SDF MPs boycotting. There was no change in the bureau.Following persistent rumours that vandals were planning to burn down the National assembly building if government tables the bill on constitutional amendment, security has been tightened in the place.
Troops now make entry to the place difficult. Even National Assembly workers are searched before they get into their offices. It is not clear whether the CPDM government will table the bill on the amendment of the constitution. The Post learnt that the authorities, were contemplating to table the bill, depending on whether opposition to the amendment will die down or not.
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Meanwhile, the Patriotic Youths Council, an outfit that was born in Douala February 17, has called on government not to dare change the constitution for selfish interest or face the music of a generalised unrest in the country. This was the main resolution its delegates took after meeting in Yaounde from March 15 to 16.
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