Cameroon: D.O orders SDF Militants in Mbanga to partake in 20th May celebrations or face consequences

SDF Councillors of  Mbanga in the Moungo division are now caught between party discipline and respect for national laws following a decision by the Divisional Officer of the locality insisting  that SDF militants must be  part of the national day celebrations.

Following the May 7 circular signed by party chairman John Fru Ndi, Irene Tedjouteu councillor in the Mbanga municipality sent a correspondence last Tuesday to the D.O informing him of the decision from his  hierarchy.

 But the "chef terre" turned down the move insisting that SDF councillor,be present and mobilise their militants for Saturday's  showdown.

The D.O argued that law No 76-424 of 16 September 1976  prescribes that political parties have a republican obligation to take part in public celebrations . He told the people's representative, " Your obedience to your party should not undermine your republican engagements as representatives of the people"

 He has threatened to sanction any councillor who does not appear at the Mbanga ceremonial avenue on the d-day.

The move by the civil administrator has sent fright to many SDF representatives at the Councils, National Assembly and the senate nationwide who think other administrators could "arm twist"  the law to force them to be present at ceremonial grounds on May 20.

Contacted by phone this morning, Jean Michel Nincheu , the SDF chairman in the Littoral region has urged councillors of the Moungo to stand their grounds and boycott the event as ordered by their party chairman.

 He has described the administrator's move as suppression of expression, wondering why the same man who has been a thorn on the flesh of the SDF in Mbanga should be so concerned by the free will decision of the party to stay away from the National day.