NW Governor accuses Fons of fortifying Amba fighters.

He made the startling declaration in Bamenda, Monday, during the opening of the 10th session of the North West Regional Assembly. It was dedicated to examining the 2022 Administrative and Management Accounts of the institution.

Adolphe Lele congratulated some Fons and Mayors of the Region for efforts made to contribute to the peace-building process in Mezam, Momo, Bui and other Divisions.

He, however, regretted that some of the Region's traditional rulers have abandoned their Fondoms, while others who have mustered the courage to stay back are being controlled by separatist fighters.

"These atrocities have pushed many traditional rulers to take refuge outside their traditional constituencies to the chagrin of the population they are supposed to supervise. Some even go as far as accompanying separatists in performing traditional empowerment rites," Governor Adolphe Lele told the traditional rulers to their faces at the session.

Calls for collaboration 

While saluting the growing collaboration and efforts of some traditional rulers, civilians, cultural associations with forces of law and order for a return to normalcy, the administrator charged traditional rulers and elite of the Region to federate their forces for total return to normalcy and calm. 

"I call on traditional rulers and the elite to be steadfast in their close collaboration with administrative authorities and security and defense forces, increase peace-building activities and reinforce vigilante groups under the supervision of local administrative authorities,” Governor Adolphe Lele said. 

He said such “collaboration has enabled the successful destruction of several terrorist camps, facilitated terrorists to lay down their arms and join the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Centres”. 

The Governor further underscored the strategic role vigilante groups and local administrative authorities still have to play in the peace-building process in the Region. 

Salutes progress in projects execution 

Adolphe Lele expressed delight with the state of execution of council projects in the Region and the fact that some mayors have returned to their municipalities. 

This, he said, are all indications that the security situation in the Region is gradually getting better.

"I happily observed that an increasing number of mayors are returning to base to join in the peace-building and economic revamping of their council areas. This worthy development should be emulated by those still dragging their feet and who erroneously think they can manage their municipalities from the comfort zones of urban towns," Adolphe Lele said. 

Other key areas where the Governor elaborated on during his presentation included the economy of the Region and the socio-cultural domain, which he noted with delight great improvements.