For a month, they will be involved in deliberations at the National Assembly, questioning government actions, scrutinizing bills as well as sharing ideas during forthcoming information sessions.
The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM owns a majority of the seats in both the Senate and the National Assembly. By their overwhelming numbers, the MPs are keen on playing their role as legislators for the wellbeing of not only CPDM followers but all Cameroonians. It is thus in the spirit of accompanying the head of State also National president of the Party, to ensure the smooth functioning of institutions that CPDM MPs representing various constituencies turned up at the Yaounde conference centre for the opening session of Parliament on 7 June 2022. Honourable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Speaker of the National Assembly chaired the opening session. Present at the ordinary sitting were members of government led by PM Joseph Dion Ngute, members of the diplomatic corps and also the Secretary General of the Central Committee, Jean Nkuété.
In a show of patriotism, Hon. Cavaye invited his colleagues and guests to the ceremony to sing the national anthem before proceeding to his speech. In his address to the assembly, Hon. Cavaye expressed the indignation of the people’s representatives on the offensive report done by French journalist Jean Baptiste Placca. He called on Cameroonians to be “distracted by the excesses of such a misguided reporter” saying that “Cameroon will continue on the path to become an emerging economy under the wise and enlightened stewardship of President Paul Biya.”
As he recalled the turnout of fellow compatriots to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the National Day, the Speaker said it was eloquent proof of the unflinching attachment of Cameroonians to the unity of their country. He further commended government for efforts made to steadfastly pursue social dialogue. He nonetheless condemned corrupt and professionally unconscious state employees whose actions undermine the proper functioning of ministries.
Hon. Ngalle Daniel Etongo, MP for Ndian, is hopeful that various issues plaguing the population will be addressed. “The hikes in prices attributed to the war in Ukraine is having a negative impact on the population and so if we can hold debates to talk about the purchasing power of our people being increased, it will be a good thing” he said. While expecting to handle the rectified budget that will be presented by government, he is aware as a CPDM MP of their duty to vote bills and control government action during question and answer sessions. As the president of the parliamentary group that fights the consumption of tobacco and other narcotics, he looks forward to working with the ministry of Secondary Education to discuss the upsurge of violence in schools and what can be done to redress the situation.
Claudette CHIN
