While chairing the opening session at the National Assembly on 3 March 2023, the oldest member of the House Hon. Mbede Koa Mfegue Laurentine denounced the chain of scandals that tarnish the image of the country.
For some reason, the opening of the first ordinary session for 2023 looked like the reading of the book of scandals. “Our beloved and beautiful country must not be turned into a land of scandals”, Hon. Mfegue Laurentine said in a tone that spoke volumes of the gravity of the situations she enumerated. She cited the indignities regarding the construction of the Olembe Sports complex, the use of funds allocated to budget head No. 94 and 65 of the finance law, the murders of erstwhile Bishop of Bafia, Jean Marie Benoit Balla and journalist, Martinez Zogo and the management of Covid-19 funds to name but these. The litany of scandals fell like hailstones in the quietened makeshift hemicycle at the Yaounde Conference Centre. Deplorable situations which she said dragged the image of the country in mud. On behalf of her peers, she urged government to compel those guilty of glaring aberrations to pay for them by constantly upholding the rule of law. She made a clarion call on stewards of public affairs to be “beacons of patriotism and moral probity… refrain from actions that could tarnish our country’s good image”.
Still with regard to happenings in the country, she decried the terrorist attacks during the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope which brought despair and anguish to some unfortunate persons, despite the seemingly controlled security situation.
While recalling past events that marked the life of the nation like National youth day, she dwelled on two aspects from the Head of State’s customary speech to youths. Deviant behaviours and the abusive use of internet platforms. While acknowledging the work done by the “Hope for Youths” parliamentary network, she exhorted MPs to assist government by supporting policies geared towards the civic education of youths and their development.
With the senatorial elections just around the corner, she congratulated candidates nominated by their respective parties while wishing that the elections slated for 12 March take place in a serene atmosphere.
Honourable Mfegue Laurentine addressed the assembly of MPs and members of government as well as other dignitaries in her capacity as head of the provisional bureau alongside Honourables Aïcha Blanche Jacqueline Dague and Nafisatou Alim, the two youngest members.
Claudette CHIN
