Fako Celebrates Hon. Lifaka’s Political Achievements

By Christopher Ambe Shu
Proud of the political achievements of Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP for Fako West constituency and elite of Fako Division of the Southwest region of Cameroon, the Buea Sub- divisional Conference of Traditional Rulers in collaboration with their peers in the towns of Limbe, Tiko and Muyuka, as well as Fako elite, last Saturday June 27, organized in Buea what was generally described as a hectic civic reception in her honor

Hon.Lifaka, a second- term parliamentarian is currently Deputy Speaker of Cameroon’s 180-member National Assembly, elected in March this year. But before ascending to the rank of Deputy Speaker, Hon Lifaka was Vice-President of the ruling CPDM Parliamentary Group. She is also the National Coordinator of Cameron’s female MP’s who are 25 in number.

In his speech, Chief Linonge F.Kinge, President of Buea Sub- divisional Conference of Traditional Rulers, described Hon Lifaka as a duty-conscious, committed and development-focused MP.Chief Kinge said the MP has carried out development projects aimed at empowering constituents- especially rural women and school children, and has been “supportive of our efforts as traditional rulers”
The chiefs’ president reminded the MP that “ to whom much is given much is expected ” and called for continued accountability in the execution of her functions.

He urged the Deputy-Speaker to intensify efforts in ensuring that the National Assembly “corrects the injustices suffered by minority groups”. Chief Kinge pleaded with the MP to persuade President Biya to upgrade the status of traditional rulers who act as auxiliaries of the Administration and give them befitting allowances. Hon Lifaka was also told to press for effective national integration and bilingualism, as well as the provision of adequate social facilities for Cameroonians, and job opportunities for the thousands of unemployed youth.

Chief Kinge, nonetheless, hailed Government for carrying out some projects already in Fako Division such as roads, schools, health facilities, water schemes, and electrification of localities.

But he said Government needed to do much more to make life easy for citizens.

In her response, the elated Deputy Speaker Hon Lifaka, said, “I hope to continue working with you now, tomorrow and for forever”. She vowed not to disappoint her electorates and Cameroonians as a whole.

“I promise to be of good conduct that will make you proud of me and also to channel to the appropriate authorities the difficulties that we share.”.

She particularly assured the chiefs that the Government was working to see how to improve their status.
The Deputy Speaker called for reinforced unity, duty-consciousness and love for the country.

Hon Lifaka is noted for her constant touch with her base, for making material and financial donations to needy schools and other groups, for supplying farm equipment and seedlings to women, for counseling women on what to do, for sponsoring underprivileged but deserving school children. For example, last year she paid tuition fees for 25 female children at the Buea Women’s Empowerment Center and pledged to take care of same number every year until her mandate ends.
She is hailed for her transparent and judicial use of her micro-project grants given by the National Assembly, for small development projects.

Earlier, in his welcome speech, Charles Mbella Moki, Mayor of Buea, lauded President Paul Biya “ for recommending Hon Lifaka for election into the prestigious and coveted office of Vice-president of the national assembly”.

The Mayor described Hon. Lifaka as a faithful citizen, successful civil servant and a good example of a party militant who has been winning one election after the other

Hear Mayor Mbella Moki:“Honourable, you have been caring, inspiring, innovative, generous and a cheerful person who could contain the challenges of a politician, a mother and worker with great skills and dedication to the development of your community”

Other speakers at the massively attended ceremony at the Buea Independence Square, included Humphrey Monono, Fako elite and Registrar of Cameroon GCE Board who, speaking on behalf of Fako elites, had kind words for the Deputy Speaker.

Director of Cabinet at Prime Minister’s Office, Paul Meoto Njie, and the Southwest Regional Governor Eyeya Zanga Louis, were among a college of dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony, which was enlivened by, libation by traditional rulers , colorful traditional dances and choral songs, as well as presentation of gifts to Hon.Lifaka