During the session, in which the Assembly delved into bills tabled by government, and another by a member of an Opposition Party, our legislature demonstrated that it is gradually and surely embracing a democratic culture whose impact can be seen and felt.
This could be noticed in the Question and Answer sessions during which the people’s representatives proved that they are aware of the electorate’s burning issues that must be addressed from the right quarters. The answers by members of Government including its Head, the Prime Minister also proved that in the delicate and important task of democratic governance with a focus on accountability and moral rectitude, the image of our country and its institutions are primordial.
In this light, the Prime Minister himself took pains to explain the steps Government is taking to see CAMAIR-CO, our National Airline acquire three more planes as well as give meaning to other infrastructural undertakings of the State. What a timely gesture of democratic practice amid very trying moments in Africa!
Other members of Government also took time to dish out detailed declarations on delicate issues like the Bibi Ngota affair, the new Electoral Code and the Special Criminal Court expected to go operational this year. Besides all this, was the concern for environmental education of parliamentarians and the need to pass on this education to the electorate. We strongly recommend a judicious follow up of this move.
While the parliamentarians showed concern to know more about the apparent willful delays in the handling of files that concern bilateral cooperation, and trade, members of Government did well to explain the prudence and procedures that are at times responsible for what can be considered unbecoming in administration.
Through this aspect of legislative stewardship, the people’s representatives were able to get enough to share with the electorate of their constituencies what the powers that be, are doing to forge ahead in a world of challenges.
Besides, the frank and patriotic questions and answers that rendered eventful the June session of the National Assembly, was government’s proof that it listens and acts in the interest of citizens through rational flexibility demanded by democratic governance. Political detractors could consider it an act of weakness to re-examine decisions earlier taken at legislative and executive levels; but who doubts that institutions meant to serve the masses require prudent and patriotic handling? Who doubts that genuine patriotism demands respect of institutional and national realities, not egoistic ostentation?
Genuine stewardship is important at all times especially, now that the Cameroon Head of State having conceived and talked of “Greater Ambitions,” strongly encourages joint-efforts for accomplishments! Whether it is Memve’ele, Lom-Pangar, or Menchum Dam projects, the Kribi Deep Sea Port, the Tiko Airport, Bamanda Ring Road, the Yaounde-Douala Double Carriage highway, or the Kimberley Diamond Mining Project, they are all aimed at making life worth living in the country whose endowments are so enviable that there should be no suffering in the midst of plenty.
The June Session of parliament was indeed eventful, but what would make it worth remembering, is the challenge for elected representatives, and the Cameroon electorate to give meaning to what is done by the various realms of power in our interest. For, without implementation of resolutions taken by legislature and enacted by the Executive, we would hardly face squarely the demands of satisfactory accomplishments for our good.
