Liengu Etaka Esong
23 May 2011
It was an occasion for the demonstration of strength by each participating political party.
The population of Bamenda did not only come out to celebrate the National Day, but also to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Cameroon. Like one man, they all crowded the Bamenda Commercial Avenue grand stand to celebrate the dividends of reunification as well as nationhood. Upon the arrival of Governor Abakar Ahamat at the grand stand at 9:30 am, the review of the troops by the Governor, next was the award of medals to some meritorious Cameroonians.
Under the theme “Cameroon Army: Crucible of National Unity, Bedrock of Stable and Democratic Institutions and the Guarantor of the Social Economic Development”, the military opened the march past. It gave an opportunity to the various military units to showcase their might. Their marching styles drew thunderous applause from the public who have every reason to throw their weight behind and rely on the military for their security. The motorcade parade was another show of what the military in Bamenda can offer and has been offering as the Army Rescue Unit drew a lot of applause as some of the people attest that it is the most effective now in Bamenda in case of emergency.
After the military, it was the civilian march past led by ten young Cameroonians clad in the different regalia representing the ten regions of the country. Then came the 50 men and 50 women who opened the civilian march past. The primary, secondary, professional schools as well as the University of Bamenda took their turns to file past the ground stand. For the political parties, it was high time to prove their numerical strength. From the Cameroon’s People Democratic Movement CPDM, to the Social Democratic Front, SDF, the UNDP,UPC, CPP,CGM amongst others, it was a way of informing the public that they will be around during the next presidential elections. At the end of it all, Governor Abakar Ahamat said he was pleased with the turnout and acknowledged that the people of Bamenda have once more proven their love for their dear father land, Cameroon.
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