Yaoundé – Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji has issued a scathing warning to officials in Fako Division regarding the unauthorized sale of Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) lands.
In what appears to be a leaked audio recording, allegedly from a meeting with South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai and the Senior Divisional Officer (S.D.O) of Fako, Atanga Nji is heard delivering a stern message, a tone uncharacteristic of his usual demeanor. While the exact date of the recording remains unclear, the content highlights his frustration with rampant illegal land sales, particularly involving CDC properties.
“Mr. Governor, I want to be very clear: not one square meter of CDC land will be sold,” Atanga Nji declared. He emphasized the importance of the CDC as the second-largest employer in Cameroon, warning that selling its lands would undermine national development efforts.
He further revealed a direct instruction from the Presidency and Prime Minister’s Office prohibiting the sale of CDC, PAMOL, and other government reserve lands. This is a directive from the highest authority, and it must be respected, he insisted.
The Minister disclosed that South West Parliamentarians and Senators had recently brought the land sale issue to his attention. “I received five parliamentarians and five senators from the South West. They told me that land sales in Fako Division are spiraling out of control,” he said.
Atanga Nji instructed Governor Okalia to investigate any ongoing land transactions and enforce the directive. “We must not allow these practices to continue unchecked,” he warned, urging local officials to uphold their responsibilities.
Controversial Creation of New Chiefdoms
In addition to land sales, Atanga Nji addressed the controversial proliferation of chiefdoms in the region. Complaints have poured into his office regarding disputes over newly created chiefdoms, often involving encroachments on existing territorial boundaries.
“Mr. Governor, every day I receive complaints about new chiefdoms being created,” the Minister stated. He proposed forming a commission to review the legitimacy of all chiefdoms established in the past three to four years. “We will assess each case. Genuine chiefdoms will continue, but those created without proper processes will face scrutiny,” he added.
A particularly troubling issue, according to Atanga Nji, involves encroachments on properties belonging to vulnerable groups, including a center for blind individuals. “How can someone encroach on land meant for blind people? These are individuals who cannot even see. If we lack compassion for them, it’s a disgrace,” he said emotionally.
The Minister also highlighted reports of school properties, such as football fields, being sold to private citizens. He condemned the practice as a betrayal of community interests and a failure to protect public assets.
Atanga Nji’s firm stance signals a call for stricter governance and ethical land management practices in Fako Division. By addressing both land sales and the contentious creation of chiefdoms, it is hoped that the Minister follows up and ultimately ends the impunity.
