Cameroon’s opposition leader, and presumed winner of the October presidential election, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has proclaimed himself as the President-elect.
Tchiroma Bakary who had since fled from Cameroon is believed to have self-exiled himself in Nigeria. The man who is widely believed to be the true winner of the October polls also anounced the appointment of a distinguished lawyer and civil society advocate, Maître Alice Nkom, to serve as his official spokesperson.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 17, through his verified social media account, Tchiroma released a decree titled “President-Elect of the Republic” designating Nkom to represent him.
“Alice Nkom, a lawyer at the Bar of Cameroon, a champion of fundamental freedoms, and a notable figure in civil society, is appointed as the Official Spokesperson for the President-Elect of the Republic of Cameroon,” the decree stated.
As per the announcement, Nkom is empowered to articulate Tchiroma’s views in institutional, diplomatic, and media interactions, as well as to oversee communication for the Presidency-Elect. He noted that the appointment takes effect immediately and will be communicated to both national and international partners through suitable channels.
Tchiroma justified this decision by referring to what he termed as “institutional hostage-taking” that obstructs the free expression of the people’s will, asserting that his declaration embodies the sovereign choice of Cameroonians in the October 12 election.
Nkom, who is highly regarded for her advocacy of human rights and defense of civil liberties, is anticipated to enhance the visibility of Tchiroma’s faction as Cameroon faces increased political tensions following President Paul Biya’s inauguration for another term.
In the meantime, the Cameroon News Agency has reported that she expressed her gratitude for the appointment in a Facebook post, where she was quoted as saying
“Today, a new page opens for our country. The President-elect, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has called upon me to assume the responsibility of spokesperson for the President-elect’s Office.
“I have accepted with respect, with seriousness, and with a profound sense of duty. This mission is not that of one woman alone. It belongs to the Cameroonian people, to their sovereign will, to their desire to take control of their destiny.
“I commit to: faithfully carrying the voice of the President-elect, sharing his vision with clarity, defending the truth with consistency, serving every Cameroonian man and woman with loyalty.
“It is with humility and determination that I take part in this decisive stage, to accompany the change that the people expect and deserve. The voice of the President-elect will be strong. My word will be clear.
“The truth will be non-negotiable. And Cameroon enters an era of courage, responsibility, and transparency.
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