Confusion, frenzy as Biya surprises population

BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI

Despite the confusion unleashed by news of his early arrival, President Paul Biya, and wife, Chantal were given a hilarious welcome in Tiko where they touched down at the Tiko Airport and along the way to Buea on Tuesday, February 18.

The confusion and frenzy was such that many high-profile dignitaries including government ministers were still groping for accommodation as nearly every accommodation space in Buea, Limbe and Tiko had been booked.

To add to the frenzy, movement in and out of Buea on February 18 was restricted and most businesses along the Paul Biya Boulevard in Buea were shut down.

Some cabinet ministers by February 18 were unsure where they were going to lodge as they wait for the grand celebrations.

The surprised arrival of the Head of State on February 18 might have contributed to the somewhat low turnout by the population, given that many had tipped his arrival for Wednesday, February 19, on the eve of the D-Day.

Given that news of his arrival was made known at short notice, the mobilisation that had been on for long took a dramatic turn as people were transported from the various divisions of the South West Region hastily, by night, to meet up with the presidential arrival.

The Presidential Helicopter touched the runway at the Tiko Airport at 1:30pm, to be greeted by an unprecedented crowd that had braved the scotching Tiko heat for several hours.

As destiny had it, President Biya had a handshake with the Mayor of the SDF-run Tiko Council, contrary to the wished of many CPDM bigwigs.

The President’s choice to arrive Buea through the Tiko Airport has brought a new lease of life to the people of Tiko and the South West, who are praying that President Biya after seeing the state of the Airport will make available funds for its rehabilitation and extension.

It has also been seen as a move to reawaken the moments of the reunification, where major arrivals were made through the Tiko Airport.

A heavy contingent from the Presidential Guard, National Gendarmerie and Police lined the streets from the Tiko Airport to the Presidential Palace in Buea.

The speed brakes along the Tiko-Buea Road were removed overnight, hopefully to be replaced after the presidential visit.

President Biya after his arrival on Tuesday will inaugurate the reunification monument on Wednesday at 11:00pm.