The station further says that only the Paramount Ruler of Buea, and his traditional Council have respected threats from administrative authorities to take part in these activities.

South West Chiefs in a statement issued on Tuesday April 30, expressed disgust over a threat passed by South West governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, insisting they should partake in May 20 celebrations, or they could be dethroned.

They called the governor's threat inappropriate while stating that it was against the customs and traditions of their people, for Chiefs to march on public ceremonies. To these Chiefs, the utterances of South West governor was demeaning and threatening, which they considered overzealous because they have always performed their civic duties of partaking in National Day events and never asked to be reminded of it.

Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, was addressing stakeholders in a preparatory meeting ahead of May 20, where he said if the Chiefs fail to carry placards and march alongside their subjects, he will slam sanctions on them.T he Divisional Officer of Buea, and some other administrative officials, backed the governor's call, extending it to their various divisions.

The absence of these Chiefs therefore at the grandstand, was expected by many, who have been calling on their Chiefs to ignore threats from civil administrators and preserve their dignity.

However, some persons have blamed the absence of not only Chiefs at the grandstand, amongst many others, on gunshots that characterised Buea this morning, Monday, May 20.