The above words are those of Okalia Bilai Bernard, Governor of Cameroon's South West Region. The utterance was addressed to traditional rulers in Buea,  capital of the South West Region on the eve of Cameroon's National Day celebrated last May 20.

Indeed, Governor Okalia had on Thursday, April 25, 2019 said all Chiefs were expected to march on May 20 along with their subjects under pain of losing their royal crowns.

The regional chief executive was speaking in Buea as he chaired a preparatory meeting ahead of the 47th edition of Cameroon's National Day nationwide celebrations last May 20.

"During the 20th May this year,  all the Chiefs will march with a placard indicating their village and with their population behind them," Okalia said,  adding that, "If that is not the case, it means those chiefs don't exist. And if you don't exist as a body, as a village, then you should neither be called a village nor be counted among villages."

The Governor said the last time he asked chiefs to march,  they disobeyed on grounds that they were "volunteers". This might have been the case because they were not receiving pay from the state. But now that they are on the state payroll thanks to the magnanimity of President Paul Biya, disobedience of the governor's instructions were farfetched.

"I said this some two,  three years ago but the Chiefs refused to do it because they were still volunteer Chiefs. But today,  know that the volunteerism is finish. Tradition is there, but you are tied to the state with an obligation. Eh Chief?  You know noh? I don't want to disclose it here. But we understand each other," Okalia said with a feigned smile.

In a firm tone,  he handed down a subtle threat: "If you fail to do what I am instructing, you'll see 30 days after, the consequences of that disobedience."

Okalia turned to the Mayor of Buea, Ekema Patrick Esunge to know the number of villages within his municipality and the mayor's response put a smile on his face. He then instructed the Mayor to prepare placards bearing the names of all the villages in Buea - which placards will be carried by the Chiefs as they lead their populace during the National Day parade.

"So Lord Mayor,  prepare the placards because soon they will say they don't have money. Prepare it.  How many villages do we have in Buea? Ah! A hundred. put them on placards. Every Chief will march. And those who are in exile in Douala or Yaounde, let them stay there. When they come back, they'll find someone else as chief," Okalia decreed.

The governor was taking extra measures to guarantee massive participation at the National Day celebrations given that the sociopolitical situation in the North West and South West Regions is far from giving peace a chance. Most schools have remained shutdown,  while many, including traditional rulers have been forced out of their homes due to the hostilities.

Buea chiefs boycotted!

In a communique dated Tuesday April 30, 2019, the President of the South West Chiefs Conference,  Chief Mafany Njie Martin on behalf of his peers said the governor did not have to remind them of their civic responsibilities.

"We, the South West Chiefs categorically condemn the demeaning and threatening manner by which the Governor of the South West Region reminded us of our usual civic duties, which we have always performed so diligently without being ordered to do so by whosoever," the chiefs said in a statement in response to Governor Okalia Bilai Bernard.

The chiefs said their native laws and customs do not allow them as natural rulers to march past the grandstand during official ceremonies.

"We completely dissociate ourselves from such a representation and remind the public that the traditions and customs of the South West people are full of values of respect, tolerance,  nobility and unity. We therefore call on our population to remain calm and positive as we look forward to accompanying the State in all national events like we have always done," the chief said.

HRM Ewome Eko John, Chief of Bwassa Village had on behalf of his people asked the governor to withdraw his statement.

The chiefs went on to boycott the May 20 parade at Bongo Square, despite a note of caution from Kouam Wokam Paul, Divisional Officer of Buea.

It's said that HRH Dr. Esuka Endeley, Paramount Chief-elect of Buea was the only local traditional authority who showed up at the ceremonial ground accompanied by his close aides.

Okalia's sanctions awaited!

Thursday, June 20, 2019 marks exactly 31 days after chiefs in Buea boycotted the May 20 National Day feast.

Governor Okalia had promised to roll out sanctions 30 days after. Knowing Governor Okalia Bilai Bernard as a man who walks the talk,  it is left to be seen if he will strip off the traditional cloaks of the said chiefs.