Mr. Eric Eguacho has issued a statement addressing recent statements made by aan Elite Mr. Henry Njalla Quan Jr. concerning community affairs in Bimbia, Fako Division in the South West region. Mr. Eguacho said his outing aims to clarify several points.
Read Njalla Quan’s outing and letter written to the SDO here.
Mr. Eguacho noted that a recent communication from Mr. Njalla Quan Jr. to the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako contained several inaccuracies. Specifically, Mr. Eguacho addressed the characterization of a recent gathering as a “family meeting.” Evidence, including appeal letters, invitations, and meeting agendas, clearly indicates that the assembly was convened by the “Bimbia Cultural and Development Association” (BICUDA). Mr. Eguacho emphasized that any such association is subject to official approval by the SDO and requires notification to the local Divisional Officer (DO), in this case, the DO of Limbe 3, to maintain public order. He stated that BICUDA had neither received the necessary approval nor notified the relevant authorities.
Furthermore, Mr. Eguacho addressed Mr. Njalla Quan Jr.’s assertions regarding a potential conflict of interest related to the Slave Trade Village development project. He clarified that the land in question is state land, falling outside the direct jurisdiction of the DO of Limbe 3, who typically manages native or national lands. Mr. Eguacho underscored the importance of administrative bodies fostering development within their areas. He highlighted that the proposed project involves a partnership between the government, represented by the Minister of Arts and Culture, and a developer, with the intention of transforming the site, recognized as a National Heritage Site, with community involvement.
Mr. Eguacho also referenced a protest on January 13, 2025, led by Mr. Njalla Quan Jr., where claims were made about the sale of Bimbia land. He asserted that these claims were unfounded and contradicted by the Mayor of Limbe 3. He, Eguacho, expressed concern that this protest had led to a postponement of the development project, which held the potential for significant infrastructural improvements and job creation for local youth.
Finally, Mr. Eguacho drew attention to the agenda of the BICUDA meeting, which reportedly included the creation of a “Bimbia for Bimbians only” development association. He stated that such an initiative runs counter to the national call for unity and cultural integration and could potentially foster division.
CNA’s note
The development of the historic Bimbia Slave Trade has continued to make headlines across Fako division, noted for long standing land grabbing saga. This has only added to numerous cries across the division. While the developer has maintained that the site will only be managed in collaboration with the government, Njalla Quan and others think otherwise.
