With less than 48 hours to go, suspense and uncertainty continue to engulf the North West Chapter of the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU) as members prepare for the much-anticipated elective General Assembly scheduled for Thursday, 5 June 2025.
Convened by the current chapter president, Comrade Ignatius Nji of The Eden Newspaper, the assembly is slated to take place in Bamenda.
In his official notice, Comrade Nji reminded members of the eligibility criteria for aspirants. To be considered for any post on an electoral list, candidates must have fulfilled their membership dues for the past two years and must be of unquestionable character.
Despite the clear guidelines and fast-approaching date, no member has officially declared interest in contesting for any of the positions, including that of the president. However, unconfirmed speculations within the union hint at possible interest from from two candidates. Hilltopvoices has not been able to independently confirm these claims from the mentioned candidates.
The silence from potential contenders has left members and observers puzzled, considering the participation witnessed during the last elections held on 25 March 2023 in Bamenda. That election ushered in a blend of old and new faces into the chapter's leadership, with at least seven new executives elected to serve.
Among the notable newcomers were:
Juliette Afunyui of Afrique Nouvelle Radio, who replaced Rosaline Obah as Vice President in charge of Gender Issues.
Ndefru Melanie of Civiclens, who took over from Odette Nchanji as Secretary General.
Ngong Song Jean Marie of University of Bamenda Radio, replacing Bih Sylvia as Secretary in charge of Training.
Jerry Benson, a freelance journalist, who assumed the newly created role of Secretary for the Observatory.
Paul Kema Fru as Secretary for Solidarity.
Fung John as Secretary for Mobilisation.
Nfor Francis of MIDENO, who succeeded Choves Loh as Auditor.
Only three members retained their previous positions:
Ignatius Nji – President
Ruth Che Wachong – Secretary for Communication and Alerts
Ambe MacMillian, a freelance journalist – Treasurer
Some others took up new roles. Notably, Rosaline Obah of Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN) moved from Vice President for Gender to Vice President in charge of Relations. Meanwhile, Choves Loh of The News Newspaper, who served as Auditor, now oversees the critical function of Secretary for Litigation and Judicial Affairs, replacing Nestor Njodzefe.
The looming elections come at a time when the union is expected to consolidate its advocacy for journalists’ welfare in a region facing complex socio-political challenges. Yet, the current vacuum in declared candidacies has sparked debate over whether the leadership vacuum is a sign of internal disinterest or strategic silence ahead of a possible last-minute flurry of nominations.
As the clock ticks down to Wednesday’s assembly, members of the CJTU North West Chapter remain on edge, hoping for clarity and renewed leadership to steer the union’s course in the coming years as Nji Ignatius ends tenure after serving two mandates
This is a developing story. Hilltopvoices will continue to provide updates as new details emerge.
By Hilltopvoices Desk
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77