The war of words that has been going on since the announced visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda as to whether the Pope will be celebrating Holy Mass at the Bamenda airport or ‘Bafut’ airport might be taking another twist if the Mayor of Bafut is not stopped in what has been seen as great provocation to the peaceloving people of Mankon and Bafut.
In an unprecedented move, the Mayor alongside the DO of Bafut have adorned some strategic areas around the airport with banners and bill posters carrying messages such as “The population of Bafut Subdivision Welcomes a man of Peace, Equality and Justice, Pope Leo XIV…, The Bafut Community Welcomes Pope Leo XIV…, The Population of Bafut Community Welcomes Pope Leo XIV…”
Many have interpreted the lining of these banners and posters very close to the Bamenda Airport during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Bamenda as great provocation to the Mankon people. Some are also questioning the hidden message behind this arrangement. A voice in one of the videos circulating on social media, a passerby is heard asking why the mayor of Bafut is provoking the Mankon people?
Mezam SDO looks away?
This reporter accosted the SDO of Mezam questioning the rational behind the banners and his response was, “what is wrong with the messages on the banner or placing the banners where they are? Any community has a right to place banners anywhere so long as the messages have been visaed by the administration.”
