Yaounde, Cameroon – (African Boulevard News) – Tensions between Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Cameroonian presidency secretary general, and Laurent Esso, the justice minister, have brought the country’s Higher Judicial Council to a standstill, leaving the institution in turmoil.
The Higher Judicial Council, which oversees the appointment and promotion of judges in Cameroon, has become a battlefield for Ngoh Ngoh and Esso, who are embroiled in a power struggle that has paralyzed the council’s activities. The conflict between the two powerful figures has reached a boiling point, resulting in a complete breakdown of communication and decision-making within the council.
Ngoh Ngoh, a close ally of President Paul Biya, is known for his influential position within the presidency. His role involves coordinating government policies and ensuring the smooth functioning of the executive branch. On the other hand, Esso, as the justice minister, is responsible for the administration of justice and maintaining the rule of law in the country.
According to insiders, the root of the conflict lies in disagreements over the appointment of judges and the allocation of resources within the judiciary. Ngoh Ngoh is said to be pushing for the appointment of judges who are loyal to him and the presidency, while Esso seeks to maintain the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
The impasse has had dire consequences for the Higher Judicial Council, which has been unable to fulfill its mandate of ensuring a fair and efficient judicial system. As a result, the council’s decisions on judicial appointments and promotions have been delayed, causing frustration among judges and undermining the credibility of the judiciary.
Legal experts and activists have raised concerns about the impact of this power struggle on the rule of law in Cameroon. “The paralysis of the Higher Judicial Council is a clear indication of the erosion of judicial independence in the country,” said Jean-Paul Tchatchouang, a prominent human rights lawyer. “Without a functional council, the judiciary is at risk of becoming a tool of political manipulation.”
Critics argue that the conflict between Ngoh Ngoh and Esso reflects broader issues of corruption and nepotism within the Cameroonian government. They accuse both officials of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the judicial system and the people of Cameroon.
Efforts to resolve the conflict have so far been unsuccessful, and there are concerns that the situation may worsen. As the power struggle between Ngoh Ngoh and Esso intensifies, the Higher Judicial Council remains in a state of paralysis, leaving the future of the Cameroonian judiciary hanging in the balance.
In conclusion, the tensions between Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and Laurent Esso have brought the Higher Judicial Council to a grinding halt, with serious consequences for the judiciary in Cameroon. The power struggle between these two influential figures highlights the need for a transparent and independent judicial system that upholds the rule of law and serves the interests of the country and its citizens.
