Land disputes in Fako demand serious scrutiny, including allegations of unfounded claims of entitlement by some traditional rulers and abuse of authority by some administrative officials.
We must all understand these principles:
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Respect for the State means respect for the law. This duty applies equally to citizens, traditional rulers and administrative officials.
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Public office places no one above the law. Officials exercise authority within legal limits, not according to personal interests.
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Demanding accountability is not disrespect. Citizens have the right to question official decisions and challenge unlawful acts through the appropriate legal procedures.
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Traditional authority is not unlimited ownership. A chiefly title does not, by itself, establish personal ownership of community land or an unrestricted right to dispose of it.
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Retirement is not immunity. Any governor, Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) or Divisional Officer (DO) responsible for unlawfully transferring or acquiring indigenous communities’ lands in Fako can be held legally accountable, even after leaving office or retiring, wherever they reside, subject to applicable law and due process.
Allegations must be investigated, land rights established and responsibility determined through lawful procedures.
Public authority is a duty to serve, never a licence to dispossess.
— Dr. David Makongo
Philanthropist | Political and Legal Consultant | Mining, Oil and Gas
Expert
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