Public Independent Conciliator’s Message Shared with Christians of PC Ntamulung
The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (OPIC) carried out an outreach visit to Presbyterian Church (PC) Ntamulung in Bamenda on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as part of its efforts to bring the institution closer to the population of the North-West Region.
Staff of the Office were received in the Ntamulung Church House by the Associate Pastor, Rev. Nkwenti Joseph, session members and Christians.
The visit falls within the Office’s mission to communicate its mandate, functions, and services to the public through seminars, workshops, outreach activities, training sessions, and participation in community events.
Representatives of the Office prepared a series of presentations tailored to the congregation. The activity was introduced by Mrs. Nina Ambuban, Research Officer No. 03, on behalf of the Public Independent Conciliator.
The first presentation was delivered by Research Officer Dr. Tilarious ATIA on the creation, organization, and functioning of the Public Independent Conciliator.
The second presentation, delivered by Mrs. Nina Ambuban, focused on the roles and responsibilities of citizens, particularly their participation in and support for council initiatives within their communities. She also explained how citizens can submit complaints to the Public Independent Conciliator.
The third presentation was delivered by Mr. Ngodji Rais, Executive Officer No. 1, who explained the Office’s complaint management procedures and the steps involved in handling grievances brought before the institution.
Following the presentations, participants engaged actively in a question-and-answer session, seeking clarification on various issues relating to the functions and status of the Public Independent Conciliator.
Some of the concerns raised included perceptions that the Special Status granted to the North-West and South-West Regions has not fully met the expectations expressed during the Major National Dialogue. Participants also discussed the role of traditional rulers, particularly Fons, in local development, especially in areas where council projects are implemented. Others emphasized the need for Councillors to receive adequate training on development planning and implementation.
Christians also sought clarification on the autonomy of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator. Suggestions were made for the Office to engage councils in needs assessments and to strengthen its follow-up role regarding the maintenance of roads and the management of waste within council areas.
Many participants further expressed the desire to see Civil Society Organizations represented during council sessions in order to enhance citizen participation and transparency in local governance.
The concerns and recommendations raised by participants were duly noted by the OPIC team. The experts provided responses to many of the questions and reiterated the institution’s commitment to its open-door policy, which allows citizens to lodge complaints whenever they feel unfairly treated while seeking services from councils within their municipalities.
The outreach activity ended with renewed interest among participants in the work of the Public Independent Conciliator and a shared commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and citizen participation in local development.