The office of the Public Independent Concialiator have cautioned regional, city and local administrators, especially mayors to stop forcing council workers to fellow their political views and support their political campaigns. This was during the opening ceremony of a two day seminar on Rights, Freedoms and Ethical Compliance for Regional and Local Councils organized by PIC in Bamenda this Thursday 27th October 2022.

Administrators at Serminar organised by PIC

“We have noticed that mayors involve their staff in campaigns. In this situation where the mayor is removed from the position an incoming mayor might decide to discriminate against those staff who participated in the campaign of the previous mayor and this will be a violation of their rights”. Gender Expert and a staff of PIC Nina Agingi remarked while facilitating a session on non-discrimination and mainstreaming inclusiveness in Councils.

During the session, some administrators raised the issue of the challenges they face working with other collaborators.

The President of the Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai in his address to the participants reassured them that the structure was there to protect the rights of citizens and those benefiting from council services.

PIC President

“The PIC is assigned the responsibilities to settle disputes amicably and propose statutory amendments or news legislation to ensure the effective functioning of Regional, city and local council administrations and report to the president of the Republic. Regarding it’s substantive mandate, the PIC shall promote and protect the rights of citizens, users and beneficiary of council services, prevent and indirect discrimination and enforce ethical standards in regional and council functioning” Tamfu Simon intimated.

It is hoped that at the end of this workshop, the participants return with full knowledge on the functions and obligations of the PIC towards them while at the same time effectively rendering their services to the public.

By Laurata P.