The Representative of Mme the Public Independent Conciliator, Fonju Bernard adressing participants

The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (OPIC) organized a Townhall meeting at the Limbe III Council on Thursday, July 3, 2025.  Convened under theme “Office of the Public Independent Conciliator: Fostering Collaborative Governance Between the Council and Community Stakeholders of Limbe III Municipality” the purpose of the meeting was to edify the varied stakeholders on their rights and obligations as well as the missions and services provided by the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator.

Partial view of participants during the Townhall meeting

Addressing participants during the meeting, Bernard Fonju, representative of the Public Independent Conciliator, urged both parties to work in synergy. He called on the community stakeholders to actively collaborate with the council administration and engage in the development process for the overall benefit of Limbe III Municipality. The PIC representative also stressed the need for both parties to play their role; while the Council is dedicated to providing routine (issuance of birth civil status documents, building permits, hygiene and sanitation) and development services, users of council services should also bear their responsibilities including tax payment, participation in democratic processes, compliance with municipal decisions and responsible use of public utilities.

 Mr Atemnkeng Michael, Research Officer no.2 presenting on the Missions of OPIC

During the deliberation the attendees were schooled on the missions of OPIC, its competences, scope of intervention and complaint procedure. A presentation on the right and obligations of users of council services enlightened the attendees on services they are entitled as users of council services and their responsibilities as inhabitants of the municipality. The exchanges that followed the different presentation were an opportunity for the participants to seek clarification about OPIC’s missions and raised concerns on issues affecting their relationship with the council.  These issues were addressed by the Lord Mayor of Limbe III, Nseke Diboti Luma and the representative of the Public Independent Conciliator, Fonju Bernard, for the satisfaction of the participants.