Self-Abnegation in West Cameroon Local Governments: a Missing Facet of Legislators and Customary Court Judges

The services of local government legislators and customary court judges are often associated with self-abnegation. However, most of these officials use their positions as money making ventures and material and financial considerations have been the principal catalyst in the quest for such offices. It is because of these recurrent occurrences in developing countries in general and Cameroon in particular that the study revisits the situation in West Cameroon. It contends that most of these officials used their offices in amassing wealth as the quest for increases in allowances and privileges became the common characteristic. Where these perceived gains were not forthcoming, legislators and judges resorted to corrupt practices and their decisions/judgements were often based on material and financial considerations. When some of them found it difficult to raise money from services offered to their constituents, they simply abandoned their duties for personal businesses or juicy opportunities elsewhere. The study concludes that legislation which warrants only selfless and dedicated individuals to seek for these positions is needed. Again, it holds that local communities should be empowered to sanction recalcitrant officials with little or no interference from central authorities. In this way, the engaging of unpatriotic citizens in the management local government affairs will be checked