Albert TEVOEDJRE handing over his report to Boni YAYI appeared apprehensive
DURING A CEREMONY THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE, THE PALAIS DE MARINA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009, THE PROFESSOR ALBERT TEVOEDJRE APPEARED APPREHENSIVE AS HE WAS DISCLOSING THE CONTENT OF THE REPORT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL BODY FOR MEDIATION (IN FRENCH ORGANE PRESIDENTIEL DE MEDIATION : OPM).
By a presidential order, the Body was set up as a substitute to the Mediator of Republic which does not exist right now in Benin for the 1990 Constitution makes no provision for it.
It was a report, made up of one hundred and seventy eight (178) pages touching on the evolution of the body, its 2007 and 2008 assessments, its challenges and prospects, which was handed over to the Head of State by the Professor. In his speech, the OPM’s Head disclosed some figures about the activities of the body. Till now, 829 cases have been introduced to the OPM, 232 in 2007, 541 in 2008 and 56 in 2009. Among these cases of conflicts between the civil service and the citizens, 500 have been resolved successful through amicable action.
For both men, the Professor and the Head of States, these figures speak for themselves and there is no doubt the Mediator of Republic is an urgent priority.
However beyond the significance of this ceremony, many observers in the media have tried to make analysis about some of the words which appeared in the Professor’s speech and about what they may mean behind the scene.
“By responding positively to your generous appeal, I have promised, Mr. President, my humble and devoted contribution as long as my health, that the Providence holds in its hands, allows me to serve my country….But, it is true that I have been walking and going forward, without illusion, into the dusk of my life…”
Albert TEVOEDJRE, the fox
Such a statement from a cute man, like the Professor Albert TEVOEDJRE, may mean more than what it says. Albert TEVOEDJRE, nicknamed the fox is an octogenarian, a politician well-known to be good at catching the mood of the people. And this ability has always allowed him to find himself on the right side of the political landscape.
In 1996, he was among the first politicians to predict Mathieu KEREKOU’s victory. In 2006, he did the same with Boni YAYI. He therefore is someone that can always feel what the ordinary citizens think and act consequently.
It is in this sense that many see the statement he made during the ceremony. Might his statement mean a negative apprehension on his part for his friend for 2011 presidential contest? Might it mean that he wants to quit the boat before it capsizes?
Albert TEVOEDJRE knows very well that many of the indicators are not good for the current Head of State who has to face an increasing hostile opposition from the G and F.
Discontentment in TEVOEDJRE’s party
Another reason that might help explains TEVOEDJRE’s statement is the disenchantment in his party, PNE (Parti National Ensemble) whose executive committee met on Saturday, February 21, 2009 in Avrankou.
During the session, some members of the party’s executive committee openly voiced their dissatisfaction. In fact, since March 2008, the party, responding to an appeal made by Boni YAYI to all the political forces supporting him, has been engaged in an alliance with the ruling FCBE. Nevertheless, according to many members of the executive committee, there is still lack of trust between FCBE and PNE.
On Tuesday 27th of January 2009, when the bill on the Mediator of Republic were to be passed in the National Assembly, the ruling FCBE joined forces with opposition parties to postpone the debate. The postponement was viewed by many as a personal setback to the Professor.
Therefore, in the party, there are hardliners who are eager to put an end to their partnership with the ruling FCBE.
Nevertheless YAYI still holds fast to TEVOEDJRE
Boni YAYI does not want the Professor to turn his back on him:
“Despite your age, I can not till now do without your competence and your enriched and long experience to go on managing the Institution of dialogue and social justice that is the Presidential Body for Mediation”
Boni YAYI is also aware that he still needs to have Albert TEVOEDJRE on his side.
