His dismissal in September 2007 was said to have been linked to his reported desire to succeed Biya, in addition to Biya's disapproval of a communiqué issued as a retort to Western criticisms of the July 2007 parliamentary election.
His removal in September 2007 was attributed to his alleged aspiration to replace Biya, alongside Biya's disapproval of a statement issued as a response to Western criticism regarding the July 2007 parliamentary election.