Chronicle Newspaper

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Another Outstanding “Red Feather" For CDVTA On Labour Day

North West Governor, Adolph Lele Lafrique did not overtly comment about who excelled outstandingly during last Mat 1 labour day manifestations in Bamenda. His actions were pellucid: out of the over 200 delegations the paraded the commercial Avenue grandstand in Bamenda, Chronicle observed that the Community Development Volunteer For Technical Assistance, CDVTA were not only well organized, but presented a lucid billing which received outstanding accolade.

Volunteers

At least some 400 volunteers and staff of CDVTA, including a handful of elderly people’s club marched in fornt of Governor Lele Lafrique. The North West governor was nonplussed about the extraordinary outfit of CDVTA group. He was even spotted in total communion with Absolone Monono, his secretary general to be acquainted as to whether CDVTA was the group he presented a report about them. Interestingly, Absolone Monono attended the last elderly person’s convention in Bamenda last December 2012 organised by CDVTA. At least 20.000 elderly persons were in attendance. Chronicle gathered that the attendance had long baffled security officials who had since covertly opened investigations about the secret behind such great mobilization.
Last May 1, 2013 was thus a revelation about CDVTA’s traapings. They displayed exceptional trappings infront of the North West Governor lele Lafrique in communion with his SG Monono, while CDVTA marched past, it could not be unconnected with the Decmenr 2012 CDVTA convention report “is this the CDVTA you presented”? The governor is suspected to have questioned.

CDVTA On May 1
It was a colourful and eciting scenario when CDVTA marched past. It was a composition of CDVTA volunteers, CDVTA staff and some elderly persons. The bamenda grandstand scenario was splendid, moreso as Francis Njuakom, the CDVTA Director was putting on a target-khaki outfit sown like a military outfit, chronicle gathered that Njuakom procured the attire some 6 years ago, yet decided to use it, though was tight fitting. Governor lele Lafrique cheered, when he saw Njuakon with his CDVTA staff.
The most remarkable of the CDVTA actions were the diversed colours witnessed. CDVTA staff at the Bamenda head office were clad in black sniffs, while volunteers were either in blue, pink black of khaki colours.

Action At Mintanyen
After the exhaustive march past, action shifted from the Bamenda Commercial avenue grandstand to the Mintanyen hall at Sonac Street. Here, the volunteers and the elderlies were treated to an auspicious reception.

CDVTA Director

Francis Njuakom exploited the avenue to hail the volunteers, members of the Board of Directors of CDVTA for having sacrificed in their handling of old people within their communities.
Njuakom noted that his outfit was procured some 6 years ago. He said “even if it is small, I will put it on” which he did. He averred that he was a volunteer before; that those of them at the CDVTA head office are the leading volunteers.
Francis poured exceptional praises of Charles Kineng, Secretary of the Board of Directors of CDVTA, whom he said has always been committed towards the CDVTA head office had their own appraisal “Your outfit today (black) suits) shows that to work with elderly people, there is also joy in it”.

Njuakom Acclaims Partners
CDVTA’s success story cannot be written without the Methodist Relief , largely mentioned. At last May 1 reception, Njuakom announced that the Methodist Releif team would be in Cameroon between May 22 – 25, 2013. He said they would come with two objectives. Firstly, to assess CDVTA in line with their assistance; then to visit Babanki Tungo and Bamessing, two project areas of CDVTA.

Njuakom marching on Labour Day

Chronicle is aware that the Methodist Relief has been the main liaison between CDVTA and the British government. He told volunteers that because they would not stay long, only the Ngoketunjia project area, where Bamessing and Babanki Tungu are found would be visited.
Njuakom expressed optimism that on the issue of the review of the relationship between CDVTA and the Methodist Relief, given the former’s output, there would be no doubts.
Before the festivities wrapped up, Chronicle learnt that at least 3 million FCFA had been spent for the labour day festivities. There was total feasting, which chronicle learnt, all retired to their various destinations with their transport fares secured.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

CDVTA Creates The Unexpected

-Leads Elderly Persons to Present New Year Wishes to Government

Francis Njuakom

For the first time in Cameroon, Elderly persons have constituted themselves to present New Year wishes to government. This came barely a month after the December 5, 2012 3^rd National Convention of the Elderly people in Cameroon staged at the behest of the Community Development Volunteer for Technical Assistance, CDVTA. This body headed by Francis Njuakom Nchii stands as the undisputed leading crusader for the rights of the elderly people in Cameroon. The strive of CDVTA has been acknowledged by varied personalities in Cameroon, including the Prime Minister Philemon Yang and Bakang Mbock, Minister of Social Affairs respectively. Last Wednesday January 16, 2013 therefore when CDVTA led a delegation of elderly people to present New Year wishes to Minister Bakang Mbock, it was a pointer of the body towards reinforcing its commitment and partnership with government, to alleviate poverty the plight of the elderly in Cameroon.

It was Wilfred Mundama, the Program Manager of CDVTA at the head of the delegation to Yaounde. The venue was the City Council Hall. Traditionally, the presentation of New Year wishes is limited to handshakes for a few seconds with the minister. But then, with Mundama led CDTVA team, the scenario was different.

Minister Bakang Mbock took over 10 minutes to receive New Year wishes from the CDVTA and the elderly. This was in fact a special delegation as a bouquet of flower and a special gift was presented by CDVTA to the minister. She was visibly thrilled by the group and exchanged of pleasantries with them.

Quizzed by Chronicle to comment on what they actually discussed with the minister, the CDVTA Program Manager averred:

We told her that we heard about this presentation of New Year wishes and CDVTA shouldn’t have stood behind without coming, that her presence to come to visit the CDVTA structure in 2009 was already a sign that the ministry was looking up to the serious organization that are actually standing up to support government because government do it alone. Structures like CDVTA and others should be encouraged.

The minister was actually telling us that, please, you people should keep up with the good work; I am seeing how these elderly people are looking so young because of the activities that CDVTA is carrying out with them; CDVTA should continue; that government will not relent her efforts in supporting to see that CDVTA continue with the good work that they are already doing.

CDVTA’s Expectations from Government

When Francis Njuakom, the productive and highly innovative Director of CDVTA led a delegation of 12 elderly persons and were received at the Star Building, it was an indication. This was on November 30, 2011. There, Prime Minister Philemon Yang was very grateful for what CDVTA had been doing in helping to build Cameroon rather than ask government to help them build. Yang appreciated the fact that elderly people had realized how they had full potentials to build themselves through CDVTA. Njuakom on his part hailed government and singled out minister Bakang Mbock for supporting the elderly and in accepting to the putting together of a national policy for the elderly.

Wilfred Mundama told Chronicle shortly after presenting New Year wishes to Minister Bakang Mbock that CDVTA is working in collaboration with the ministry of social affairs on the National policy for the ageing. He said a new sub directorate put in place was great progress by government. CDVTA Program Manager however vouched to see step up its efforts by empowering structures that take care of Elderly people. He added that government should also facilitate that in the nearest future, the non contributory pensions should actually be extended to all the elderly people (those above 70).

CDVTA has actually been working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs on the matter of the elderly. A day after the presentation of New Year wishes, Chronicle learnt that the CDVTA Program Manager held a meeting with the Director of Ageing alongside the sub Director and the Chief of Service for the Ageing in the Ministry of Social Affairs. This, in preparation ahead of an International Conference to be hosted in Yaounde in May 2013. It is organized under the aegis of the Ageing, a charity based in Canada.

Acknowledgement/ Accolade

CDVTA has staged three national conventions for the elderly in Cameroon: the first was in Belo (Boyo Division) in 2010 pulled some 10.000 old people; the second was in Oku (Bui Division) in 2011 witnessed over 15.000 old people in attendance; the third last December 5, 2012 in Bamenda had in record 20.000 elderly persons present. Marveled by the mobilization, North West Governor recommended a special medal award for Francis Njuakom. The CDVTA Director was urged to contact a protocol service of the Governor’s office to finalize moves for the award. This may probably be bestowed on him on May 20^th the National Day of Cameroon. This notwithstanding, Njuakom had earlier received a traditional title from the palace of Kedjom Ketinguh “ Cheuh Fon” is the title bestowed on him in March 2012.

The CDVTA Director, however has the Sheila McKenin award, bestowed on him in 2008 by Gordon Brown, then British Prime Minister at the Number Ten Downing Street in London. On June 12, 2009 Minister Bakang Mbock visited the CDVTA head office at Metta Quarters in Bamenda to be acquainted with the realities which she had been told. Then on April 18, 2011, Minister Bakang Mbock signed a letter of congratulations and encouragement to CDVTA for its positive billings about its strive for the wellbeing of the elderly. Last week’s New Year wishes presentation was therefore a testimony of the exceptional trappings of CDVTA.

CDVTA Creates The Unexpected, Leads Elderly Persons to Present New Year Wishes to Go't

-Leads Elderly Persons to Present New Year Wishes to Government

Quizzed by Chronicle to comment on what they actually discussed with the minister, the CDVTA Program Manager averred:

CDVTA’s Expectations from Government

Acknowledgement/ Accolade

More Confusion In Wum Over Naikom Chieftaincy Logjam

- DO At Variance With Aghem Fon, Col Ebua, Elite Others After SDO’s Embargo

By Tegha Otega

Uncertainty reigns supreme in Naikom, one of the villages within the Wum central sub division in Menchum. The inabilities to find a heir to the throne has since been a plague. Despite stop-gap measures taken by the Wum Divisional Officer (DO) Martin Ngwa Manjong, no headway has been reached. Today, a prefectoral order, signed by the Menchum SDO, refrains anyone from holding claims to the Naikom throne. Two subjects have however been in contention of the throne: Kedze Donatus and Kum Didimus Dze.

The inabilities, Chronicle learnt, to reach a consensus over the Naikom crisis has been faulted partly to the fons and elite. Chronicle gathered that at one point in time, Fon Bahmbi of Aghem backed Kedze before shifting his allegiance to Kum Didimus. Yet, Chronicle learnt that the Aghem Fon had since remained neutral in the tussle.

In such conflicts in Wum, Chronicle learnt that politicians step-in to call the shots. Talk in Wum has been that while Hon Richard Wallang backs Kedze Donatus, the other candidate, Kum Didimus, has the backing of Chou Cyprian, a prominent Yaounde based elite. It is believed that only death can reconcile both Wallang and Chou.

The question on many lips in Wum is: should it be Kedze or Kum Didimus? Yet, the one expected to call the tune remains Pa Awah Zagha alias Pa Bamenda. Chronicle gathered that Pa Bamenda long declared Didimus as the rightful heir, in the rotatory Naikom chieftaincy.

It is believed that Kedze has used his wealth to influence varied situations to his favour. Allegations are rife that his opponents denounce him as a conman, homosexual and doubtful who needs the throne to reap from where he never sowed.

Crux of the Matter

It all began on 19 July 2012 when the Naikom people of Aghem clan “lost” their chief, HRH Ben Afuh Nkuh, 86 years old who had ruled for 40 years. In Aghem tradition, when a chief disappears, the new one is presented to the population by the maternal family because it is purely a maternal succession in Aghem clan. Chronicle learnt that it was not the case in Naikom village wherein two brothers were contesting: Kedze Donatus and Kum Didimus Dze a secondary school teacher in GSS Esu.

Accordingly to the routine succession or enthronement in the Naikom palace which own the Ewombong family , only two brothers are ruling the palace. After the late Fon, it was supposed to be ruled by the other brother Kum Didimus who was to be presented by the eldest uncle Pa Awah Zagha aged over 110 years, Chronicle learnt.

Chronicle also learnt that some members of the Ewombong family who do not even belong to the Naikom palace but to Kusu were allegedly corrupted/bribed by Kedze Donatus with heavy sums to seized it from Didimus. This brought confusion to delay the process. And on the day of the night vigil, they went in for election to select the successor in the absence of Pa Awah Zagha who was supposed to present it and claimed to have elected Kedze which has never happened in the palace knowing the rightful person Didimus Kum went in vain because they was trouble and a sub prefectoral decision annulling or canceling the election of Kedze Donatus and appointing a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the village and report weekly to the DO for Wum centre/sub divisional officer for Wum.

It is said in Aghem tradition that if a chief disappears, chiefs will mobilize for 2 weeks to come and shoot their guns for their cry-die only not to enthrone or intervene in the succession matters of the family. That was not the case in Naikom. They went there with the hidden agenda after being allegedly corrupted by Kedze Donatus to do consultations in the presence of the DO for Wum sub division, Mr. Ngwa Martin with etat major.

There, the Fon started by asking questions to the elder of the family Pa Awah Zagha. Placed in the middle of the compound alone to give them a new chief, Pa gave Kum Didimus but they did not obey his decision and proceeded to be asking questions to him. The population cried foul and said they had eaten soya from Kedze.

Violence spark up when the fons were about to toss drinks to Kedze. But Kum dived and took the cup and drank, as the right man. He was beaten in front of the DO by hoodlums. A second sub prefectoral decision came out banning all manifestations in the village or anybody or group to carry out any activities to the enthronement of the Naikom chief.

It is said that all the sub prefectoral decisions have been violated by Kedze Donatus in all attempts to be enthroned. Some four chiefs out of 13 in Aghem clan Chronicle learnt, wrote a petition to the SDO for Menchum, Emvoutou Bita insulting the DO calling him “an interim” who is not supposed or has no powers to sign anything concerning the enthronement of Kum Didimus; that they stand for Kedze Didimus and the entire village of Naikom.

The 4 chiefs’ petition came up after the DO for Menchum did his consultations in Naikom palace last December 4, 2012, Didimus was declared the rightful heir.

By press time and despite the prefectoral order, Chronicle learnt that Didimus is now enjoying his honey moon at the palace of Yidze in Wum and being drilled in the ways of a chief or fon.

Meanwhile, last December 11, 2012, the SDO for Menchum signed a prefectoral order No.262 suspending all attempts to enthrone a third class chief in Naikom palace. That the palace should be null and void of any chide and that anybody presently occupying should quit but it was when Kedze was already staying there and was chased away when he tried to defy the order on the 19^th of December. They are still waiting for the final say from the SDO.

Explosives At Fon Doh’s Cry-Die In Balikumbat

By Shey Wirba

Since Thursday January 3, 2013, Balikumbat has been revving. This is the date celebrations marking the life and the 35 years reign of Hon Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin III started. It spans through Monday January 14, 2013. Yet the highpoint of the celebrations would be next Saturday January 12, 2012 at the Balikumbat plateau palace. Judged from what has transpired within the last few days, Fon Doh’s cry-die would be as explosive as the live he lived.

Within the last few days, sons and daughters of Balikumbat village have converged back to base to prove their mettle. Last week, secret traditional rites were performed and then the sackcloth removal. Last Saturday and Sunday, Balikumbat was alive with animation by all traditional dance groups of the village at the palace plaza.

Prior to the d-day commemoration, neighbouring villages and well wishers would storm the palace. And on the eve of the cry-die proper, all sons and daughters of Balikumbat would assemble at the palace.

Real action and the opening of the cry-die would take centre stage on Saturday January 13, 2013. The Sussuch and Nguh dances would be on display; just like the Munganep and Vimunep manjong groups. Also, the Mapuh juju and Samba dance would be on display.

Given the fame of Fon Doh, varied delegations are expected to be in Balikumbat. A delegation from the National Assembly, CPDM central committee and even the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, are expected at Balikumbat.

Fon Teche Njei, the dynamic President of the North West Fons Union has announced to storm Balikumbat with a fortified delegation of his members. Worthy to note, that upon the coronation of Fon Doh’s successor, Fon Teche led 50 fons to the event.

Balikumbat elite have mobilized well to showcase the prowess of their village. A special loin to immortalize the event has been produced. Varied committees set up, have been able to ensure that all moves on.

Hon Emmanuel Dingha Banmi is chairman of the steering committee of the event, with Dr. Nwana Sama and Col Doh Kohtem as his vice. Section president Dingha Ignatius is a member of the steering committee just as the all powerful Dr. Dewah. The protocol chairman is Gabsa Sixtus.

January 12, 2013 would therefore be the date the new Fon, HRM Doh Gah Nyamyi III would flaunt his ego and reassert his authority.

Governor Exploits Recent Nsongwa-Mankon Land Dispute to Justify Ban On Firing Den Guns In NW

By Shey Wirba

For quite some time now, the firing of den guns within the North West region has been outlawed. Mache Njounwet Bertrand, the outgone Mezam Senior Divisional Officer slammed the ban. His reason has had to be notified, following recent happenings. It was a night of tension, January 4, 2013, less than a week after the Fon of Nsongwa was handed official papers as a second class Fon within the Bamenda II municipality. Roadblocks were mounted on the trans-African highways by Nsongwans, in protest against virulent attacks by the Mankons over a disputed piece of land. The next day, January 5, 2013 Monono representing Governor Lele Lafrique made startling pronouncements at the golden jubilee of Fon Fobuzie in Chomba.

Monono, Secretary General at the North West governor’s office, was responding to a worry raised by Fon Teche Njei, President of the North West Fons Union, NOWEFU. “The North West is at peace”, he quipped, reiterating that he wants to send a message to the hierarchy of the North West administration.

According to Fon Teche, “the people of North West enjoy their traditional manifestations when they fire guns”, regretting why “today, we cannot fire guns”. The NOWEFU President urged that “the ban on firing of guns should be uplifted”.

Seemingly picking holes with the NOWEFU President’s pontification, the Secretary General, did not wait to carry the message to his boss, the Governor. He simply gave an on-the-spot reply.

Drawing afflatus from the incident of the night of January 4, 2013 wherein Nsongwa’s blocked the highways, he said if the ban on den guns was not enforced, blood would have spilled. He said several deaths had been recorded because of inter tribal wars still prevailing in North West.

The governor’s envoy regretted that in other regions, the locales fire their den guns at traditional events except North West. He said they were cut-off from attending the 50^th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes to bring peace between Nsongwa and Mankon.

Chronicle also learnt that it was also partly due to the intervention of Fru Ndi, the SDF National Chairman and Hon Fobi Nchinda Simon, the Member of Parliament for Bamenda/Bali constituency that peace was restored.

Fon Angwafor of Mankon was conspicuously absent at the Chomba celebrations, while the Fon of Nsongwa only surfaced late at 4pm for the reception.

“Should we give guns to these people”, the SG asked rhetorically. Then said, their responsibility is to promote culture and development and not to use our might to kill our fellow brothers and sisters. He concluded that he had to clarify on the NOWEFU president’s worry, which he said, the culture of the North West needs to be regained with the upliftment of the ban on gun firing.

PAMOL GM’s Demise Linked To Witchcraft Tussle

By IO Fossung

For two key General Managers of the greatest Anglophone state corporations to die in succession has been interpreted varyingly. While pending the autopsy report conducted on Chief Obi Okpun Wanobi Osang, General Manager of PAMOL, it is common talk that his death could not be natural. Did he die of frustration of not having been made GM of CDC? Was it a ploy to eliminate him to limit chances of the president in selecting a new Prime Minister? Was it the normal ploy by the Oroko’s to see but one of theirs to be appointed GM of PAMOL?

Obi Okpun collapsed and died in a local Limbe hotel as he went for an ordinary session of the Board of Directors of PAMOL. Though he died, the Board meeting went on, with Charles Okon Mekanya, the deputy GM appointed as interim.

Mekanya is Oroko. As interim, it is expected that the Head of State might confirm him as GM, as he did with Franklin Njie at CDC. Should this come to pass, then the dreams of the Orokos would have been realized.

It is on record that Mekanya had long been gunning to become GM. Obenofunde like Obi Okpun, hail from Manyu division. And like Franklin Njie, Mekanya is expected to man organization for the funeral of Obi Okpun in Akwaya in the days ahead.

Another school of thought holds that chief Obi Okpun could have suffered from a heart attack just from thoughts that he had missed from being catapulted as CDC GM. A presidential decree signed 3 days before, confirmed Franklin Njie as Njalla Quan’s successor.

The mystical aspect of Obi Okpun’s death is being muted over the politics of who-is-who in Manyu division. Obi Okpun hails from Akwaya and had allegedly been tipped to be favoured, should the president decide to replace Philemon Yang at the Star Building.

It is unclear how such metaphysics works, though clairvoyants hold have not ruled out any possibility. It is even alleged that Njalla Quan could have just been the first target, then Obi Okpun. But who by?

The funeral program of Obi Okpun is yet to be out. It is expected that autopsy reports might clear the air, though it may be difficult to denounce the mystical allegations already in the air.