What Fuel Price Hikes: No Lessons From February 2008 Strike?

Petrol and petroleum products the world over have led to wars and revolutions. The gulf war and other wars and revolutions in the Arab world have been because of the quest by some western powers to control oil fields in the rich petrol producing countries and then determine world prices of such petrol. Be it in crude form, that is brute petrol or in its refined form, that is fuel for immediate consumption, its price determines the prices of other commodities. This is why the least augmentation of the price of fuel has led to strikes in most countries as it affects the cost of living and the standard of living of the population. It is still fresh in the memories of alert citizens the February 2008 riots in Cameroon that nearly paralyzed the entire nation. The February 2008 riots were because of an increase in fuel prices that provoked a negative rippling effect in the prices of other commodities. Next door Nigeria and far off Tunisia went through similar strikes because of the increase in fuel prices leading to the collapse of the regime in Tunisia. Despite the February 2008 strikes, Cameroon apparently appears to have come out of the crises without learning any lessons.

Fuel price hikes are imminent in Cameroon, as the government has embarked on an information campaign mission to prepare public opinion to swallow the bitter pill of fuel price hikes. This is so because it is legendary in Cameroon that when the government intends to take any unpopular move or a decision that might attract some anger and consequent rioting by the population, people’s minds are prepared far in advanced through specialized information slots on the public media. This is usually called testing the water. When the minds of the public is sufficiently prepared, then the government slides in the unpopular move cushioning it with apparent accompanying measures that are nothing short of blindfold of the unsuspecting public. Since last week government has surreptitiously employed the services of CRTV and Cameroon Tribune to prepare public opinion on an imminent fuel price increase. It is even being circulated in high government circles that the move is even belated for it was earmarked to begin in December when SONARA publicly announced that it was going to temporarily shut down its installations for maintenance. Government intended at that moment to use that as an excuse to increase fuel prices, but the prevailing political circumstances did not favour the move as President Paul Biya who won the Presidential elections whose results were being contested by the opposition did not want to take chances. After consolidating national and internationally the victory of the October 2011 Presidential elections, government it is alleged intends to gradually push through fuel price increases and wants first and foremost to prepare public opinion through tele-guided information dissemination on the public media

CRTV And Cameroon Tribune Fire Warning Shots.

On July 17, 2012 the Director of Information at CRTV Television, Charles Ndongo invited panelists to the programme, “Par ici le débat” to discuss on the sustainability of the subvention of petroleum products by the state since four years and whether the state should continue to subsidize the prices of fuel at the filling stations. During the programme a well selected pro-government panelists went beyond human comprehension to explain why government should desist from continuously subsidizing fuel prices for it was a waste of financial resources and unsustainable. Charles Ndongo’s debate came closely on the heels of the Sunday evening programme, “Scènes de presse” where the issue was also discussed at length in a bid to prepare people’s mind on the imminent bomb shell. Cameroon Tribune dedicated full pages in two editions just to push through governments ideas. The services of Grande Reporteurs like Martin Badjang Ba Nken were solicited as he wrote a well researched article to show that government was wasting money in subsidizing fuel prices. He ended his article by appealing to his readers to support the lofty idea of government to cut subsidies on fuel prices, for the projected FCFA 400 billion that was supposed to be used for fuel subvention in 2012 could be used to realize other major projects like the Lom Pangar Dam and the building of health infrastructures.

Government Missions Abroad

Officials of the Ministry of Finance led by Jean Tchoffo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance who doubles as the President of the Technical Committee for the follow-up of Economic programmes and Ibrahim Talba Malla, Director General of the Hydrocarbon Price Stabilization Funds, CSPH travelled to Dakar Senegal some months back to learn from the Senegalese experience in handling fuel prices. After the visit, a reflection workshop was organized on June 14-15, 2012 between officials of the Ministry of Finance and Transport to brainstorm on ways of attenuating the negative effects of an eventual withdrawal of subventions on petroleum products. During the workshop Boniface Ze, Technical Director of CSPH gave an exposé that provoked serious debate amongst participants. From his talk, it emerged that government wants to henceforth embark on what he called “Targeted Subvention” which might be structural, fiscal, and administrative or on custom duties. It emerged during the meeting that government intends to embark on special missions abroad to countries that do not subsidize petroleum products to learn from their experiences and then implant those experiences in Cameroon.

Trade Unions Threaten Strikes

Prior to this vast information campaign to prepare public opinion, government had struggled to woo trade unions to buy the idea of a price increase. On May 18, 2012 government invited road transport Trade Unions and leader’s of the Civil Society to a restitution seminar in Djeuga Palace Hotel in Yaounde. It was to evaluate a World Bank studies that demonstrated that there was some gross injustices in the subvention by government of fuel prices at the filling stations, because the subsidies essentially benefited the rich and not the poor. The leaders of the Civil Society and Road Transport Syndicates sensed that it was a camouflaged subterfuge to increase fuel prices at the filling stations.

Meanwhile, trade union leaders that attended the meeting insisted amongst other measures to be taken by government the eradication of TVA for transporters, the putting in place of a unique counter for the payment of all transport documents, and the provision of comfortable secured resting places along the highways for drivers. But other trade leaders who were not part of the meeting with government officials are threatening strike actions if government dare increases fuel prices. They argued that the meeting was only for interurban transporters and truck drivers. They added that in the transport sector, the demands and problems are not the same and one trade union cannot take a binding decision for all other trade unions. They requested that the same kind of reflection should be embarked upon with taxi drivers and bendskin riders. While the issue is raising a lot of dust in the transport sector, it is alleged that the government envisages other missions abroad to further prepare government officials with methods of instituting price increases without causing the wrath of the population.

Taxes Raise Prices At Filling Stations

Many analysts are of the opinion that government has a large margin to solve the problem of fuel hikes at filling stations without necessary increasing prices by withdrawing subventions. They argue that the prices practiced at fuel filling stations are high because of the various taxes government has imposed on petroleum products. For instance it is demonstrated that between the refinery SONARA and the various fuel filling stations nationwide there are numerous taxes that exist. According to prices for March 2011 homologated by CSPH, a litre of super inside  SONARA cost FCFA 335, 27, Kerosene FCFA 380, 62 and gasoil FCFA 372, 08. Paradoxically, immediately these same products cross the gate of SONARA they undergo through numerous tax impositions that increases the prices. There are 22 tax impositions on petroleum products that leave SONARA for the final consumer. FCFA 235,95 tax is imposed on a litre of super and this brings the retail price at the filing stations to FCFA 569. FCFA 350 for kerosene and FCFA 520 for gasoil. Trade Union leaders requested the suppression of some of these taxes as the panacea to avoiding price increases at the filling stations.

Wrong Timing

Government’s decision to increase fuel prices is ill-timed. It is alleged that the government move will go operational in August, a month most parents are battling out with the payment of school fees and the procurement of school needs for their children. Increasing fuel prices at this moment will affect the prices of everything and might provoke anger. Equally the social climate in Cameroon now characterized by arrests, trails and sentencing of some regime bigwigs do not augur well and any misunderstanding can degenerate to something else. The consequences of the February 2008 strikes should not be forgotten, especially as some people were arrested and jailed.

It is worthy to recall that government decided to subsidize petroleum products in 1986 to avoid price hikes and high cost of living. FCFA 1089 billion is estimated to have been consumed as subvention between 2008 and 2012. In 2011 government spent FCFA 323 billion and projections put it at FCFA 400 billion in 2012. Studies by the National Institute of Statistics on households, dubbed ECAM stated that irrespective of the petroleum product consumed, beneficiaries were those of high income and not those with low income. This is what government is using to back the move to withdraw subsidies from petroleum products, yet the pill seems to bitter for the masses to swallow.

Should Fon Chafah Extend Olive Branch To Ntumfor?

Here Are Northwesters Qualified To Reconcile Both Big Wigs, El hadj Baba Danpullo,El Hadj Lawan Bako, Cardinal Tumi, PCC Moderator Festus Asana, Governor Lele L’Afrique, Nkwenti Simon, Big 5 Fons

The North West Fon’s Union, NOWEFU, a very strong and closely-knit union that came into existence thanks to the foresightedness, braveness, perseverance and persistence of its initiators made giant and unwavering steps towards eradicating internecine inter tribal conflicts in the North West Region. NOWEFU became a strong rallying and lobbying force for the NW Region and equally projected NW traditional rulers as people who had a vision and a mission to develop their various villages and the entire region. This mission became a priority when the fons of the North West Region in their divine wisdom and discernment unanimously crowned one of their renowned sons, international legal icon and Peace Crusader Nico Halle as their Ntumfor and spokesperson. The NW fons did not end at crowning Barrister Nico Halle as their unique Ntumfor, but unanimously embarked on a nationwide tour to publicly present him to their subjects. The long and short of the story is that Ntumfor Nico Halle served the fons diligently to the best of his human abilities and NOWEFU gained recognition and went places.

 However, things came to a head on August 27, 2008 when the then NOWEFU President General, Fon Chafah Isaac XI of Bangolan suspended Ntumfor from his functions. That single act attracted varied reactions and interpretations across the board. It even polarised the union and paralyzed the activities of NOWEFU. Accusations and counter accusations from some fons made rounds in the media, yet the principal belligerents, Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah maintained sealed lips about the issues raised. Ntumfor Nico Halle even vowed not to make any official statement about the suspension. But the inquisitive media on some rare occasions forced him out of his reserve to react spontaneously about his suspension without expressing any regrets or bitterness. Ntumfor Nico Halle merely shifted his usual attention from NOWEFU to other domains. While the domains where Ntumfor shifted his attention there bloomed, NOWEFU withered into near oblivion. Given the fact that the strained relationship between Fon Chafah and Ntumfor Nico Halle has done and is doing untold damage to NOWEFU in particular and the development of the North West Region in general, Chronicle Newspaper with a mission of building bridges between people and communities has taken upon itself to pontificate whether Fon Chafah should extend an olive branch to Ntumfor Nico Halle. Chronicle has because of the high stakes involved in such a venture equally looked at those qualified to reconcile these two big wigs for the interest of the region.

Chronicle holds true to Demi Moore’s pontifications that, “The things two people do to each other they remember. If they stay together, it's not because they forget; it's because they forgive. Gandhi talking also on forgiveness said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong” Robert Muller goes further to state that, “To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness” Relying on these wise  expressions from these renowned personalities that have changed the course of history, Chronicle stands bold to state that a reconciliation between Fon Chafah and Ntumfor Nico Halle is not only possible but extremely necessary for their personal upliftment and the general good of the population. There is a Russian Proverb which states that, “In a quarrel, leave room for reconciliation.” There is ample room for reconciliation between Fon Chafah and Ntumfor Nico Halle, because in spite of the misunderstanding none of them has insulted or denigrated another. We know that the practice of reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. Yet Corazon Aquino warns that “Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.”

After any slip or error, be it professional, social or otherwise it is always important to remember that, “You can't undo anything you've already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can seek forgiveness. And then let God do the rest.”

Northwesterners Qualified To Reconcile Fon Chafah And Ntumfor Nico Halle

El hadji Baba Danpullo

He is the peace loving and soft spoken multimillionaire business magnet and owner of the Ndawara ELBA Ranch. Baba Danpullo is known for his foresightedness and rallying force. He is also somebody who loves unity as he believes fervently that unity is strength. This is why he created SODELCO in 1993 to unite the indigenous Mbororos and seek common solutions to their perennial problems. Both Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah have cordial relationships with Baba Danpullo and he clearly knows the disposition of each of them and can serve as a perfect bridge between the two big wigs. El hadji Baba Danpullo knows the frank talk of Ntumfor Nico Halle, especially as Ntumfor Nico Halle immediately swung into action to diffuse the tension that mounted between the Santa population and Baba Danpulo about land. During the crisis meeting organised in the precincts of North West Governor’s office, Ntumfor Nico Halle played a vital role to strike a compromise between the population and Baba Danpullo. Reconciling Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah is necessary and Baba Danpullo stands a better chance given that both bigwigs are his friends and both respect him as he equally respects them.

El Hadji Lawan Bako

Nobody doubts the ability of El Hadji Lawan Bako in dousing any raging fire. He is a refined strategist with a listening ear and a very sweet convincing tongue. El Hadji Lawan Bako has served as proven negotiator and has reconciled families as well as members of the press. He knows how to calm down flaring tempers and is always up to any task. Because of his negotiating ability he has been solicited on many occasions to do the go-between the opposition and the government. It was because of his sense of direction and tact in handling explosive situations that he was chosen as the spokesperson of the Presidential majority. The advantage Lawan Bako has to bring Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah to the reconciliation table is the fact that he has always been a friend to the two and has often given them his point of view on many issues.

Rev Festus Asana, PCC Moderator

Ntumfor Nico Halle is Christian of the PCC in Cameroon. He is the CMF National President. Rev Festus Asana, the PCC Moderator is a Man of God who is concerned with the welfare of God’s flock here on earth. His social position and his passion for unity in the church and the society make him one of the perfect personalities to initiate reconciliation between Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah XI of Bangolan. Rev Festus Asana is a person who upholds the principles of justice and moral rectitude in society. It is of utmost importance that he does not end at preaching and praying for justice to prevail in society but also initiate moves that can unite individuals that form the nucleus of society.

Cardinal Christian Tumi

Cardinal Christian Tumi is a respected public figure and an opinion leader. His personal views and interpretation of varied issues affecting society has often always been taken for Gospel Truth, given that Cardinal Tumi is a high profile church minister that has a keen observation on society. The fact that Cardinal Tumi is quite respected, chances are that if he summons both Fon Chafah and Ntumfor Nico Halle, who are equally high brow personalities, they will respect his invitation. And like a father who likes to see all his children in harmony, Cardinal Tumi is better placed to talk peace into the ears of both Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah and reconcile them to contribute their own quota to the development of the North West Region.

Governor Lele L’Afrique

Any foresightedness and people-friendly civil administrator governs with the elite and the living forces of his area of command. This is when the elite of his area of command are united in purpose and duty. Fon Chafah and Ntumfor Nico Halle are both influential elite of the North West Region. If Ntumfor and Chafah are in unity and see from the same developmental prism, the task of governance of Governor Lele L’Afrique can be made easy in areas where these two personalities excel. And Governor Lele L’Afrique is in a pole position to reconcile them as he only needs to summon them and allow them to talk out their grievances. In the talking process, Governor Lele L’Afrique can pick out the common ground for conflict and seek lasting solutions to such personal conflicts that can wreck havoc to the development of an entire region.

Nkwenti Simon

Nkwenti Simon is a well known negotiator and has over the years settled conflicts between individuals, families, associations and church members. He has a very open mind, a listening ear, a proactive ability to nip trouble in the bud and can absolve heat without blinking his eyes. He is considered one of the rarest go-in betweens that the NW had ever produced in contemporary times. His proactive nature has resolved and settled many explosive situations in the North West Region. He has over the years through his gentle but firm nature in bargaining for better conditions for teachers gathered and garnered negotiating principles that he can use to bring Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah on the same talking wavelength. Nkwenti has the added advantage that Ntumfor Nico Halle just like Fon Chafah believes in him and his sincerity. Ntumfor Nico Halle has often delegated Nkwenti Simon to represent him in some public events that he could not personally attend.

 The 5 Big Fons

Traditional rulers are custodians of the traditions and customs of the people. They play the role of auxiliaries of the administration. They equally adjudicate traditional and social matters that erupt between their subjects. The North West Region has some paramount fons that are command a lot of respect and reverence and are usually referred to as the Big Fives. These are the fons of Nso, Kom, Bafut, Bali and Mankon. Luckily these Big Fives are no-nonsense traditional rulers and participated in crowning Nico Halle Ntumfor in 1999 in the Nkwen Fon’s Palace and most of them participated in his public presentation that took place in the Bamenda Municipal Stadium. The suspension of Ntumfor polarized the Big Fives. However, they have remained mute, except for the Fon of Bafut who has been wavering. It is obvious that Ntumfor Nico Halle and Fon Chafah would listen to the words of wisdom from these big fons and would be ready to bury their hatchet for the good of the region. These fons have remained mute all this while maybe because as fathers that are not supposed to be biased or partial, they expected their children to bring their problems to them before they could look for solutions to the problem. It is customary that unless a problem is brought before the fon for adjudication, he considers the problem as not existing. So will Fon Chafah break the ice by extending an olive branch to Ntumfor Nico Halle? One of them needs to take the first move and it should not be the one who has suffered the injustice of the reckless act. It is time to let go all negative sentiments and emotions and put on the cap of reason, thus giving peace a chance. We can only wish good luck to each and sundry that brings both bigwigs to the reconciliation table. We have played our own humble part. Posterity is the sole judge.

Forjindam’s Appeal And Verdict: Chasing Another Crime Not CNIC

Zaccheus Mungwe Forjindam, former Director General of the Cameroon Shipyard and the industrial Engineering, Chantier Naval has within two days received two devastating court judgments that has sent quivers through the spines of his family members, sympathizers and especially his lawyers that have all along burnt the midnight oil to proof his innocence of the financial impropriety accusations proffered on him. The Wouri Appeal Court slammed him a 15 year jail term on July 18, 2012 while the Wouri High Court meted a life prison term on him on July 20, 2012. Thus within two days, his fate has been sealed by the Douala Courts passing from an original sentence of 12 years on drummed-up charges that was on appeal to 15 years and later life jail. This unexpected twist that has come on the heels of popular expectation that Forjindam was to be freed is not strange to any keen observer of trials of those who have been rightly or wrongly tagged as members of the G11. Each member of the infamous cooked up G11 phenomenon that has been to court has seen a series of accusations brought against him.

Interestingly, all the cases on appeal of those considered to belong to the infamous G11, an appellation purportedly created to settle political scores, have all seen their prison terms increased on appeal. However, during all the appeals, most of the accusations are dropped, yet the prison terms have always been increased, giving away the idea that justice is out to chase the culprits for unexplained and hidden reasons and not to render equitable justice. In most of the cases, those accused are sentenced in piece meal with further accusations coming up each day to ensure that the accused remain in prison. A general overview of the cases of those accused of embezzlement, judged and sentenced and have appeal their cases, reveals that the prison terms have always increased, despite the fact that during the appeals, the judges drop some of the accusations raising hope in the minds of the incarcerated and their supporters only to nail these people at the end.

Titus Edzoa

Although Titus Edzoa was long arrested before the advent of the G11 phenomenon, his trial has followed the same pattern as that of the purported members of the G11. This is apparently so because Titus Edzoa himself resigned in 1997 because he wanted to challenge the Head of State, Paul Biya. He was arrested on drummed-up charges of embezzlement and incarcerated. After a court case that suffered numerous adjournments, he was given 15 years imprisonment. Titus Edzoa still nursed hopes of coming out and continuing with his political dream. He was shot in mid flight as two years to the end of his imprisonment; fresh accusations were proffered on him. He is in court and the investigating magistrate has asked for the matter to start afresh. Chances are that the new accusations will seal his fate as that proffered on Forjindam that gave him a life jail term.

Alphonse Siyam Siwé

On December 13, 2006, 13 people were condemned by the Bonanjo High Court for embezzlement of public funds at the Douala Ports Authority. Alphonse Siyam Siwé, former General Manager of that institution who was then serving as Minister of Mines and Water was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for what was referred to by the collegiate of judges that tried the case as gross embezzlement. Alphonse Siyam Siwé’s lawyers cried foul and immediately went on appeal. The Wouri Appeal Court on June 10, 2009 instead transformed the original 30 years imprisonment of Alphonse Siyam Siwé into life jail. Thus the appeal set a precedence and any appeal of the judgments of the members of the purported G11 have been following the same direction.

Edouard Etondé Ekoto

He was in the Cameroon Defense forces and went on voluntary retirement at a very tender age. His retirement was unexpected and the regime decided to put an eye on him. To make sure that he was kept at bay, he was appointed Government Delegate to the Douala City Council. As Board chairman of the Douala Ports Authority, Edouard Etondé Ekoto was on December 13, 2006 sentenced to 10 years imprisonment alongside 13 other co-accusers who received varied jail terms. His lawyers went on appeal and on June 10, 2009 his prison term of 10 years was increased to 15 years. But before his appeal went through, Edoaurd Etondé Ekoto was again dragged to court for other charges in January 2008. He was dragged to court alongside some of his former collaborators for embezzlement of funds at the Douala City Council. After several adjournments that infuriated Edouard Etondé Ekoto, it was decided that he had 15 other charges dangling over his head. Despite the abandonment of the accusations by some of those that initiated it, the State Prosecutor decided to hold all the abandoned charges on Etondé Ekoto. From the look of things, it appears only a life jail term is awaiting him as a means to completely keep him in prison.

Zaccheus Forjindam

Despite the numerous favourable twists that characterized the Forjindam’s appeal, giving hope that he was to be liberated, the unexpected still happened at the Wouri Appeal Court on July 18, 2012. Forjindam was slammed a 15 year jail term. Prior to the bomb shell unleashed by the Wouri Appeal Court, popular expectation was that Zaccheus Mungwe Forjindam who was sentenced by the Wouri High Court for 12 years was going to be acquitted by the Appeal Court. This general mode and expectation emanated from the way his lawyers handled the case during the appeal producing documents that absolve him from the accusations of embezzlement that were meted on him. But this was not going to happen as Forjindam was instead slammed 15 years, thus adding three years to his previous conviction of 12 years. During the appeal trial, the State Prosecutor had asked for a life sentence for Forjindam.  The State prosecutor’s wish was exorcised by the Wouri High Court. After sentencing him for 15 years, Forjindam was expected to turn up in court the next day to answer other charges of embezzlement brought against him by officials of Chantier Naval. Forjindam who was completely devastated by the 15 years handed to him by the Wouri Appeal Court refused to turn up for the court session that was scheduled for July 19, 2012. On July 20, 2012 the court handed him a life jail term in the case that accused him of the embezzlement FCFA 206 million.

Interestingly, before he was handed 15 years imprisonment and later a life jail term, some of the major accusations of embezzlement that were levied on Forjindam and on which base the Wouri High Court sentenced him to 12 years were dropped and instead of this giving a leeway for Forjindam’s acquittal or a drop in his jail term, the Wouri Appeal Court increased the number of years he has to be incarcerated. Many judicial analysts have interpreted the judgment of the Wouri Court as a paradox of paradoxes, especially as some co-accusers were acquitted while Forjindam was further nailed to the cross.

Without going through the details of the appeal and the verdict, which acquitted Forjindam of many of the previous accusations and refunded most of his seized movable and immovable properties, just for the Wouri High Court to slammed on him a life jail term, it could be observed that Forjindam’s case like most of the cases have been to chase another crime, be it imaginary or real in a bid to victimize some particular people.

Operation Epervier’s Segregations: Similar Crimes Different Jurisdictions.

What Compromise On Those Tried & Sentenced In Normal, Special Criminal Courts And Supreme State Audit?

 A phrase purely Cameroonian has come to stay in the psyche of the citizens. This phrase, whose mere mention sends jitters down the spines of people, because of its devastating effect, is what is known as Operation Epervier; roughly translated into the English Language as Operation Sparrow Hawk. Conventional wisdom has it that a hawk is a bird of prey, and that a hawk is clumsy and heavy and depends much on proper cover ups to pounce on its prey, thus guaranteeing its source of food and survival. A sparrow on the contrary is very fast, agile and exceedingly dexterous. Those who coined the word Sparrow Hawk must have had something ominous in their minds to combine the attributes of two birds of prey in one. Thus a Sparrow Hawk should surely be a fast and tricky predator that takes its prey by surprise. This is exactly what is happening with the Operation Epervier in Cameroon where most people who fall prey to the claws of the Sparrow Hawk are taken by surprise on mere suspicion and jailed, before charges are, if ever they are drummed-up to proffer on them.

What Is Operation Epervier?

It is the name given to the anti-corruption drive that was instituted in Cameroon in 2004 through pressure from foreign donors to curb corruption that had propel Cameroon to win the corruption trophy twice uncontested. On inception, Operation Epervier normally is supposed to be a judiciary procedure to judge those found guilty of corruption and embezzlement. It is not supposed to end at picking up people and incarcerating them but speedily trying them and recuperating the funds they are accused of haven siphoned. Unfortunately Operation Epervier is everything but this.  It has become an avenue for political score settling, tribal alienation and why not some ethnic cleansing. Paradoxically, Operation Epervier that was instituted under the government of Thomas Ephraim Inoni in 2004 today has Ephraim Inoni as one of the victims. Has the hunter become the hunted, many are asking. Yet circumstances of Inoni’s arrest and incarceration remain clouded with a lot of unanswered questions and polemic. People think he is a victim of circumstances as he had to be picked up to give the impression that the Operation Epervier was not out to victimize people from a particular region or that only one particular tribe had a penchant for siphoning the public purse.

Operation Epervier’s Segregations: One Weight Two Measures

Today more than 15 former Ministers and three scores of Directors are incarcerated in various cells and prisons for embezzlement of public funds. Some of them have passed through what is described as kangaroo trials and slammed prison terms while some are still in pre-trial detentions awaiting trials. What is making news is that Operation Epervier has apparently diverted from its original target of fighting corruption to fighting particular individuals who at one time showed their penchant for political power. Most of those held in detention are those who were one time tagged as the G11 in Cameroon, or better put those who wanted to contest the 2011 Presidential elections.

According to the universal principles of criminality, everybody is considered innocent until proven guilty. The Operation Epervier has reversed this universal principle and everybody is guilty and has the onus to prove that he/she is innocent. This is why most of the court cases of those arrested for embezzlement are frequently adjourned as the defense lawyers usually attack the cases for lack of substantive justifications of the charges proffered on those incarcerated.

At one time, it was circulated that Operation Epervier targeted only people from a particular region. Voices were raised by others to make sure that all the regions of Cameroon were touched as if to say that the Operation Epervier was out to victimize people and not to clean the system of corruption. And as if to ensure regional balance in the Operation Epervier individuals were surreptitiously picked up from the four cardinal points of the Republic. What make news is how justice is being rendered in the Operation Epervier as the methods used and the selective trials leave room for people to question the raison d’etre of Operation Epervier. Some people have been tried by the normal courts and sentenced. A special Criminal court has been created to try others with the possibility of them reimbursing the sums they are accused of and escaping imprisonment. Yet others are merely invited by the Supreme State Audit and tried in chambers with simple blames and requests for them to pay back what they have embezzled. Why should the same weight have two measures?

Selective Trials And Punishments

Operation Epervier is in its third phase now, yet some people who were arrested in the first phase are still to have a fair trial. Alphonse Siyam Siwé was slammed 30 years for accusations of embezzlement at the Douala Ports Authority in 2007. In 2008 former Minister of the Economy and Finance, Polycarpe Abah Abah and former Public Health Minister, Urbain Olanguena Awono and other collaborators were arrested on charges of embezzlement. Their trials have suffered numerous adjournments. Curiously, Polycarpe Abah Abah was speedily judged for a purported attempted escape from the Kondengui Central prison and slammed six years imprisonment, meanwhile the principal accusations of embezzlement levied on him is pending due to lack of sufficient charges.

According to the spirit of the newly created Special Criminal Tribunal, cases have a maximum of the three months to be trashed. And those found guilty can pay the embezzled amounts and regain their liberty. Marafa Hamidou Yaya and Yves Michel Fotso would be tried in line with the spirit of the new Criminal Court. The question is why should this Special Criminal Court not retry all the cases of embezzlement? This is because those who have been tried by the normal courts have been unduly punished for the same crime while those who will be tried by the Special Criminal Courts have the possibility of going unpunished. What qualifies a case to be tried by the normal courts and the Special Criminal Courts?

Marafa Hamidou Yaya was arrested alongside Ephraim Inoni. Marafa has already appeared in court while Ephraim Inoni has not. What is the cause of these selective trials that give the impression that some people are being favoured in the Operation Epervier? Actually, Yves Michel Fotso, Jerome Mendouga, former Cameroon ambassador to USA and Jean Marie Atangana Mebara were arrested for the same case that has taken Inoni and Marafa to prison. Presently it is only Marafa and Yves Michel Fotso appearing in court and not all those accused of embezzling funds destined for the purchase of the Presidential aircraft. Worst of all some culprits have already been sentenced on the same crime while others are still under judicial inquiries. What will become of the case if those still to be tried point accusing fingers on those already tried and acquitted in the same case?

Some of those who are incarcerated by the operation Epervier and their supporters are aghast with the different jurisdictions that are investigating embezzlement in Cameroon. Before their arrest some of them went through hell in the hands of the Judicial Police that grilled them for long hours, subjecting them to psychological torture. Others were picked up on the least suspicion of embezzlement or mere denunciation by CONAC or Supreme State Auditors and are now languishing in jail without any prove of embezzlement. Yet others that have been found wanting or have been denounced by the press as embezzlers are still parading the streets. Recently the Supreme State Audit made public the names of some people and the amounts they have misappropriated. Contrary to popular expectations, these personalities were merely asked to refund the amounts they embezzled with some little fines. This gives away the impression that any vote holder can embezzle funds, invest these funds and reap profits from these funds and repay them when found wanting. But this is happening when others are wallowing in jail for same economic crimes.

Are some people being protected is the question being asked by many political analysts. The fact that the same economic crime has different punishment has come to confirm the widely circulated notion that Operation Epervier is out to put at a comfortable distance all potential political challengers of the Head of State. This is further justified by the fact that when Titus Edzoa, former Secretary General at the Presidency and Health Minister who doubled as Paul Biya’s personal physician resigned in 1997 to challenge him in that year’s presidential elections, he was immediately arrested and charged for embezzlement. He was slammed 15 years and when he was just two years to the end of his jail term, new accusations were levied against him to make sure that he remained in jail. A close look at those who have been given heavy jail terms reveals that they are those whose names circulated in the media at one time in Cameroon as members of the G11.This is why Titus Edzoa, Atangana Mebara, Abah Abah, Olaguena Owono and others have maintained throughout their incarceration that they are being victimised for their political ambitions and not for embezzlement. Marafa Hamidou Yaya through his open letters has given away the same idea that he is being incarcerated for political reasons as he asked the Head of State not to take another mandate in 2004. Many are those who hold strongly that the Operation Epervier is a mere tool in the hands of the regime to instil discipline and victimize political adversaries and not a judiciary tool to render equitable justice. If not, why the flagrant discrepancy in judging the same crime in different jurisdictions with different sanctions?  

Bamenda III Council Begins Reaping From Linking With Korean City

By Tegha Otega

Fruits of the visit, last February of a delegation of 11 from South Korea have begun trickling to Bamenda III (Nkwen). Last Tuesday July 17, 2012 items with some 13 million FCFA was received by the Bamenda III population. The items shipped from the City of Suwong in South Korea, stretched from exercise books, footballs, dressing/sports outfits, bags to drugs. An inventory subsumed by the Bamenda III Mayor, Cletus Fonguh indicated 31 items of varied quantity.

At least 2000 people thronged the Nkwen fon’s palace last July 17, 2012 to be witnesses to the donations. Even Fon Ngufor of Nkwen and his counterpart of Njaa were also at hand to live history.

Mayor Fonguh told his people that the donation was an expression of the value and attachment, which Suwon city has for Bamenda III. He however hailed the people of Suwon city in particular and the Republic of South Korea in general, for their kindness and their high spirit of giving.

The Bamenda III mayor exploited the occasion to announce the arrival of another delegation of 15 to 20 people from South Korea to Bamenda III this December. He said they would be more practical. Chronicle gathered that these would be experts in the domains of health, agriculture, education, who would be assigned to hospitals and health centres, schools and farming groups within Bamenda III.

A lot is expected to be derived from this new found relationship between Bamenda III and Suwon city. Already, mayor Fonguh has initiated some income generating projects with the city of Suwon. The mayor announced the creation of a goat ranch and a small slaughter house for goats; then the training of five (5) people from Bamenda III in Suwon, on modern agricultural practices. Also, Bamenda III is negotiating for the acquisition of heavy duty equipments such as a dump truck, an excavator and a front-end loader. This to be acquired thanks to the link with Suwong city.

Present at the handing over of the gift was Dr. Tandia Venasius Tandjong. He is a native of Bamenda III but presently resides in Korea. He is the brain behind the twinning between Bamenda III council and Suwon city. Dr. Tandia is a university professor in South Korea, a country where he has lived for the past 12 years. At one time, he was the president of the Cameroon community in Korea, which at the time had just 20 registered Cameroonians. Today, but of the 600 registered Cameroons in Korea, 20 are from Nkwen (Bamenda III).

According to Dr. Tamdia, the gifts were just a beginning to the friendship. He said Bamenda III would reap more, especially in the domain of education training, agriculture, medicine and a lot more. He said even students from Bamenda III intending to pursue further studies in Korea, would be offered special scholarships by the city of Suwon.

“Let’s all in Bamenda III know that we have had a new and great friend”, he averred urging that Nkwen people should learn to be collaborative and appreciative as more would come.

Town Crier No 315

Country people

I salute you once more after two weeks of silence. Circumstances beyond my control made it impossible for me to address you last week. And as you can guess I have a lot to gist you about. I will begin with this question which has been boggling the minds of virtually all Cameroonians: Where is Mama Chantoux? Don’t ask me what business I have with somebody’s kofngom. Mama Chantoux was or is not only Popoul’s kofngom; she is the mother of the nation just like Winnie Mandela was to South Africa. So where is she? Scandals tongue has been wagging. Some say she is in yankeeland, Obama’s country and still others, that she fell from a horse and is on crutches. There is also this allegation that she is in France assisting her mum who is sick. I don’t want to ask if she is a doctor or a nurse because all kofngoms are natural nurses. The wildest rumour is that she is pregnant. If she is, what is wrong with that? We need more children to replace those dying of HIV/AIDS, hunger and general hardship. Pregnancy is a source of pride of every woman. When she was pregnant for Junior and Brenda, she proudly displayed her tommy in public. Even if she is pregnant for someone else, what is mighty wrong with that? A child is a child. Afterall, did she not have twins with someone else before she met Popoul? Popoul’s silence on the whole issue boils down to impunity and taking Cameroonians for granted not bothering about how they feel. This is a woman who ran a foundation that helped children, the destitute et al. She owned the circle of friends of Cameroon, although I wonder how Cameroonians can be friends of Cameroon. She ran a synergy for AIDS in all Africa. In short, a generally loved person who won the admiration of the United Nations, reason why she was honoured with the prestigious title “Ambassador of Goodwill”. The very contrast of the uninspiring Linda Yang who now replaces her at CERAC since May 20, 2012. She has not been seen in public. And this is a lady who proudly accompanied her husband during all exciting outings especially in Switzerland and France. Is she is angry because Popoul is no longer going to Europe? Now Popoul is heading to Congo without her. I am surprised he is even going. I am saying so because he hardly attends international summits. Like the recent AU Summit in Addis Ababa. That was the summit that saw his friend, Jean Ping ousted as President of the AU commission. He however demonstrated sportsmanship qualities by sending a congratulatory message to Nkosa Zuma, estranged wife of Jacob Zuma, South African President who won. Jacob Zuma! That guy is a real he-goat. Too many women and divorcing some. Popoul boycotted another Africa-China summit. Although meant for Finance Ministers, African leaders were interested. These are really hard times for Popoul, country people. The man is left with no option than to increase the price of petrol to 700 FCFA per litre. That is very risky. You remember what happened in 2008. The February riots. Already the North is like a key of sun powder waiting only for a match to be struck. A “C” delegation led by the very unimpressive Jean Nkuete was in Garouaq to try and calm tempers ahead of Marafa’s trial which begins in Yaounde tomorrow. But the people there have vowed not to listen to anything. They want Marafa and Haman Adama released. In a bid to calm tempers Popoul is contemplating the appointment of other equally popular Nordists. The names on many lips are Mohammadou Badjika Ahidjo, Bayeno Fadhil and the controversial Iya Mohammed. Meanwhile, the Marafa trial has effectively begun. You surely saw the mammoth crowd that turned out at the Mfoundi high court shouting “president! President!” referring to Marafa. He waved back at them smiling. The case promises to be exciting, especially with the prospect of SDF National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi in court. The trial will go on non-stop that is daily until judgment is imminent to contain the crowds. Nothing is being heard about Inoni. South West is very uncomfortable about his continued detention. They want him released as a precondition for participation in the golden jubilee celebration of Cameroon’s reunification.

Now the case of Titus Edzoa. What a trickster this Popoul surely is! What was the purpose of postponing the matter to June 30? The excuse by Justice Nomo Marie Zanga was that the college of judges had changed. But we understand that this is just a delay tactic to come up with fresh charges against him. The most disheartening is the case of Zacheus Forjindam. This is the person who championed the campaign for Popoul’s mandate to be extended. Today, he is not only in prison. An appeal intended to free him ahs instead resulted in life jail. What irony. Who said an Epervier victim can ever win an appeal case. Siyam Siewe who took an appeal against his 35 year jail term also got life jail. Talking about Epervier, ‘S’ which was most vocal against “C” calling “C” members Chop People Dem Money party should talk again. Tenoh Lawrence “S” mayor of Batibo imposed by John Ntarinkon is in Epervier’s dragnet. Tenoh stepped on many toes in Batibo, reason why Batibo people have been rejoicing over the arrest which took place last Wednesday night. Tenoh is not alone; the mayors of Mbengwi, Babessi, Balikumbat, Ndop are in the same pot of soup. Those who chop alone should fight alone. Glory be to God on high and on earth, peace to men of goodwill. Embezzlers are people of bad faith. Therefore, no peace for them. Peace to Moslem faithfuls who are beginning their fasting. The moon was seen last July 19 night. Christians also fast. Fasting strengthens the individual spiritually because it means deliberately denying oneself kofngoming and reducing food and drink intake. Those going to medina for the 2012, Hadj will have to pay 1.8 million FCFA and to go through Ethiopia Airways, not CAMAIRCO. What paradox. CAMAIR is clearly another humpty dumpy. Can we say the same about the indomitable lions of the Cameroon Audio Visual Organ? At least for its commercial service, CMCA which has gone bankrupt. The announcement was made at its 38^th extraordinary session which held or 12 hours, Issa Tchiroma, Board Chairman sang its dimitis - he pronounced CMCA clinically dead. It was an outfit created for people to chop. CMCA is dead as Sam Mbende’s CMC which culture minister, The Tutu woman had dissolved. Anybody who thinks he can fight and win a war against the government is wasting his time. You may win a battle as Sam Mbende did against Tutu Muna, but she has used executive powers to triumph. A house divided against itself cannot stand. I am talking here about the North West Fons Union. You know of the long standing imbroglio between Ntumfor and Fon Chafah. Fon Chafah has extended an olive branch to Ntumfor. But who is there to reconcile them? Only credible North West elite like El Hadj Lawan Bako, Alhadji Baba Danpullo, Ntumkwifon Simon Nkwenti, Cardinal Tumi and PCC Moderator, the Right Reverend Dr. Festus Asana. Fellow fons like the Big Five fons can while we are waiting for the peace makers North West to put on their mediation caps, let us turn to something more preoccupying - the problem of unemployment. Cameroonians think they can eat their cocoyams and have it when the regime announced the recruitment of 25.000 youths, Cameroonians didn’t read the handwriting. Those who were not recruited thought they would enter the public service through the routine concours. Where are the concours today? There is even no gombo to pay those 25.000. I pity the directors of ENS, ENSET, CUSS, Polytech. But who even cares about these schools? Hello to Professor Edokat. Thanks to your able leadership, UBa is waxing strong, unlike UB which is yet to recover after the chaotic leadership of Titanji.

Farewell Fidelis Chwenko, SCNC SG. You lived a purposeful life and died at 64 having never been ill even once. This means God loved you. Southern Cameroonians love you too, reason you merit a state funeral - raising of the Southern Cameroons flag, singing of the national anthem and draping your coffin in the Southern Cameroon colours of white and blue. Adieu too, Dr Linus Asong, prolific writer humourist and teacher of ENS UBa. He was indeed gifted and it is no surprise he belongs to the 99 sense clan whose indigenes can only sell cocks and not hens to strangers. You understand the logic. Hens would lay eggs and you would derive profit. You can only kill and eat the cocks. Farewell. A long farewell to the mum of Bochong Francis Nkwain. She died at 100 years. Before then, still cooking fufu corn (fufu corn or abain) for her son. Her funeral was a crowd puller; a clear proof of Bochong’s popularity. Thank God the eloquent Bochong didn’t take advantage of the mammoth crowd to launch campaigns for “C” as once did commandant Kissamba Nguo Woungly Massaga during his father’s funeral. Bochong is too wise a man and a diplomat to spoil his mother’s funeral like the proverbial lizard. Talking about diplomacy. Nothing fails like negotiations and calls for peace in the heat of a bloody war in which non of the parties is too angry to listen. That is the failure experienced by Kofi Annan, former UN scribe. His mission ended on Friday after Russia and China voted for the third time a UN resolution on Syria. Kofi Annan and his 300 member UN team are left with no option than to quit Syria. Britain and France have expressed indignation with the behaviour of Russia and China. But these Oyibos are hypocrites. If they had interests in Syria as they had in Libya, they would have intervened even from behind the scenes by supplying arms to the free Syrian army. But God is on the side of the freedom fighters. Despite their open support for the tyrants president Assad, the rebels are determined and are succeeding. The fact that they were able to kill four top officials of the Assad regime, including his brother-in-law and defence minister proves they have successfully infiltrated Assad’s inner circle. We shouldn’t be surprised any time from now to hear Assad himself has been assassinated. So let Kofi Annan and Ban-ki-Moon continue meeting Russian President Vladimir and the Chinese leader. The great question of the day in Syria will not be settled by UN resolutions, but by blood and iron. And trust Arabs. Once they have told their leader ‘you must go’ there is absolutely nothing you can do except eliminate all of them. It happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya.

Great Libya. At last your sons and daughters have embraced democracy in its pure form. The final results of parliamentary elections are out. The first of its kind in 50 years. The National Forces Alliance led by ex-interim PM Mamoud Jibril won 39 seats and the Moslem Brotherhood only 17 seats. This is a stern warning to Islamic extremists that the majority of Libyans are not interested in Sharia law or any form of Islamic fundamentalism. The Libyan election commission said there was 62% participation which makes the election not only legitimate, but also legal. There were also 120 independent candidates. This places Libya decades ahead of Cameroon where independent candidacy is still a pipe-dream. I forgot to include in my list of the faithful departed, Ahmed Souleymane, former spy of ousted Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak. I hate spies because they breathe down people’s necks. They cause the deaths or downfall of unsuspecting people. But then when spies the way of all flesh, we can’t help saying ‘adieu’ to them. Therefore Adieu Ahmed Souleymane who died in a yankee hospital at 76. Last week he was sent back to jail from hospital where he had been placed under intense medical care. It was predicted accurately that he wouldn’t survive. He had tried but failed to run for president. I don’t know if that was the cause of the heart attack that killed him or it only contributed.

Country people, I sympathize with people who struggle to stay alive, but are taken away by the cold hand of death, not people who deliberately engage on risky behaviour. I am talking here about Lagosians who construct houses on stilts in the Lagoon. That is why I agree with the governor of Lagos state, Nigeria who recently demolished such illegally constructed homes and saved thousands from inevitable death. Everybody must not live in town. The villages have enough space for everybody. The lagoon dwellers are not different from those who dwell in slums at Briquitterie and other slumps in Yaounde and Douala. Listen to these scums of the earth boasting: “I live in Yaounde, I live in Douala” without stating that they live in areas where their front door faces the toilets of their neighbours and filthy water and faeces abound everywhere.

Long live Nelson Mandela. Who could believe that at 94 you could still be alive? You are the greatest man in the world in terms of achievement. No doubt the strongest in arms Obama admires you for your humility. Even your ex-wife, Winnie, still respects you just as your present, Gracia. That is why they flanked you at your birthday ceremony. The Mandela birthday committee dedicated 67 minutes to communal labour to commemorate the 67 days you spent in public life including that in prison. South Africa is a nation of great men or women. Congrats once more Nkosa Zuma, estranged wife of Jacob Zuma who is the new AU chairperson after beating Jean Ping, a frog. This shows how advanced Africa is on gender issues. A kofngom as AU chair is indeed a feat. While the African continent is advancing in terms of accommodating dissenting views, the Middle East remains the bastion of intolerance. From all indications, a bomb blast that killed and wounded several Israelite tourists in Bulgaria has the hidden hand of Iran as indicated by Ehud Barrack defence minister and PM Netanyahu. Iran has vowed to wipe Israel from the map of the Middle East. This is one reason it has constructed a nuclear plant. I love Israelites even though they killed Christ. At least, they helped Christ fulfill their mission. But what I hate them for is their not embracing Christianity. But I love their democracy. No imposing of views on anybody. That is why there general election whenever there is political stalemate like the threat by the radical Kadima party to pull out of the coalition with PM Netanyahu’s party. But what puzzles me is why people don’t get tired of the same faces in politics. Every day we hear of Netanyahu, Ehud Barrack, Vladimir Putin. The evil that men do lives after them. Former Chadian leader, Hissene Habre will face trial at last for crimes committed against his people while in office. The international court of justice ruled that he be extradited from Senegal and face trial in Belgium, Chad or at The Hague. But Senegalese president, Macky Sall has objected, saying he should face trial in Senegal. But in my opinion, Hissene Habre should be tried in Chad where he committed the crimes. Justice should not only done, but seen to have been done. It should also serve as a warning to idryss Derby, another tyrant. If Charles Taylor or any of the warlords in Congo were tried and sentenced where they committed the crimes the impact would have been different.

Good news all those who live in constant dread of HIV/AIDS. Travada, a blue pill manufactured by the Yankees has been recommended as a preventive. It has been sued since 2004. But scientists say it does not replace condoms. But why should we bother ourselves with a drug that costs 10.000 euros a year when Anti-Retrovirals (although with all the obnoxious side effects) are for free. Changes are sometimes uncalled for but we find ourselves making them. At least, for the sake of novelty. That is probably whey the BBC is carrying out several reforms at a time. Network Africa, is being replaced by ‘Outlook’. The situation is the reverse in Cameroon. Instead of change, FM stations could go off the air in Yaounde. In Abakwa FM stations are facing several transmission problems. I am sure Tchiroma is happy now. Remember he took government grant meant for the struggling Cameroon and gave to BBC whose budget is equal to that of Cameroon. Talk about taking corn meant for domestic birds and throwing to bush fowls. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. You have heard. Hence our sports gist G4S, a renowned international company has not been able to meet up with a deal to provive 10.000 security guard for the London Olympics, obliging Britain to fill the gap with military men and police. The games come up this week. Concerning the London Olympics, there is already a scandal at the level of Cameroon. 33 athletes are going but up to 80 officials. Why more officials than players? Just to chop state gombo. Francoise Mbango, the triple jump star who made Cameroon proud will not be in London. She took advantage of her short term popularity to neutralize as a French citizen but started by getting pregnant. She did not even qualify at the preliminaries. Serve her right. Butterfly who thinks herself a bird. And now the lions with their usual wahala. Coach Denis Lavagne wants Eto’o replaced as indomitable lions captain. But does Eto’o care? He is already a big businessman. He owns jets which he gives out on hire. He will soon be launching ‘Set mobile” a new mobile telephone company and the fourth in Cameroon after MTN, Orange and Camtel. We wish him well. But take heart, Microsoft ware which I almost forgot. Microsoft recently announced a loss of over 5 million dollars the first in its 26 years existence. Five years ago, it spend 5 billion dollars on adverts. Imagine just one million dollar in your town crier’s pockets. They would be bulging like those of John Ntarinkon who pockets party funds including state subventions the amounts Popoul gave him when he (John Ntarinkon) lost his kofngom and when Popoul visited Abakwa.

Tenoh, 1st SDF Official Caught In Operation Epervier

- Fright Grips Andek, Mbengwi, Babessi, Ndop, Balikumbat Mayors

By Tetuh Mbah

Lawrence Ndangoh Tenoh, goes on record as the first SDF official to be wrapped-up in the “Sparrow Hawk Operation” (Operation Epervier). He is the SDF mayor for Batibo, Hon Joseph Mbahndam’s constituency. Mayor Tenoh was picked up last Thursday July 18, 2012 in Batibo and ferried to Bamenda. Tenoh has spent four (4) nights at the Bamenda prison. His crime? Misappropriation of 17.3 million FCFA. Two other SDF mayors (Babessi and Mbengwi) as well as the three CPDM mayors (Ndop, Balikumbat and Andek) are also being trailed. Chronicle gathered that their arrest too is inevitable.

Tenoh was arrested following a complaint that he misappropriated some 18 million FCFA being revenue derived from communal stamps. He had even paid-in 700.000 FCFA. Yet, in the list of mayors involved in the racket, Tenoh did not have the highest amount. Many have questioned why he is the first to be picked up.

Following Chronicle’s investigations other complaints compounded Tenoh to be arrested first. Sources at the legal department hinted Chronicle that a complaint had been tabled about Tenoh’s doubtful handling of finances as Batibo mayor.

It is alleged that he connived with MABECAM, the contractor executing the construction of the Batibo council chambers to siphon some 210 million FCFA, meant for the project. Worse still, Tenoh has been soliciting for some 99 million FCFA to be augmented by FEICOM, for same project.

Tenoh’s handling of sensitive issues, like the youth centre, had since received wide criticisms. He is said to have carried the centre to his native Tiben village. Worse still, the fact that he okayed the construction of a market at Ofen-Tiben, his village at some 50 million FCFA has raised dust.

Reacting to Tenoh’s arrest, Councillor Elias Nwati, loser at the SDF district chairmanship race in Batibo regretted Tenoh’s arrest. He told Chronicle that proper investigations would have first been conducted before the arrest. Nwati said Batibo is restive except CPDM militants who have been jubilating. Nwati qualified Tenoh’s arrest as “political victimization to tarnish the image of SDF”, though posited that “the law should take its course”.

Fon Teche Njei, CPDM section president for Momo east and central committee member simply told Chronicle on phone that “justice should take its course”. He said since Cameroon is a state of law and the courts are independent, “if Tenoh is found guilty, he should be persecuted”.

Walters Mudoh, the APF coordinator for Batibo (Ben Muna’s party) and aspirant to take over the Babito council, regretted Tenoh’s arrest: “I don’t jubilate to see a comrade politician behind bars”. Mudoh said the rule of the law should however take its course, adding that “I want to win elections by merits, not by a situation”.

Chronicle gathered that Tenoh had to be tricked to appear in court. He was then whisked off to Bamenda, where the state counsel is said to have remanded him in custody at the Bamenda prison. Chronicle learnt that efforts by Barristers Eric Mbah and Akum Henry Ajime to release him on bail were futile. Hon Mbahndam is said not to have visited Tenoh in prison by press time.

Chronicle gathered that Tenoh testified during investigations that he was duped to buy stamps. Allegations are rife that the middle man is a certain Emmanuel Backs, who presently is said to be in very bad shape. Chronicle gathered that this has been a deal stroke by most mayors, wherein they collect stamps and auction them to a middle-man at a give-away cost, then pocket the money.

Apart from Tenoh, other mayors involved in this same racket include:

For CPDM - Agogho Johnny of Andek (34 million); Ntoh Daniel of Ndop (9.795.000) just as Wasum Augustine of Balikubat.

For SDF mayors - Tah George Mbah of Mbengwi (20 million  FCFA) and Tikanjoh Stephen of Babessi (21.8 million FCFA).

Other exceptional cases involved, include: Amahndong Godwill (1^st deputy mayor of Njikwa). He had paid 1 million out of 33.8 million FCFA; Awanakam Godlove (former SDF mayor of Andek) - 4 million FCFA; Mbou Wilfred (former mayor of Mbiame) – 6 million FCFA and Kum Simon Buh, a businessman in Mbiame at 8 million FCFA. All the money misappropriated amounts to 163.690.000 FCFA.

Kumbo: Tasha Told To Get Back To SDF

- CPDM Bui I Section President Sidelined In Contracts

By Shey Wirba

Shey Lawrence Tasha no longer pulls the same weight he used to, when he headed Amity Bank. Even within CPDM circles, he is hushed down like a child, given his enigmatic fall. Chronicle gathered that Hon Fidelis Nji, a central committee member even had bitter words for Tasha. This, Chronicle learnt was a preparatory meeting in Bamenda, ahead of the CPDM sensitization seminar which took place in Kumbo on Saturday July 14, 2012. A seminar, which almost saw Shey Ngah Mashu, the Bui I section president exchanging blows with Fonyeh Francis, special adviser to Prime Minister Philemon Yang and leader of the CPDM central committee delegation to the meeting.

Ahead of the seminar, which took place at the CPDM secretariat at Tobin, Tasha was involved in a brawl in Bamenda. At a preparatory meeting, Tasha is said to have cried out against his ‘stolen victory’ in the Bui I section presidential race. Irked by the postulation, which is common with the opposition SDF of Ni John Fru Ndi, Hon Nji Fidelis is quoted to have told off Tasha.

The Assembly Questor is said to have rebuked Tasha for always complaining and shouting at meetings; “It is better you go back to your SDF; CPDM doesn’t tolerate recalcitrant CPDM militants”, Hon Nji is quoted to have told-off Tasha.

The CPDM seminar was exploited by Bui militants to urge President Biya to transform Kumbo into a city council. To commentators, this is the only strategy to push out the all powerful SDF mayor, Donatus Njong Fonyuy from the council. Chronicle is aware that Njong virtually dictates political life in Kumbo. It is believed that his continuity as SDF mayor can only be attained, should Kumbo be transformed into a city council with a CPD militant appointed as Government Delegate.

Meanwhile, the Bui I CPDM seminar was explosive for one thing: Shey Ngah Mashu, the section president is quoted to have told-off Fonyeh Francis. Chronicle gathered that Mashu had been irritated given that for the last 2 years, he has not been awarded any contract. Being a contractor therefore, he is said to have questioned, how the authorities think he survives.

Mashu, Chronicle learnt qualified Fonyeh as a gossip: that he is allegedly the one who has blackmailed him (Mashu) to the Prime Minister and even the dynamic and transparent Senior Divisional Officer, SDO. To this, Chronicle further gathered that this accounts why Mashu has not been able to obtain a contract for over 2 years now.

Attempts by Ndonde Mesape Bernard, the level-headed Bui SDO to reconcile both Mashu and Fonyeh, Chronicle learnt were futile. Mashu is quoted to have stood his grounds, in accessing Fonyeh as a gossip and a brickwall to the development of CPDM in Bui I. according to reports, Mashu allegedly told Fonyeh that he (Mashu) remains a contractor and would remain and die as one.

The award of contracts in Bui, Chronicle is aware is done in the most transparent of manners. It is the SDO who heads the contracts commission in the division. Yet, Mashu believes that contracts must be given first to CPDM officials, even if they don’t execute it well. Mashu messed-up his case, when he allegedly said the SDO should know that in his division of origin (Kupe Muanenguba), contracts are given first to CPDM bigwigs. Mashu, Chronicle learnt became furious when a certain Moyelle Johnson, an SDF councilor was awarded a contract by the Bui tenders board.

Fru Ndi To Storm Yaounde For Marafa’s Case?

By Tetuh Mbah

When Christian Cardinal Tumi appeared at the Mfoundi high court in Yaounde last year and took position with Jean Marie Atangana Mebara, many brows were raised. Cardinal Tumi had long clarified why he went to court to sympathize with someone charged with the embezzlement of state funds. From Tuesday July 24, 2012 when the Marafa embezzlement case would resume, the one prominent face expected to be in court would be Ni John Fru Ndi.

Last weekend, Ntarinkon sources hinted Chronicle that the SDF National Chairman would be in Yaounde, yet did not specify the exact date/day. Chronicle was told that given indications that the Marafa matter would be heard on a daily basis, Fru Ndi would be there on one of the days.

The presence of the SDF National Chairman at the Mfoundi high court may generate more excitement especially as Marafa himself has been a center of attraction. When he first appeared in court last week (on July 16, 2012) over 3000 people were around the precincts of the court. Marafa was given a standing ovation as he alighted the bus that brought him to court.

Troops had been deployed to keep order, yet without intimidating anyone. The excitement outside the court was moreso, given the headache which Marafa has given the Biya regime, with his four (4) letters. The curious crowd gave him a rapturous ovation and even asked to know when his 5^th letter would be released.

Marafa’s 4^th letter remains the most deadly and has set the Biya regime in utter consternation. It was in the 4^th letter that Marafa unveiled the mafia that surrounded the 1995 Camair plane crash. In it, he alleged that Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who was Minister of Transport at the time, needs to be questioned about the whereabouts of some 32.5 billion FCFA meant to compensate victims of the crash.

When the Marafa issue first came up last week, Justice Gilbert Schlick adjourned the case for this week. He said the matter would be heard on a daily basis, until the verdict is passed. The matter was adjourned given complains that the defence lawyers had not laid hands on the case file. It is even Prof Kofele Kale, SDF Shadow Cabinet Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is the lead counsel.

This is where Fru Ndi is connected to the matter. Marafa’s case, Chronicle gathered even came up on the floor of the last National Executive Committee, NEC meeting some 10 days ago. Critics have however not been comfortable with the fact that the same Marafa, whom Fru Ndi dragged to court for telling lies about him, should be the same person he should be backing in a case of embezzlement.

The Mfoundi high court wants Marafa to clear himself over the whereabouts of 24 billion FCFA, meant for the purchase of the dreaded presidential plane, the Albatros. Marafa was Secretary General at the Presidency at the time and handled the file.

Arrested alongside Chief Ephraim Inoni, former Prime Minister some 2 months ago, Marafa was detained at Kondengui. He was later transferred to the Gendarmerie, SED headquarters, where Chronicle learnt his detention conditions there were bteer. It is believed that because the case has a lot to do with the life of the presidential family given credence why the matter is being handled with utmost care.

Biya in Congo For CEMAC Without Chantal Again?

By Yussuf Sariki

For quite sometime now President Paul Biya has been absent from the international scenario with his wife. He has seldom undertaken an international trip without Chantal. Even the last African Union, AU Summit at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was conspicuously absent. Yet, Biya sent a congratulatory message to the South African Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, for her election as AU Commission President. If President Biya was not in Ethiopia, it is highly probable that he would be in Brazzaville Congo this week. But would Biya be there with his wife Chantal?

Last week, Prime Minister Philemon Yang, granted audience to Isidore Mvoba, an envoy of the Congolese President, Denis Sassou Ngueso. The envoy handed a sealed envelop for Yang to transmit it to President Biya. Though the content was unknown, Chronicle gathered that it couldn’t have been outside a reiteration for President Biya to attend the Economic and Custom Union of Central African States, CEMAC Summit this week in Brazzaville-Congo.

Should President Biya respect the rendezvous in Brazzaville, his entourage may not include his wife, Chantal who has conspicuously been absent from public view for quite sometime. Nobody knows the whereabouts of Chantal Biya.

When last May 20, she was absent from the grandstand parade at the May 20^th Avenue, many thought it was just a strategy. But when she was not present at the evening banquet at the unity palace, it drew many speculations.

Chantal Biya has traditionally been beside her husband for almost every official outing. She was conspicuously absent when President Biya laid the foundation stone for the Memve’ele project. Another gigantic project under President Biya’s grand realization agenda, is also going to take Biya to the East region. He is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Lom Panger project soon. Should Chantal still be absent, many questions as to her whereabouts would still be posed.

The civil cabinet at the presidency is probably aware about the worries of Cameroonians about the whereabouts of their pretty, charming and accommodating first lady. Yet, no one has come out to make clarifications; not even Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Communication Minister. Perhaps, given that it could become an intrusion into the private life of the presidential couple, reason why there has been silence.

Meanwhile the CEMAC summit would be holding at the heels of the Central African sub region, having lost a major election. Jean Ping, the African Union, AU Commission President was beaten by the South African Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Jean Ping hails from Gabon, a CEMAC member state. He was imposingly in Yaounde 2 years ago during celebrations marking the 50^th anniversary of Cameroon’s independence. He had since been seen as a close Biya ally. It is even unclear to whom the Cameroon delegation at the AU Summit voted for.

But last week, President Biya played the diplomacy to extend a message of congratulations to the South African. And this could be understandable, given Cameroon’s bilingual character and Commonwealth and Francophonie membership. Implicitly, Cameroon is supposed to be comfortable with either or French or English speaking candidate.

Forjindam Slammed 15 Years; Thereafter Life Jail Sentence

Manipulation or Reality?

- Verdict Appealed To The Supreme Court

By IO Fossung

Zacheus Mungwe Forjindam, former Director General of Chantier Naval (CNIC), as per last week’s verdict would die in prison. The Wouri high court in Douala, hit the final nail on Forjindam’s coffin last Friday, July 20, 2012. Probably ‘planned’, and coming on the heels of an appeal court ruling Forjindam was sanctioned like his Anglophone folk, Alphonse Siyam Siewe. His life jail term came a day after the Littoral court of appeal instead jailed him for 15 years; whereas 2 years ago, in a verdict slammed by the Wouri high court, Forjindam was sentenced to 12 years and all his property seized.

Forjindam’s appeal court ruling last Wednesday July 18, was remarkable for one thing: out of the seven (7) counts which Forjindam was sentenced of, by the Wouri high court, Forjindam was discharged and acquitted of five (5) counts. It could have been six (6), yet as the court proffered, because he did not supervise his cashier.

The Littoral court of appeal headed by Justice Minko Minko ruled that Forjindam was guilty of the 7^th count, because he failed to control his Director of Finance, a certain Antoine Njambe and his collaborators.

Unlike the high court ruling some 2 years ago, the appeal court verdict though nailed Forjindam to serve 15 instead of 12 years in jail was more considerate. Accordingly, all his property, cars and bank accounts that were frozen were given back. Yet, the court cited that his plots at Nkwen, Santa all totally four (4) plots with land titles he acquired after 2004 were frozen.

Implicitly with the appeal court ruling last week, all his property: cars, land and houses that were confiscated have been recovered. Even his residence at Up-station Bamenda and Bonanjo-Douala have still been left for him, unlike the last Wouri high court ruling.

Yet, analysts pinpoint that Forjindam is merely nailed by Laurent Esso, Minister of State in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals.

Lawyers pursuing the Forjindam file have not give up. Chronicle has been told that it is a matter meant for the last. Accordingly, because Forjindam’s lawyers claim he is innocent and merely being scape-goated, he has to be defended to the last. To this, Chronicle was told that Forjindam’s file is inelastic.

A file, by press time, Chronicle has been told, had been prepared and deposited at the supreme court. Chronicle further gathered that Forjindam had still been claiming his innocence.

(Read Manawa on page 9, on how Operation Epervier victims have seldom survived the hook).