Nkwain Unites CPDM & SDF At Mother’s Funeral

- Jean Nkuete & Fru Ndi Share Meal On Same Table

By Eric Motomu

Bochong Francis Nkwain, is a household name in Cameroon politics: A diplomat, former minister and presently a CPDM central committee member and Board chairman of the University of Dschang. Bochong Nkwain does not hide himself as an apostle of President Paul Biya. Yet, last Saturday July 21, 2012, his ‘Diplo-Lodge’ residence at Njinikom Boyo division, harboured leaders of varied political sheds. Jean Nkuete, the ruling CPDM Secretary General sat on same table with Ni John Fru Ndi, the SDF National Chairman. They ate together and shared pleasantries in a lighter mood, during the funeral of Bochong Nkwain’s mother.

Nini Thecla Neng Nakeh (1901 to 2012) was laid in state at the family sanctuary, besides Bochong Nkwain’s Diplo Lodge last Saturday. Her death last July 13, 2012, was christened “Celebrating Transition”.

At 111 years, Bochong’s mother could be considered as one of the oldest persons that lived. Yet, what made her funeral very explosive remains the pedigree of her son, Bochong Nkwain. Being a man of fame and onion, Nkwain pulled the big, the strong and the famous to Njinikom.

Groundbreaking Attendance

At least 5000 mourners stormed the St Anthony parish at Njinikom and Bochong’s Diplo-Lodge to share in his agony. The list was unending: Jean Nkuete (CPDM central committee secretary general), Ni John Fru Ndi (SDF National Chairman), El Hadj Lawan Bako (UDP National Chairman).

Also, ELECAM Board Chairman, Dr. Samuel Fonkam Azu’u was at Njinikom, just as ex-Governors Fai Yengo Francis and Eno Abrams Egbe. The Prime Minister’s wife, Dr. Linda was operating in the background.

El Hadj Baba Ahmadou Danpullo, the greatest industrialist Cameroon can be proud of, took time off to condole with Bochong. Despite witnessing the commencement of Ramadan with its difficulties, El Hadj Danpullo was at the St Anthony Parish, then at Diplo Lodge to condole with Bochong and witness the burial of his mum.

Being a CPDM central committee bigwig, Nkwain was not left alone by his folk from North West, to mourn his mum. The soft spoken and accommodating Pa Nchou Joseph Adu, a central committee member and Mme Regina Mundi, the lone female politbureau member from North West, were at Njinikom too.

Other faces who caught Chronicle’s attention, included a crack team from the University of Dschang, led by the Rector, Prof Anaclec Fomedet. The Boyo administration with the SDO, David Embe and Njinikom DO were conspicuously present. Dr. Nwana Sama Bernard, Secretary General of the Chamber of Agriculture just as Prof Uphie Chinje Melo, Director of the local material production centre MIPROMALO, were also at Njinikom. Even the SDF mayor Ngong Chiatoh David and MPs, Njong Evaristus and Ntam James were there. Also Vincent Nji Ndumu, the dynamic mayor of Bamenda city and pretty wife, were conspicuously present.

Euphoria: From Church To Graveside

Some observers, confided in Chronicle that but not of the trappings of Bochong Nkwain, Nini Thecla Neng Nakeh would have died unnoticed. Her funeral mass was rich in attendance, personalities and the message.

Nini Thecla’s journey to the world beyond, kick started at 8.30a.m at the St Martin De Porres Catholic General Hospital mortuary, Njinikom. Then, she was led into the St Anthony Catholic Church Njinikom, a few metres away, in a procession.

The requiem mass, which took some 3 hours, was co-celebrated by Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua, Bishop of the Bamenda Archdiocese alongside Bishop Joseph Nkwo of the Kumbo diocese, and a native of Kom. Yet, it was Rev Father Ignatius Waindum, Rector of the major seminary in Bambui, who presented the sermon of the day. It was joltive and palpitating, reflective of the exemplary life which Nini Thecla lived for 111 years.

The funeral mass was spiced by varied choral groups singing and a special offering presented in church, on behalf of the Nkwains. This was the scene that created excitement. Anne Nsang and her kid sister Bernis Mengot danced exceedingly to the pulpit before presenting offertory.

Whether at the St Anthony parish or at the Diplo Lodge, the scenario was electric. Chronicle was merely told by a family member that, it was a celebration, not just a cry-die.

Nini Thecla Neng Nakeh was married to Martin Nainchom in 1927. They had seven (7) children. But upon her death, three (3) were still alive. She died leaving behind 21 grand children and 35 great-grand children.

Buried last Saturday July 21, 2012, Mama Thecla’s cry-die and traditional celebrations holds Monday July 23, 2012. Apart from Bochong Nkwain as chief host, cry-die packages are expected to be destined to Minister Mengot Arrey Nkongho, Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency. He is married to one of Bochong’s daughters, Bernis and Mr. Nsang, married to the very dynamic journalist and UN communication cadre, Anne Nsang Nkwain.

Amongst the numerous mourners, included pressmen, Choves Loh, North West Regional Chief of SOPECAM (Cameroon Tribune), just as journalist Delphine Fein of CRTV Bamenda and Genevieve Njoya. Also, Tim Finnian of Life Time, Chrysantus Chong of The Horizon, Charlie Ebua of Arian.