Nga Gasper Thairinyuy: ELECAM’s Hope in North West

Focus: ELECAM’s Hope in North West
In no time, Nga Gasper Thairinyuy has proven that he is a square peg in a square hole. His management abilities have come full circle and all those who love to see things well done now conclude Nga Gasper is the right man in the right place. What with a much more convivial atmosphere now reportedly reigning in ELECAM North West. Not that the previous administration lacked its own merits but that more complementarity is witnessed in Nga Gasper’s style of administration. This, because the new man at the helm of ELECAM North West sees himself as a servant, not a master. How could it have been otherwise when his style of managing human resources put at his disposal is more pedagogic than instructional.
Since Nga Gasper took up service at ELECAM North West, a new dynamism has been put in place not only at the head office but even within the 34 council offices that make up the North West Region. The tense atmosphere that usually characterized the administration of ELECAM has given way to conviviality. His availability and accessibility has been unqualified ever since he took up office in Bamenda. His ability to receive and listen to everybody makes him stand out. In doing so, Nga Gasper has become part of the solution rather than part of the problem in ELECAM.
Nga Gasper Thairinyuy’s approach to management is more proactive than reactive and his interest in providing solutions rather than apportioning blame makes him a true leader. No doubt he is variously admired and appreciated by his collaborators. He does not only keep to his words but has instilled order and a sense of duty consciousness in staff. He is already being referred to by his close collaborators as “Mister Time”, giving good reason for the users and other stakeholders of ELECAM that the Board of Directors made no mistake in choosing Nga Gasper as North West ELECAM head. Proof of course, is that in just two months, he has won the confidence of all staff and skillfully supervised the training of biometric kit operators. Even registration statistics in the North West today prove that Nga Gasper is an outstanding leader.

Who is Nga Gasper Thairinyuy
Nga Gasper Thairinyuy is a man of humble beginnings. He came into the Regional Delegation of Elections Cameroon, ELECAM North West, with over 10 years of teaching and facilitating English language, English literature, Legislation, Sociology, Psychology, Psycho-analysis and Administration in various higher institutions of learning within Cameroon and Turkey. He offers part time lectureship in the Higher Technical Teacher Training College (ENSET) Bambili- University of Bamenda. He equally facilitates communication through leadership training, health education and sports-oriented initiatives in collaboration with the National Employment Fund, the Netherlands Corporation Overseas (SNV) and other organizations in Turkey. Before his present position, he served as the pioneer Divisional Branch Head of Elections Cameroon in his native Bui division, North West Region.
Born on the 12th of November 1971 in Bambui, Tubah sub division, Mr. Nga Gasper holds a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in English and Humanities from the Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus and a B.A (Hons) in English from the University of Yaounde-Cameroon. Nga Gasper is a song writer and producer. ELECAM has already benefitted from two of his songs. He has held various leadership and volunteer positions in the schools he attended and the community he lives in. Nga Gasper also has three publications to his credit. He is married and a proud father of one and only begotten child.

Giant Steps
 Since taking up office, Nga Gasper has been a busy man. If he is not attending to stakeholders concerns, he is training ELECAM kit operators. Of late, he has been involved in installation of ELECAM Branch Heads across the region. Already Nga Gasper has installed three newly appointed Branch Heads. It should be recalled that Momo today is under the control of Tangiri Cletus Njonyu; Donga/Mantung has as Branch Head Meyong Mbelli Humphrey; while Bui has as Branch Head Abduralman Wirba Siver. Still expected are the installations of Branch Heads in Mbiame, Nkum and Jakiri. This beehive of activities only makes Nga Gasper Thairinyuy a busy, very busy man.

Wimbum Warriors Society Honours YUNDP National President

The Wimbum Warriors Society dubbed, “Mfuh”, has honoured the National Youth President of YUNDP, Ndansi Elvis Nukam, with title, “Tamfuh”, meaning the General of the Warriors.
In a groundbreaking YUNDP training seminar for voter registration in Bamenda on Friday, November 23, 2012, the Wimbum Warriors society opined that UNDP party has honoured the son of Donga-Mantung division of the North West Region, Ndansi Elvis, by electing him the National President of YUNDP and so the Wimbum could not be indifferent. On this background, the warriors society decorated him with a traditional regalia, red feather and the prestigious title, “Tamfuh”.
Accordingly to the warriors society, like a General, Ndansi Elvis is expected to fight tooth and nail to ensure that his party (UNDP) excels in the North West Region and other parts of the country.
In February this year, the North West youths and the entire youths of the country, stood behind Ndansi when he solicited their support for his candidacy to the post of the National Youth President of UNDP and so, he succeeded to win the elections as the youngest ever national youth president of a political party in Cameroon.
Addressing thousands of the militants at the esplanade of the central park hotel in Bamenda that November 23, 2012, Ndansi stressed that Misaje, his village of Donga/Mantung division is proud and North West Region is most proud that he is their own. Hear him: “I promise to continue to make you proud of your choice in all ways’.
In 2010, Ndansi said upon the UNDP President General, Buba Bello Maigari, he and some militants, effected a regional tour of all the 32 sub divisions in 6 days, cruising through the bad roads to reach the militants of Fomfuka, Fundong, Belo, Widikum, Batibo, Bui, Ngoketunjia, Tubah, Santa, and Bamenda II among others. He stress that the tour gave them the impression that UNDP is stronger in the North West Region than ever and that the militants are not divided as some handful of people might think.
According to Ndansi, militancy in a political party is first justified by influence at the base. He encouraged all militants to go back to their base and work hard for without a strong base, they are zero in the eyes of the party.
On the upcoming twin election, Ndansi said the parliamentary and municipal elections require that they enter into it proudly by making sure they register their councillors and parliamentarians and vote massively to ensure that they are victorious.
Harping on seminar on voter registration, Maidadi, a member of UNDP central committee, emphasized that while Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon, Yaounde is only the administrative capital of Cameroon and Garoua is the political capital of the Francophone sector of the country like Bamenda is the political capital of the Anglophone sector of Cameroon. He ipso factor challenged the militants to use their political savvy to garner support for UNDP from the grassroot population.
The occasion was graced by traditional dance groups from across the region

Scandal Rocks SDF Over Who Controls Its Finances

Fru Ndi Boycotts Governor’s Funeral; Call- Off NEC Meeting To ‘Doctor’ AZICCUL & Avert Etienne Soukin Vs Pa Atekwana Outburst

By Tetuh Mbah

Mid this year, the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF was rocked by allegations that its finances were not well accounted for. The scandal came almost a year after the SDF National Treasurer, Augustine Mbami died. Suspicion that it was either Fru Ndi himself, his son Achu Benjamin or Pa Joseph Atekwana who managed the finances created a scandal. Though the controversy was seemingly put to rest with last month’s elective convention, it is less so. Chronicle gathered that a National Executive Committee NEC meeting, which was planned last weekend, had to be called-off for varied reasons, one of them being to avert a scandal over the management of SDF funds. Fru Ndi himself boycotted the funeral of the brother of Governor Lele Lafrique in Babadjou.

Etienne Soukin, former mayor of Dschang was elected last October 2012 as the new national treasurer of SDF. Yet, Chronicle learnt that mayor Soukin has been questioning why he should delegate his signature to his vice treasurer, Joseph Atekwana. Chronicle further learnt that Soukin has been arguing that he resides in Dschang, which is not far-off to Bamenda, unlike his predecessor, Mbami who resided in Douala .

The Soukin-Atekwana browle, is what Chronicle learnt forced Fru Ndi to call-off last week’s NEC meeting. The conclave was intended to prepare SDF MPs ahead of the opening of the November session of parliament; the NEC meeting, Chronicle learnt would have also been explosive over the Asapngu-Mochiggle deadlock in the organizational secretary portfolio. Asapngu’s supporters have threatened to quit SDF should Fru Ndi finally settle on Mochiggle.

SDF finances have been a big subject. Members of parliament and mayors make regular contributions to the party. Even with the coming of elections, a huge chunk is expected to be doled by the state to SDF. This is what critics say is creating panic within the party.

The finance law even provides subsidy to cover operating costs of legally recognized political parties, especially to those of them that control councils and parliamentary seats.

NEC did not hold, yet Fru Ndi attended the AZICCUL extraordinary general assembly. The SDF chairman’s interest in the conclave was not clearly deciphered. Yet, Chronicle is aware that some time this year, Fru Ndi applied for a loan to finance SDF. This was rejected by Union Bank (CAMCCUL) on grounds that the body can’t finance a political party. Reason why Fru Ndi is said to have since had a grudge against the present management of CAMCCUL.

Meanwhile, Chronicle gathered that mayor Soukin is yet to yield by press time to delegate his signature to Pa Atekwana. Some critics suspect that it is a strategy by the chairman to have direct access to party funds, given that Pa Atekwana is his man and once resided with him at Ntarinkon.

Court Awaits Instructions From Yaounde To Discharge 6 NW Detained Mayors

But Agogho of Andek in Trouble

By Shey Wirba

The Batibo court of First Instance had entertained a plea from Tenoh Lawrence Ndangoh, Mayor of Batibo. The plea, Chronicle gathered, is a follow up of a memo tabled to the Minister of Justice. The court, observed that mayor Tenoh detained for having misappropriated some 17.3 million FCFA, money meant for communal stamps had since paid back. The same pleas, Chronicle learnt also came from the mayors of Ndop, Babessi and Balikumbat in Ngoketunjia division. Yet, there has been no word about the fate of Johnny Agogho, mayor of Andek.

Agogho is the North West regional president of the United Cities and Councils in Cameroon , UCCC. He is presently detained at the Mbengwi prison, alongside Tah George Mbah, mayor of Mbengwi. Chronicle gathered that while Tah George had paid back all 20 million FCFA accused to have misappropriated, Agogho is still hooked.

Accordingly, the Andek mayor is accused of having misappropriated 34 million FCFA, the highest so far. By press time, Chronicle got hints that the Andek mayor had not been able to clear the mess. Some Andek (Ngie) residents however confided in Chronicle that Agogho would not be able to come out of the hook; Chronile was further briefed that Agogho neither has landed property nor anyone to risk bail him out.

Should the minister of justice therefore decide to order for the release of the mayors who have paid back what they misappropriated, then Agogho would be left behind.

A source in the ministry of justice in Yaounde however confided in Chronicle that none of the mayors may escape the wrath of justice. He added that they are still being detained for the crime they committed. Moreso, Chronicle was clarified that crimes of misappropriation, embezzlement and felony are unbailable, by dint of the penal code.

Some critics have however styled the arrests of the mayors as an attempt by the CPDM government to quieten the SDF. They say, with the SDF mayors of Batibo, Mbengwi, Babessi and the ex-SDF mayor of Andek involved, is s strategy. “what would SDF criticize of CPDM officials, when she too falls in same soup”. This has been the question.

Hopes that mayors Tenoh of Batibo, Tah George of Mbengwi, Agogho Johnie of Andek would bounce back are almost lost. Even Tikanjo of Babessi, Ntoh Daniel of Ndop and Wasum Augustine of Balikumbat already have interim mayors in their respective offices.

G-7 Gives Birth To Republican Trio (Pact); Work Towards Fusion Into One

Why Ayah Paul & Kah Walla Out; Fru Ndi Tak Sides With CPDM

By Musa Isa

G-7, a platform of seven opposition leaders/parties created to outwit the CPDM of Paul Biya has now been reduced to three. A new front called “Pact Republican”, came to the limelight last week in Yaounde . It is made-up of Adamu Ndam Njoya of CDU, Ben Muna of APF and Jean Didier Momo. Yet, PAP’s Ayah Paul and CPP’s Kah Walla, who had been on same platform were suddenly kicked-out. SDF’s Ni John Fru Ndi’s termination, was inevitable given his open prostitution with the ruling CPDM of Paul Biya.

The trio- Ndam Njoya, Ben Muna and Jean Dider Momo, would thus work together and cooperate on issues of elections. Chronicle gathered that these 3 parties may even work towards a fusion in the days ahead.

The fear that the new ‘Pact Republican’ may be infiltrated by the CPDM was brought to bare. A few days after Chronicle learnt that Jean Didier Momo had received a telephone message urging him not to waste his time with Ndam Njoya and Ben Muna. The message, Chronicle learnt had since been dismissed by the trio on grounds that it indicated panic within CPDM ranks.

Already suspicion looms that Hon Ayah Paul and Edith Kah Walla had been cowed by such CPDM messaged not to link-up. Chronicle gathered that even before the pact was reached, one of the members warned against CPDM’s infiltration.

Reacting to the creation of the ‘Pact Republicain’, Ben Muna told Chronicle that he was quite comfortable with the new set-up. He boasted that CPDM is afraid of any movement that groups himself (Ben Muna), Ndam Njoya and Momo. He opined that if Jean Didier  Momo had received a text message, there are no doubts that such could have been sent to Kah Walla and Ayah Paul to dissuade them.

Ben Muna further confided in Chronicle that when G-7 was hatched in Foumban, a secretariat was earmarked. He said the new Republican trio would forge ahead and meet once a month. He said other bodies attached to it would be created, so that the cooperation be different like what entailed with G-7.

Chronicle learnt that Pact Republicain would work together in the upcoming elections. Accordingly, should APF put up a candidate in Momo division (its stronghold), CDU would back that candidate. Implicitly, APF would not put up a candidate during the upcoming municipal/legislative elections in areas pinpointed as traditional strongholds of Ndam Njoya or Jean Didier Momo.

Drama At AZICCUL Extra-Ordinary Conclave As Fru Ndi Threatens To Cut-Off From CAMCCUL

Thugs Invade Hall After The SDF Chairman Clashes With Bamenda II DO

By Tegha Otega

The politicization of the extra-ordinary general assembly of the Azire Cooperative Credit Union League, AZICCUL took centre stage last Saturday, November 10, 2012. Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman was conspicuous in employing his political prowess in defiance of instructions of the Minister of Finance. Even Koloko Jean Pierre who the Bamenda II Divisional Officer, DO who attended was hushed down by Fru Ndi, for an umpteenth time and became helpless. Yet, before Fru Ndi’s plan of action to issue threats of cutting off from CAMCCUL was actualized, thugs stormed the Bamenda congress hall over a nuance.

For Fru Ndi’s game plan to be concretized, Chronicle learnt that he cancelled a meeting of the National Executive Committed, NEC of the SDF billed for same Saturday November 10, 2012 like the AZICCUL extra ordinary session. Chronicle further learnt that a preparatory meeting was held at night, allegedly at Fru Ndi’s Ntarinkon palace.

Chronicle was further updated that amongst the numerous stooges who attended, included Mochiggle Vanigassen, Tetang Emmanuel Forchin Jonathan, Balick Bih Judith, Col Tamanbang, Akuro Brunao, Hon Zamcho Clement, Dr. Ben Fru Wara amongst others. Their agenda was to thwart that origin agenda which they applied for and make their declaration.

But when the meeting actually kick-started last Saturday November 10, 2012, Koloko Jean Pierre was aghast by the trend of events and raised a stint. The DO called Fru Ndi to order for diverting from the agenda which AZICCUL stated in its application. The DO pinpointed how, according to the Minister of Finance’s prescription, the extra ordinary session was to be limited to 2 items- voting the mandate and issue of eligibility.

Given the pandemonium at the threshold, the DO opposed but became helpless. Fru Ndi dictated the pace, pontificating how he set up an adhoc committee, whose report had to be heard. Yet, on the sideline, Chronicle was told that the adhoc report targeted Fotibuh Hillary and Mme Atamson, for exclusion, like 8.2 in SDF. Reason? For opposing Bih Judith.

Matters became more lucid when Hon Clement Zamcho, accused other board members opposed to Bih Judith. This did not attract any point of view. This was emendated in a resolution which Fru Ndi vouched how: because AZICCUL was in the minority, should the Minister of Finance not adhere to their position, they will cut-off from CAMCCUL.

Over 97% of credit unions linked with CAMCCUL, have pulsated with MINFI instructions, to vote a 3 year mandate, renewable twice, except AZICCUL. They have also voted “YES” to Eligibility except AZICCUL.

Meanwhile the 2 point-agenda had become farfetched, given the hidden plans of the SDF chairman with AZICCUL having opted for a 3 year mandate renewable once and ‘NO’ to Eligibility, the conclave had to extend above the time which they paid to use the congress hall. Reason why by 3pm, the group that had authorization stormed the hall. But SDF thugs overpowered them. Chronicle observed that the pandemonium that characterized the start of the AZICCUL conclave, was a replica at the end- AZICCUL emerged isolated in its position of the mandate and eligibility questions.

NACDA At 50:All Roads Lead To Awing Saturday Nov. 17

Awing, one of the key villages that make up Santa sup division in Mezam of the North West region is renowned for the trappings of its people, the culture and deeds. This is where the umbilical cord of Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, the international peace crusader is buried. Incidentally, Ntumfor is the Chairman of the steering committee for the organization of the 50^th anniversary of the Ndong Awing Cultural and Developmetn Association, NACDA. He remains the landmark NACDA president, under whom greater achievements were attained for his people. On Saturday November 17, 2012 therefore, as NACDA celebrates its 50the anniversary, Awing village would once again become a key focal point.

Ntumfor told Chronicle in a telephone chat last Sunday that the 50^th anniversary of NACDA would be groundbreaking and “very special”. He said NACDA would be celebrating peace and development, with a huge package of achievements attained within the last 50 years.

Amongst the numerous astronomical projects, Ntumfor cited the refurbishment of a beautiful palace; provision of pipe born water and electricity; construction/rehabilitation of roads and building of bridges/culverts. Ntumfor also cited the erection of schools and health centres all being the handiworks of Awing sons and daughters, as a strategy to assist government.

Ntumfor further confided in Chronicle that some sons and daughters of Awing, attached to self reliance development and in keeping with JF Kennedy’s vision of “Ask not what your nation has done for you…”, would be acknowledged.

November 17 Proper

It is expected that Prime Minister Philemon Yang would be present. His invitation, Chronicle gathered had been transmitted. Yet, Ntumfor confided in Chronicle that Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Culture had confirmed her presence at Awing. Invariably, the North West Governor Lele Lafrique, Mezam/Santa administration, including numerous diplomats would be at Awing on Saturday November 17, 2012.

Fon Forzu’u II of Awing, Chronicle gathered had invited some of his peers: at least 50 fons to celebrate with him. The organizing committee, Chronicle gathered, had met four (4) times to ascertain the success of the fiesta estimated to cost some 50 million FCFA.

Questioned as to what NACDA would actually be celebrating at 50, Ntumfor told Chronicle that it is: “peace and development”. Chronicle however learnt that the 50^th anniversary celebrations would witness an announcement of a 10-year development plan for Awing. The day’s event, Chronicle was further told, would be rich in speeches and action. An ecumenical service, cultural manifestation, recognition of past NACDA presidents and elite would be key. The fon of Awing and culture minister’s speech, would also be paramount. The anniversary would be coordinated by the ubiquitous Ntumfor Nico Hall.

There would be a gala night and a church service, the next day (Sunday). A church service to thank God for making NACDA to stand out as a model of a cultural and development association in Cameroon . Even ahead of this weekend’s fiesta, Chronicle learnt that the road leading to Awing had been beef-ed-up. Numerous sub committees that were set up have worked unendingly for the success of the 50^th anniversary. A monument to that effect has been put up, Chronicle learnt. (Watch out for exclusive pictures/coverage of NACDA’s golden jubilee- only in Chronicle)

Njaah People Reassert Their Identity; Forge Ahead With Gigantic Projects

A heavily attended convention of the Njaah Cultural and Development Association, NJACUDA was held last Saturday November 10, 2010. Staged at he seat of the Njaah traditional institutions, in the presence of Asanga B A Martin, leader of Njaah, it was groundbreaking for obvious reasons.

At least a thousand sons and daughters of Njaah, a community in Mbengwi sub division raised nearly 2 million FCFA to develop their community. The target, this year was the construction of two classrooms at the newly created Government Secondary School , GSS Njaah. Some 2 million FCFA in cash was contributed while 50 bags of cement was chipped in by the leader of Njaah. Napoleon Tumasang a politician cum contractor pledged two trips of sand. Another elite (names withheld) offered 30 bags of cement and announced more to make-up 100 bags.

Ernest Fonjong, pioneer principal of GSS Njaah vowed that with the money and assistance chipped-in, he would do his best to meet-up the exigencies. Fonjong introduced his staff and students who thrilled Njaah people with an enchanting lyric.

NJACUDA conventions have always been a focal point. This year, like last year, Fon Azsh of Ngwokwong was conspicuously present. But unlike last year, the leader of Njaah just as the NJACUDA president did not make any landmark declarations. Chronicle was merely hinted that since it was meant to raise funds, the subject of the day remained paramount.

A 4-page dossier was however unleashed, epitomizing the projects earmarked for NJACUDA. Amongst them included interquarter roads, electricity extension, provision of pipe borne water.

On schools, the release underpinned how as soon as GSS Njaah moves to its permanent site, the present location would be converted into a computer centre for GSS Njaah; that by 2015, GSS Njaah would be transformed into a bilingual high school, GBHS.

Amongst the 15 points on the 4-pager announced a Christmas gift of electricity supply to PC Njaah. Also, that Njaah community would perform a traditional dance at Zang TAbi on December 22, 2012 during the enthronement of the Meta clan head.

Last Saturday’s convention was also an avenue to inform Njaah sons/daughters to get themselves registered under the new biometric system.

Anapa Isaac remain NJACUDA president. Under him a lot has been attained, including the operation of a modern bakery at Sanyere, handled by Bah John. Anapa had long made contacts for Orange and MTN to install their antennas at Njaah. One of his dreams too is to see the creation of a weather forecast/meteorogical station in Njaah to check weather havoc. (Read more about Isaac Anapa below)

Why I’m Still NJACUDA President

- Isaac Anapa

Isaac Anapa, a retired cadre at the National Assembly of Cameroon has been coaxed by his people to be at the helm of the Njaah Cultural and Development Association, NJACUDA. This has been an association which he has headed for the past 25 years. Anapa has gone through severe trials and tribulations, given his determination to bring his community to bare. Blackmailed and nearly crucified, Anapa has stool tall. He told Chronicle in an exclusive interview last Saturday, in the heart of the 4^th NJACUDA convention, that he is still on, despite anomalies. Read on:

What are the exceptionalities/peculiarities of the 4^th NJACUDA convention?

Villagers/elite have become more conscious to put hands on deck together and build Njaah, which they affectionally call Njaah city. Before, the turnout was not like this. This year, it was a special event. A band/orchestra proceeded the occasion; a horse race, which has never been done before.

For the monetary aspect, it feats the 1.5 million FCFA record of last year. Though we targeted 3 million. Our elite abroad however vouched to chip-in a million FCFA. But our greatest hope has been that two classrooms at GSS Njaah, should be complete, latest March 2013.

2 years ago, NJACUDA was in Bamenda; in 2011 the fiesta was at home. This year is the 4^th still at home. In the 5^th where would NJACUDA be?

We are still going to gather here in the village. We have realized that movements to other regions is very costly, especially to the village fold. We would thus prefer to be in the village to contribute to the development, cheaper for the villagers.

Again last year, you held your convention in the months of December, just like 2 years ago. This time, you have held the convention in November. Which way would you hereafter settle on?

We have met an exception amongst all the Meta communities, by gathering in November, whereas others prefer December for the general assembly of the Meta Cultural and Development Association, MECUDA. They exploit December, therefore to hold their village development meetings. We opted for November because we wanted it to be unique.

We first initiated the holding of our convention in Bora, South West region. The people there requested November given that it was the boom period in cocoa harvest/sales. Our heavy donors are from this area; reason why we prefer November.

What therefore has been your assessment about the response to the invitations sent out to sons and daughters of Njaah fro this year’s convention?

They have come out in their numbers. I thought of stepping down this year, because I have presided over this association for the past 24 years (since 1988). I thought of stepping down this year, but my people asked me to continue until GSS Njaah sends out its first batch: that if I step down now, I would have left them in the middle of the bush; reason why I have exceptionally decided to continue.

Politically, I have been known. It is my name which is known. So if I put in a new heir, when we have things at stake, the things that would have come behind me, would not come as much as if I were there: reason why I’ve opted to stay.

KOCUDA Endorses Paul Biya’s Choice Of El Hadj Lawan Bako At SNH

By Tegha Otega

A 2-page “Message of Thanks and Congratulations”, a copy of which Chronicle has, is on President Paul Biya’s table. Signed last November 11, 2012 by Nkwain Lawrence Yong, President of the Kom Cultural and Development Association, it pinpoints on the recent upliftment of El Hadj Lawan Bako, the National Chairman of the United Democratic Party, UDP and Spokesman of the presidential majority as a member of the Board of Directors of the Société Nationale d’Hydrocarbures, SNH.

Channeled through the North West Governor to President Paul Biya, the message reads:

“Your Excellency, we the Kom people of Boyo Division in the North West Region heartily thank you for a appointing one of our illustrious sons, El Hadj Lawan Bako as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Hydrocarbon corporation, SNH. This is an indication that your excellency has the people of Boyo division at heart. We promise and are confident that the sons and daughters of Boyo division will never fail you in handling any post of responsibility entrusted into their hands, most especially El Hadj Lawan Bako whom you have just appointed and to whom we congratulate for his intelligence, steadfastness and loyalty”.

The message to President Biya adds that , “The Kom community of Boyo joins you physically and in spirit in celebrating your 30 years of stay at the helm of the state. We are highly pleased with the peace and security that have reigned and shall continue to reign under your leadership and more especially the development projects you have initiated in Cameroon not leaving out the Bambui to Fundong road, which we are now enjoying”.

The message concludes by thanking the head of state immensely and pray that he continues to keep Boyo division in the list of priorities in the domain of development projects and human resource management.

Meanwhile a press release signed last October 28, 2012 by El Hadj Lawan Bako on behalf of the UDP political bureau, took certain things into cognizance. In three (3) points, President Biya was hailed for the mature way he has managed state affairs for the past 30 years peacefully and enhanced  political stability and economic growth.

The press release also acknowledged with satisfaction the projects conceived and executed under the reign of president Paul Biya in eth domain of road infrastructure, schools, hospitals, the recovery of Bakassi peninsula to the Cameroon nationhood. It further conveyed a message of appreciation to President Biya for appointing El Hadj Lawan Bako as Board Member of SNH

Why Biya To Put-Up Senate In Jan. 2013

MPs Set To Discuss New Modalities For Electing Senators This Nov. Session

By Musa Isa

The just-starting November session of parliament, may be the last for members of parliament MPs to attend. This, Chronicle learnt is before their first six (6) months bonus’ extension mandate expires. Its further extension is doubted following hints that municipal/legislative elections may hold by March 2013. Yet, a presidential insider hinted Chronicle on grounds of anonymity that Biya is bent on seeing the senate put in place first, by January 2013. Chronicle was further updated that it would be in fulfillment of his pledge in the Far North recently, when he went to condole with flood victims. Accordingly, Biya is expected to officially make things more pellucid during his end-of-year message to the nation on December 31, 2012. It is further expected that during this session of parliament, a bill would be tabled to fine-tune the modalities for the election of senators.

A senate house comprising 100 senators is expected to be put in place. What is certain is the fact that each of the ten (10) regions in Cameroon would produce 10 senators: seven elected, while three appointed by the Head of State. The present political map already gives President Biya’s CPDM almost all the seats. Yet, there is a nuance.

Last week, an opposition MP hinted Chronicle that the modalities to elect senators was not clear: he said they are going into the November session with expectations that a bill would be tabled to make things clearer. Chronci9le was clarified that because municipal councillors are the ones to elect senators, there is a game plan to this.

Chronicle was told that the recent romance between Fru Ndi’s SDF and Biya’s CPDM has been a strategy for Biya to become flexible. Accordingly, should all municipal councillors elect at the regional level, then CPDM would back all senators: that should this be reviewed so that councillors vote at the divisional levels, then SDF would have a say.

Analyzing the situation, Chronicle’s attention was drawn to the fact that CPDM controls 18 councils while SDF has just 16 in North West; that CPDM councillors in NW surpass those of SDF by four (4) combined. Reason why if senators are voted at the regional level, then SDF would be left with no senator.

This is the pretext which some opposition MPs have hinted Chronicle; is one of the reasons why Biya wants to slate senate elections in January, so that his CPDM sweeps all.

Moreso, the introduction of the biometric system of registration cast doubts about CPDM’s invincibility. Accordingly, should municipal/legislative elections be held first, senators would therefore be elected under the streamline set up. The risk that CPDM may lose most of the senators after the biometric/elections in what critics say may be forcing Biya to call-up senate elections in January.

Baba 1 Thanks Biya For Appointing Moh Sylvester Others

The people of Baba 1 in Ngoketunjia division have doffed their hats to President Biya for appointing elites of the village to exalted posts of responsibility in the nation. For this and many other benefits the people have vowed to stand by President Biya in subsequent elections. During celebrations marking this year’s celebration marking the 30^th anniversary of President Biya’s accession to the supreme magistracy of the state Baba 1 people counted among their blessings the appointment and maintaining in office of Moh Tangongho Sylvester as Director General of Treasury and Monetary Cooperation as well as Board Chairman of the Mekim dam electricity project and Ngangjo Mama Lamya as Administrator of the Bertoua central prison.

Other Baba 1 elite because of whom the people hail President Biya are Professor Uphie Melo, Director of the local building material company, MIPROMALO and Mombakwed Victor, Ngoketunjia Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education.

Besides these appointments the New Deal Government was a pass mark in the domain of development in the various speeches made during the very impressively attended occasion which took place last November 6, 2012 at the Baba 1 market square where the anniversary was celebrated.

In his speech, Pius Ntirpang Coordinator of Baba 1 CPDM, said President Biya’s 30 year reign is a glorious one because it is characterized by peace, development and progress. “President Paul Biya is a ruling force, a true democrat and an experienced statesman”, he said.

Added to this, he said is his inclination to development and the progress of the nation, his probity, integrity and hard work; characteristics which have made Cameroon one of the most peaceful nations in the world today. He prayed President Biya to continue ruling Cameroon .

Paul Biya, he continued is a gentleman who never backpedals or renege’s on his promises. Proof of this being that the President has fulfilled all the three promises he made when he visited the North West or is in the process of doing so. The three promises were, the Bamenda state university, the tarring of the famous ring road and the Menchum hydroelectricity project.

Besides the peace and unity of Cameroon , the speaker hailed the president’s development drive. He praised President Biya for his stringency and the moralization of the Cameroonian society through his anti-corruption policy. To President Biya, he said he has improved on the management of state funds and changed the habits (behaviour) of Cameroonians who initially viewed the state as a cow whose milk could never get exhausted. The president, he said, has achieved this feat through the creation of structures like the national anti-corruption commission, CONAC and the Operation Sparrow Hawk (Epervier).

While giving the president kudos for his anti-graft war the Baba 1 CPDM coordinator on behalf of fellow villagers heaped accolades on Biya for the developments realized or going on in the village. These, he said, included four secondary schools, one technical college and primary schools; the provision of electricity and pipe borne water. He equally praised Biya for the maintenance of the road to the Baba 1 fon’s palace.

Welcome as these projects have been, he felt that like Oliver Twist he and people needed more and proceeded to request the reinforcement of electricity in the village, creation of a nursery school, building of more classrooms in some very needy primary schools like GS Mbawat, GS Ngwikam and GS Ndumunkwi.

To improve on the health of the population, the Baba 1 CPDM chieftain reiterated the creation of a health centre at Kungoh quarter where the Baminjing dam has caused the breeding of a lot of mosquitoes.

As proof of the Baba 1 people’s attachment to the democratic options of President Biya, he noted that Baba 1 people are rallying behind their fon (Fuekemshi II) to register massively with the intention of voting for President Biya and the ruling CPDM in subsequent elections.

Concluding he thanked President Biya for inviting Baba 1 people to partake in the National Cake. This, he has done by appointing elites like Moh Tangongho Sylvester, Ngangjoh Mama, Professor Uphie Chinje Melo and Moh Mbakwed Victor to posts of responsibility.

Support Government Appointed Elite, CPDM Moderator Urges

Also speaking, Mombakwed Victor Yewoh, chief organizer and moderator of the event said government had done a lot for Baba 1 people. He noted that all the projects carried out by the SDF-run Babessi council are sponsored by government. An eloquent testimony that of the fact that government is committed to the welfare of Cameroonians and therefore, does not discriminate against those in the opposition. He saw no better way of appreciating all what had been done by the CPDM government than by registering massively and voting for candidates put up by the ruling party in subsequent elections.

Mombakwed also urged parents to send their children to school emphasizing that education is the best asset a parent can give his or her child. He ended by urging his tribespeople to rally behind and pray for elite that government has appointed.

Congratulation, Mr. President

This is contained in a motion of support read out by Pongwoh David on behalf of all the three wings of the ruling CPDM in Baba 1. The motion of support praised President Biya for his steadfastness, clairvoyance and constant application of democratic principles. It also hailed the President for his (commendable) stewardship to the Cameroonian nation, his commitment to emergence of Cameroon by 2035 and his engagement to rid Cameroon of corruption.

Among the numerous benefits Baba 1 people had enjoyed during President Biya’s reign Baba 1 CPDM cited the appointment of their sons and daughters to posts of responsibility in the nation. It cited Moh Tangongho Sylvester, Director General of Treasury and Monetary Cooperation who was recently also appointed chairman of the General Assembly of the Mekum dam project.

Baba 1 people were also thankful for the appointment and maintenance of Professor Uphie Chinje Melo as Director of MIPROMALO and most recently, the appointment of Ngangjoh Mama as Administrator of the Bertoua central prison

To emphasize the gratitude of Baba 1 people to the New Deal government led by President Biya, the motion of support mentioned the construction of the ring road which Baba 1 will benefit from since it passes through the village and the inclusion of some Baba 1 children among the 25.000 youths recently recruited into the public service.

The ongoing extension of electricity to several parts of the village was one other achievement for which Baba 1 people were indebted to the new deal government. The motion of support ended with an invitation to the Almighty God to endow President Biya with infinite wisdom and the strength he needs to lead Cameroon to emergence by 2035.

It is worth noting that the electrification process in the village has brought a lot of life to Baba 1. It is also fast curbing the rate of rural exodus as youths can enjoy while living in the village the advantages of the town. It is for this reason that David Moh Tangongho, North West Delegate of FEICOM was carried shoulder high for championing the electrification process in the village. An achievement which some uninformed and misinformed people are crediting the SDF-run Babessi council for. It was in recognition of this contribution that David Moh Tangongho who was present and contributed to the success of President Biya’s anniversary, was hailed by various speakers.

How Moh Tangongho Sylvester Ensured the Success of Biya’s Anniverary

As acknowledged by the organizers of the event, it was such a great success thanks to Moh Tangongho Sylvester, Director General of Treasury and Monetary Cooperation; four days to the celebration he was in Babessi sub division after participating personally in the North West Regional launching of biometric registration of voters led by Professor Paul Ming Ghogomu at Bamenda. Moh who also contributed financially to the launch of the biometric registration in Ndop and Babessi, however spent two days in Baba 1 mobilizing the population for President Biya’s anniversary. This mobilization also consisted of door-to-door campaigns.

But his greatest contribution was that he provided financial support for the celebration in all the four villages of Babessi sub division, namely Babessi, Baba 1, Babungo and Bangolan villages. But due to the necessity of service he had to return to Yaounde , especially given the fact that the minister of finance was not on seat, also because of state duties. Moh later joined fellow Cameroonians to celebrate the President’s anniversary at the nation’s capital.

It is worth recalling that Moh Tangongho Sylvester contributed immensely to the success of CPDM anniversary in Baba 1 last year. Moh Sylvester the progress and well being of Cameroonians does not end with support for President Biya and the ruling CPDM. He is also a patriotic and very devoted state employee who renders tireless and selfless service to the nation.

He is also a very humble, kind and humane person. Two of his latest gestures substantiate this. He recently facilitated the purchase, transportation and distribution of 25 tricycles to hospitals and health centres in Ngoketunjia division. The tricyles bought from Kumba where they finally arrived, to Ndop where they were shared to the beneficiaries (disabled persons) by officials of the national youth council led by its vice president, Nkwene Sonne who praised him immensely for the gesture.

On that occasion Ngoketunjia SDO, Valerie Kuela Norbert called on other elite of the division to emulate the good example set by Moh Tangongho Sylvester. He later also donated generously to assist the victims of the flood disaster in Babessi sub division. The most admired quality of the God-fearing Director General of Treasury and Monetary Cooperation is that his right hand never knows what his left is doing. In other words, he never boasts about what he has done to help the disabled and needy.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration, In Ngie Sub Division, Of The Accession To The Helm Of State Of President Paul Biya

The Leader of the CPDM Delegation to Ngie Sub Division, for the celebrations marking the accession to the helm of state of President Paul Biya, Comrade Ubangoh Helly has called on all CPDM supporters in Ngie Sub Division to offset the previously low voter population figure of the sub division by registering massively during the present biometric registration exercise. This call was made at the Andek Council hall last Tuesday 6^th November 2012 to a jubilant crowd that turned out to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of His Excellency Paul Biya as Head of State.

Mr. Ubangoh Helly regretted the lack of an identification station in the Sub division, a factor which he recognized can drastically affect the voter registration process in the Sub division. He however promised to seek the powers that be to send a mobile identification team to Ngie Sub division to assist the population in order to meet their target of 20.000 registered voters.

In launching a Support Fund to assist the many people in Ngie sub division who may not be able to have money to make new identity cards or renew the expired ones, Mr. Ubangoh Helly donated the Sum of one million francs CFA for that purpose and has called on other Ngie Elite to donate generously into the Fund.

Mr. Ndifor Raphael made an Explanation of the theme, The NEW DEAL: HEADING TOWARDS EMERGENCE. He encouraged the Ngie youths to create cooperative groups that can change the economic situation of the Sub Division and enable Ngie to join the emergence drive of the Head of State.                                                            

Mme Akwafei Monica enumerated the many achievements of the NEW DEAL Regime in the Sub Division.

Other speakers at the occasion recounted the many good things the People of Ngie Sub division, in particular, and  Momo Division, in general, have benefited from the New Deal Regime over the past 30 years, including the appointment of one of theirs, Her Excellency Ama Tutu Muna as Minister of Arts and Culture; but like Oliver Twist, they called on the government to hasten the process to electrify the Sub division, to improve on the state of the road, which at the moment is deplorable and to appoint other sons and daughters of the Sub Division to other positions of responsibility in the Central administration; A central administration which as of now has only one Ngie person serving as a Sub Director in the Ministry of Finance.

The officials of ELECAM in Ngie Sub division used this occasion to launch voter registration in the Sub division and by the end of the day a majority of those who participated at the celebrations were registered

A motion of Thanks and Support was addressed to the Party Chairman and Head of state, His Excellency, President Paul Biya.

Dr. Calistus’ Scholarship Fund Bring Smiles Back on the Face of Students In Donga Mantung

Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development has again come to the assistance of some 68 students who were drawn from 22 colleges in Donga Mantung last November 05, 2012. The scholarship which was part a activities marking the 30^th anniversary of President Paul Biya’s accession to power was aimed at raising the human resource base of Donga Mantung division. In programming the scholarship to fall on the eve of the 30^th anniversary of President Paul Biya was intended to be a booster to President Biya’s educational policy which aims at making sure all Cameroonian children have access to quality education.

The scholarship award ceremony which took place in Nkambe and involved schools in all of Donga Mantung aimed at rewarding performance among students. In each of the selected schools, three students wee selected and given 30.000 FCFA each. This amounted to over 2.4 million minus organizational charges and transportation. Amongst the 68 awardees were two traditional rulers themselves students in Ako and Kungi. In handing over the scholarships, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry said he was making such sacrifices because he wanted his kin and kith to receive quality education.

In offering the scholarship Dr. Fuh Calistus was actually giving back to society and encouraging performance. This year’s scholarship event had as theme: “Success in Meritocracy”. Dr. Calistus used the opportunity to express his happiness on the fact that sons and daughters of Donga Mantung were taking public exams. He said next year’s scholarships would target those in professional schools. He encouraged Donga Mantung sons and daughters to go for science and technology.

The key revelation of the event and the bone behind Dr. Fuh Calistus’s philanthropy was Mrs. Sally Gentry, wife of Dr. Fuh Calistus. Mme Sally who was so excited about the reception and honour offered them by the Donga Mantung community said she was totally behind her husband’s initiative. She said her husband would be remembered not for the number of cars or houses he own but rather on the number of lives he would have changed. She revealed that her husband had the passion to change lives.

On his part the SDO for Donga Mantung, Ngone Ndode Mesape Bernard lauded Dr. Fuh Calistus’s efforts and said it was a pride for his administration in Donga Mantung to have such a philanthropist. He said the more you educate people, the less crime there would be in society. By supporting the education of children, the SDO said Dr. Calistus was helping in curbing the crime wave. He urged the 68 beneficiaries to study hard so as to encourage the donor to continue to give.

It should be recalled that the idea of a Dr. Calistus’ Scholarship Fund started some years ago when GSS Misaje was created and he realized that the principal was always having problems with students and parents in Misaje no thanks to their difficulties in paying school fees. Given that an average household in Misaje live on less than 500 FCFA a day and education was always likely to be sacrificed at the altar of choices. To preempt such a situation, Dr. Fuh Calistus decided to bankroll school fees in that school. Proof positive that the scholarship scheme worked is that fact that enrolment moved from 30 students in GSS Misaje to over 1500 today. From the start, the scholarship fund was limited to Ako/Misaje constituency but Dr. Fuh Calistus judged it this year to extend it to all the sub divisions that make up Donga Mantung.

Since the start of the scholarship fund over 20 million FCFA has been doled out to deserving students in these local communities. According to Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, a person’s strength depends on the size of his army; reason why he is supporting education.

Yang Philemon Fetes Biya’s 30th Anniversary in Misaje

It was an exceptional 30^th anniversary celebration in Misaje in Donga Mantung division last November 6, 2012, as militants and sympathizers of the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM converge in Misaje ceremonial grounds to say “happy anniversary” to President Paul Biya. The November 6^th anniversary was the more exceptional with the surprised arrival in Misaje of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Yang Philemon. Excitement and anxiety filled the air as news of Philemon Yang’s arrival was confirmed. By 3.30 when he arrived the whole of Misaje came to a standstill. When the event proper started, the population of Misaje was all praises to Paul Biya for leading Cameroon skillfully through all the turbulent waters.

Welcoming the Prime Minister the Mayor and the section president said how delighted Misaje was to receive him on such an occasion. Emphasizing that it was the first time Misaje sub division was receiving the Prime Minister, speakers saw in Yang’s decision to fete Biya’s 30^th anniversary in Misaje, a humbling one. The keynote speakers at the event, H.E Fuh Calistus Gentry, central committee delegation leader to Misaje and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, was elated and humbled to receive the Prime Minister in his constituency. Dr. Fuh Calistus said how honoured the people of Misaje in general and CPDM militants in particular were to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Biya’s accession to power. Dr. Calistus, while praying God to continue to give the Prime Minister wisdom to lead his government, urged the Prime Minister to carry the pleas of the Misaje people to President Paul Biya who is “the way, the light and the truth” in matters of development.

Talking to the press after the event, Dr. Fuh Calistus said Yang’s choice of Misaje for anniversary celebrations was in recognition of the fact that Misaje was the bastion of the CPDM in Donga Mantung. He saw in Yang’s presence in Misaje a reason for all people of good faith there to continue to support the CPDM and the ideas of President Paul Biya

In response to the hectic welcome, Yang Philemon said he insisted on coming personally to Misaje because of the love he has for Dr. Fuh Calistus, whom he has known even before he entered government. He stressed the fact that Dr. Calistus was to him like a brother and so there was no reason why he would have an opportunity to commune with his brothers and sisters and miss it. Philemon Yang said he would not have failed to come to Misaje because he wanted to personally thank all the militants and sympathizers in that sub division for massively voting for the CPDM candidate in the last October presidential elections.

He thanked local party officials and especially Dr. Fuh Calistus for the job the continue to do for the CPDM and President Paul Biya. He told the people that although he did not come to Misaje to make any particular promise, he was going to make sure Misaje partook of the national cake. To him, it was that possible because as he put it, Misaje was not just waiting to take part in the eating of the national cake but that through their son, Dr. Fuh Calistus, Misaje right in the kitchen, taking part in the baking and icing of the cake. The more than 45 minutes speech of the Prime Minister in communicable pidgin did not leave anyone untouched as he gave real meaning to the 30^th anniversary celebrations.

The event that was animated by traditional dance and choral music ended with merrymaking in quarters in Misaje. A gala night crowned it all at the Minister’s residence.

Minister Atanga Enjoins Population To Support Biya’s Vision of Transforming Cameroon To Emerging Country

Says Biya is Divine Leader

- Ekes Out 3 Cows To Mezam 1A, B & C

- Ungrateful SDF Leadership Boycotts Celebration

President Paul Biya’s 30 years at the helm of the nation was celebrated in grand style in Bamenda by the militants and sympathizers of the ruling CPDM party on Tuesday November 06, 2012.

Before the occasion proper kick-started at 1.06pm at the Bamenda congress hall party house, thousands of the militants poured on the Bamenda Commercial Avenue for a match graced by a CPDM brass band hired from Yaounde by the Mezam I CPDM section president cum the Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic, Paul Atanga Nji, who also triples as the Permanent Secretary of the Security Council.

Leading the match through the commercial avenue, Paul Atanga Nji carried a large effigy of the national president of the CPDM party, Paul Biya as he dressed in the party outfit.

At the congress hall which was full to capacity, Paul Atanga called on the population to renew their unflinching support to the head of state and party chieftain, Paul Biya, to encourage his vision of transforming Cameroon to an emerging, come 2035. Hear him: “Our national President and the Head of State of this country H.E President Paul Biya is a divine leader par excellence. If he was not God-chosen, he wouldn’t have been able to lead our country successfully for 30 years and continue to be beaming with such exuberance”. He opined that Biya has virtually done everything for Cameroon most especially as he has brought stability, peace, unity, democracy and development to the country.

Since Biya took over in 1982, Minister Paul Atanga said his doctrine of rigour and moralization has continued to reign supreme, reason why he is intensifying the war against corruption and embezzlement. “I call on the CPDM militants not only to bury themselves in celebrating His Excellency, President Paul Biya’s 30 years in power, but equally to testify and give evidence of his great qualities of a statesman, a foresighted leader, an unparallel nation builder who for 30 years running, has had an excepti9onal inspiration to lead Cameroonians in spite of their diversity, peace, stability and reinforced national unity”. He called on the militants to above all, mobilize and register on the biometric registration registers massively so as to support the CPDM candidates vying for either parliamentary or council seats come 2013.

The Mezam I WCPDM president, Mbah Miriam and YCPDM president, Peter Chene, in their respective speeches, observed that at 30 years at the helm of the nation, President Paul Biya has without any qualms, garnered a lot of experience that Cameroonians cannot afford to lose him as the head of the state. They saw Biya as a born leader who is dynamic, God fearing and courageous.

Counting Biya’s achievements in 30 years, the duo said all the nooks and crannies of the county teem with educational institutions, the recent employment of 25.000 youths into the civil service, creation of enabling environment for both public and private business to strive, consolidating democracy in the country through hundreds of political parties and above all, introducing biometric system of voter-registration to ensure transparent, free and fair voter registration and elections in the country.

Harping on the ongoing biometric registration of the voters, Fru Angwafor, leader of the central committee delegation to the occasion, said the militants should not celebrate and forget to massively register ahead of the 2013 twin elections. He said means have already been made available to Mezam 1A, B and C to assist CPDM officials to go on a door-to-door mobilization and sensitization of militants to massively register. He ipso facto enjoined all to support Paul Biya, the champion of leadership by registering massively in the ongoing voter registration.

Atanga Feeds Thousands

If there’s one thing the militants went home doffing their hats to Minister Paul Atanga Nji, it was the 3 live cows he eked out to the CPDM militants of Mezam 1A, B and C. Each of the sections carted home a cow each for the feasting of the thousands of militants that November 06, 2012.

SDF Ungratefulness

Although the Mezam 1 CPDM militants were drown in celebration of their national president’s 30 years anniversary in power, they did not forget to curse the SDF leadership for ungratefulness. The party bigwigs at the occasion were all flabbergasted that no SDF baron; even the North West SDF Regional Chairman, Hon Njong Evaristus, bothered to attend the celebration just to wish them well.

According to the CPDM bigwigs, SDF leadership is an ingrate. They said in the recent SDF convention in Bamenda, their (CPDM) national chairman Paul Biya did not only despatch a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Employment, Gregoire Owona, but equally sent millions of FCFA to assist the SDF run the convention successfully. They counted several occasions that Biya has financially assisted SDF chairman, Fru Ndi in person, especially when he sponsored Rose Ndi to be evacuated to Switzerland for medical attention before she died and how Minister Gregoire Owona personally attended Fru Ndi’s 70 years birthday celebration in Bamenda with financial and material gifts; “yet the SDF leadership saw no reason to reciprocate our goodies to that party”.

Demise Of Chronicle Publisher’s Wife: Don’t Blame Fru Ndi and Peter Essoka (Satanic Verses)

Mbah Motomu Eric, publisher of Chronicle Newspaper lost his better half, Desiyi Stella Bikenun épse Motomu. The tragic death occurred in Yaounde on September 28, 2012. It was a devastating blow to the publisher of Chronicle who for quite some time and especially in the recent past worked relentlessly to ensure that his better half regain her health. And of course her fragile health improved tremendously to the joy of all and sundry that had seen Chronicle publisher going throw thin and thick for her. But to the greatest surprise of all, Desiyi Stella gave up the ghost after a small malaise that took her to Yaounde to consult her health specialist. That, however, only proved that it is God who gives life and He alone knows when to take it. Nevertheless, death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. Though Chronicle publisher lost the better half, he solemnly promised during her burial to hold the family left behind intact in her memory as she has to act as their guardian Angel.

By and large, the demise of Chronicle publisher’s wife draw sympathy from across the board since the couple did their best in life to be humane within human reach. This is why people of all walks of life trooped to Bamenda and then Batibo village to bury Deseyi Stella Bekenun épse Motomu on Saturday October 5, 2012. It is often said that it is in times of troubles that you know your friends and enemies. Of course the demise of Chronicle publisher’s wife opened his eyes wide to see those who wish him death. John Taylor once opined that, “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.”  It was strange and strange enough because in African tradition death concerns everybody. While many were mourning and comforting the publisher of Chronicle, others were shedding crocodile tears and laughing under their armpits. This group can be forgiven for they committed their heinous act away from public gaze, though not away from the eyes of the Almighty God. Yet another group openly mocked at Chronicle publisher for losing his wife. This group that throw scornful jibes at Chronicle publisher was headed by John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman and Peter Essoka, a one-time CRTV journalist. They in their quest for unsolicited revenge forgot that the death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive-perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine.

However, we plead with our readers not to blame these two ignoramuses for they knew not what they were doing, for as Euripides puts it, “Death is a debt we all must pay.” Fru Ndi was overheard saying, “So Chronicle can also lose the wife? Let him taste it for when my wife Rose died he wrote about it.” If Fru Ndi has forgotten his status in society, we will take the pains to remind him. Fru Ndi is a public figure and anything about him is open to public view. As a public figure if he is in his bedroom with his wife and beats that wife within the confines of his room, it makes no news. But if he beats his wife in public, a thing most people do and are ignored, it will make headline news to journalists. This is something Fru Ndi seems to ignore. By the way, what is the issue with Fru Ndi to have lost two wives and thinks that people would not talk about it? Is his political stardom linked to something beyond human comprehension? Statesmen have a duty to pilot the affairs of state and forget about personal happenings or grief for the interest of the people they lead. For instance when the Head of State, Paul Biya lost the wife, Jeanne Irene Biya, he mourned for a week and continued with state matters. When Fru Ndi lost the first wife, it was a non event because he was not yet a prominent politician. When his second wife, Rose died, he turned the ‘cry die’ into a commercial event. As a statesman the mourning could have been one week but Fru Ndi extended it to six months and used it to extort money from people. What has become of the rose Fru Ndi foundation that people pumped enormous amounts of money into? Has Fru Ndi suddenly forgotten that it was in the course of the prolonged mourning and ‘cry die’ that he embarked upon in his Ntarikon residence that one SDF militant, Makoge was shot death? And what is happening to Makoge’s wife today can only be explained by Fru Ndi. But what is happening to Makoge’s wife is not strange given that Fru Ndi is alleged to have an insatiable penchant for wives of deceased SDF militants. Dear readers do not blame Fru Ndi for the derogatory remarks he made about the demise of Chronicle publisher’s wife for basically he is a politician. Political language, we are told is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. And that is just what Fru Ndi did. Fru Ndi and Peter Essoka in making provocative remarks about the demise of Mrs. Motomu were ignorantly oblivious to the fact that human mind and human society is not divided into watertight compartments called social, political and religious. This is so because all act and react upon one another.

When the announcement of the demise of Chronicle publisher’s wife was made on the state-run media, CRTV, Peter Essoka in one of his self acclaimed and uneventful morning reflections cynically extended his condolences to the publisher of Chronicle. He ended by nailing the publisher of Chronicle by saying that what goes up must come down. Of course that is the first truth Peter Essoka spoke in his life, for it is a universal truism that what goes up must come down. Unfortunately, we doubt whether Peter Essoka actually grasps the meaning of that phrase since he has been neither up nor down in his career. He entered CRTV and left the institution as he entered while young and dynamic journalists went to higher heights. If he has been given some solace to purge out his frustration by spurting out incomprehensible words in the morning occupying precious air time for nothing, he should better shut his big for nothing mouth. If it were for women we could easily give him a pass mark, for that is his stock in trade. And as it is often said that births of a feather flock together, it is not surprising that of all the female staff of CRTV, Peter Essoka liaises only with the one that is not trained like him.

To Fru Ndi and Peter Essoka, nothing is worth telling them apart from referring them to the words of Eileen Elias Freeman who stated that, “The angels are always near to those who are grieving, and to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.” That is the solace Chronicle publisher has, a solace Fru Ndi and Peter Essoka do not have. God’s time is the best.

Those Satanic Elements Of Marafa’s 5th Letter

Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, former Minister, Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Decentralization was slammed a 25 years prison terms on September 22, 2012 by the Mfoundi High Court. Marafa and his co-accused were equally asked to pay damages in varying amounts to the state of Cameroon . Marafa’s condemnation according to his supporters was an unfortunate denouement to a drama that witnessed its first act on April 16, 2012 when Marafa Hamidou Yaya was arrested alongside Ephraim Inoni, former PM and dumped at the Kondengui Central Prison. Marafa and Inoni’s arrest caused a lot of ink to flow, though they were not the first high brow personalities to be arrested on charges of embezzlement on the ongoing operation Sparrow Hawk. The debates heightened because of the way Marafa and Inoni were picked because contrary to most of those who were arrested after preliminary investigations, Marafa and Inoni were arrested on their first appearance in front of the investigating magistrate.

But while Inoni spent time in Kondengui contemplating on what he could have done wrong to be arrested, Marafa Hamidou Yaya immediately transformed himself into a prolific letter writer. His letters became legendary as he decided to put all state secrets at the market place of ideas. News organs fought each other to have the exclusive rights to publish Marafa’s letters as they pricked the consciences of Cameroonians who wanted to know how their country was governed and also those who loved sensational news. The public too became very expectative of the Marafa’s letters, as the letters delved into what was hitherto considered as no go zone in Cameroon . Marafa’s letters equally exposed some serving cabinet ministers and the entire government was panic stricken as none knew what would be the content of Marafa’s next letter. This was more so as Marafa in his letters abundantly demonstrated that he and Paul Biya were the duo that actually ruled Cameroon . Things even came to a head when Marafa Hamidou Yaya refused to collaborate with the judiciary.

To preempt further letters and further embarrassment from Marafa’s media outings, he was transferred from the Kondengui Central prison to SED where he was under lock and key. And the regime authorities prided themselves for taking the right decision to transfer Marafa to SED as his open letters stopped. Cameroonians were eager for more letters leading to a situation where a smart Cameroonian faked a letter purportedly written by Marafa. Even the fake Marafa letter still received public attention as the previous genuine ones. However, that was not the end of Marafa’s popularity as he had to appear in court. His first appearance in court was spectacular as Cameroonians trooped to the streets and court to cheer him, calling on the authorities to release their president. This forced security forces to adopt a strategy of bringing Marafa to court. He was often literarily smuggled into court during the hearing amidst tight security.

Marafa defied all odds and presented one of his letters in court in which he publicly asked the magistrate to judge and condemn him for obeying the instructions of the Head of State. That drew a lot of sympathy for him. However he was speedily judged and condemned to 25 years jail term with fines and damages. Many are those who thought that the 25 years prison term was going to break Marafa and force him to resign to his fate. But at the look of things, Marafa’s imprisonment seems to have instead emboldened him as he has started another series of open letters. The Marafa’s 5^th letter has come to put to question the fake Marafa’s letter as it is consistent with the previous letters.

 

Satanic Elements Of Marafa’s 5^th Letter

Marafa Hamidou Yaya in his 5^th letter after his condemnation clearly indicates that he still has much in store for Cameroonians. Instead of speaking like a dejected prisoner, he addresses Cameroonians as their future leader. Marafa begins by thanking Cameroonians for their support during his imprisonment. He said it is the support that he received from the population, despite calumnious campaigns against his person that he has been able to pluck courage to write the open letters that have open up avenues for change and hope in Cameroon . Marafa in humility pleaded with the population to continue supporting him not only because their support would help him to go over his ordeal, but also because with the support they will together change Cameroon .

Marafa in his letter indicated that it is because the population had been supporting him that the Head of State who has never showed any compassion for Cameroonians in distress, and afraid of the consequences of his programmed condemnation hurriedly went to the Northern Regions to comfort the flood victims. Marafa goes forth to indicate that it is because the population supports him that together they will force the present Head of State of Cameroon to engage reforms that this country needs and which he longed promised. Marafa cited a new consensual electoral code and the putting in place of institutions previewed by the constitution such as the Senate and the Constitutional Council which guarantee smooth and peaceful political transitions. And that it is because the people have been supporting him that together they will push the Head of State to really fight corruption and bring true embezzlers to justice, especially as most of the pilfers of state funds are still in government despite the fact that there is abundant evidence about their financial misdeeds.

The incarcerated Marafa Hamidou Yaya in his 5^th letter addressed to Cameroonians says the support he wants from Cameroonians is moral and should in no case engender a threat to peace or public disorder. And that emboldened by the support from the population, he will solemnly engage himself in front of the population to continue his fight for Cameroon to become a society of confidence imbued with the virtues of peace, security, justice and shared prosperity that every Cameroonian aspires to.

Marafa in his letter states that his trials had no other agenda than estranging him from public life and to divert the attention of Cameroonians from the failures of the regime. He adds that sooner Cameroonians would witness a flurry of other judiciary buffooneries just to wipe out the Head of State’s responsibility from the political, economic and moral impasse in which Cameroon founds itself today.

To conclude about his fight, Marafa says he is aware that Cameroonians are at cross roads; reason he has addressed his message of hope for the change that is coming. And that he is convinced that from now in prison where he is assigned and from where the population is, they can act in unison to stop the degradation of Cameron. For that to happened, Marafa Hamidou Yaya says it is useless to wait for seven years for Biya’s mandate to elapse. And that for them and all those who are not discouraged, the future is now. He adds that what he is going through today is mere preparation for his engagement and capacity to lead Cameroon to change and hope.