Batibo Mayor Tenoh’s Arrest: Political Victimization Or Actual Misappropriation?

The Operation Sparrow Hawk better known in French as Operation Epervier has taken a different dimension with the arrest of some mayors in the North West Region. President Paul Biya embarked on fighting corruption and embezzlement in public administration after Cameroon grabbed unchallenged the shameful Trophy of the Most Corrupt country three consecutive times. The Head of State in response to this awful national and international disgrace put in place several structures including CONAC, the Supreme State Audit, the Budgetary and Financial Crime Disciplinary Council and inter-ministerial anti-corruption commissions to fight the gangrene that had elected permanent residence in the public sphere in Cameroon. The results of these various organs to fight corruption have been mitigating, given that some people purported to be involved in grave corrupt practices go scot free while others that are considered to have stolen peanuts are caught and thrown in jail.

But of all the organs set forth by the Head of State to fight corruption, the Operation Sparrow Hawk is the most dreadful as it has picked up top-notch barons of the regime and thrown in jail. It is for this reason that many people have qualified the Operation Sparrow Hawk as a political weapon in the hands of the regime being used indiscriminately to settle political scores. This assertion of political victimization has become more pellucid with the recent arrest of some mayors in the North West Region, especially Tenoh Lawrence, the Mayor of Batibo considered the political hub of the opposition SDF party in the North West Region. This has been considered so as the SDF has ruled and reigned in Batibo since its creation and has often used its crushing votes to cover any political lapses of the Mbengwi constituency.

The wave of arrests that has nabbed some mayors of the North West Region began with Tenoh Lawrence, Mayor of Batibo Council. Tenoh was first picked up on the instructions from the Batibo State Prosecutor and detained on charges of embezzlement of public funds. He was later released on bail only to be finally picked up again and incarcerated in Bamenda. Unconfirmed reports hold that Tenoh Lawrence is being incarcerated for the embezzlement of close to FCFA 20 million, money emanating from the sale of communal stamps put at his disposal by the Treasury Department. However, Tenoh Lawrence’s supporters aver that the mayor is paying the price of his popularity and his stance against some traditional rulers and CPDM bigwigs of the area. They intimate that Tenoh’s arrest is a ploy put in place by his political adversaries to put him out of the way so that they could easily grab the Batibo Council. Tenoh’s supporters argue strongly that their mayor, though not a saint could have not embezzled the sums attributed to him. Some even attest that Tenoh took the stamps and gave them out for some middlemen to sell and has not yet collected all the money from these middlemen, but his enemies are using this weakness to nail him on the cross. They say he is being politically victimized by his detractors that are found even within his SDF party and without. This same school of thought holds that the arrest of mayors is a ploy set in motion by the CPDM regime to prove that not only CPDM barons are corrupt but also the SDF that has been criticizing the regime. And that unfortunately Tenoh who had many political enemies had to be the scapegoat.

But this argument that it is the CPDM trying to soil the SDF’s managerial reputation by arresting SDF mayors on charges of embezzlement has been seriously quashed by the other arrests that happened last week involving CPDM mayors as well as SDF mayors. In actual fact before the arrests of Mayor Tenoh Lawrence, a list of some corrupt mayors had made the rounds in the media with the amounts these accused mayors were alleged to have siphoned. When Tenoh Lawrence whose name was on the list was arrested, panic gripped the municipalities of the North West Region, especially the mayors that were cited in the infamous list of embezzlers. But it was Tenoh alone that was first picked up and as days rolled by, those cited in the lists heaved sighs of relieve. Little did they know that the arrest dragnet was slowly but gradually closing up on them. And on Thursday August 16, 2012 they were nabbed in what is considered by many as a spectacular swoop on corrupt mayors. Amongst those picked up is the CPDM Mayor of Andek, Agogho Johnnie who is also the NW President of UCCC. He is tagged for haven siphoned FCFA 34 million. The Mbengwi Council Mayor, Tah George Mbah was equally nabbed in the swoop and is alleged to have embezzled FCFA 20 million. Former SDF Mayor of Andek, Awanakam Godlove who after quitting the helm of the Andek council was living in opulence was also picked up for the embezzlement of FCFA 4 million while he was mayor. Another victim is the CPDM 1^st Deputy Mayor of Njikwa, Amahndong who is alleged to have been ‘big-eyed’ and dipped his hands too deep into the council coffers for his personal use.

Selective Arrests Cast Doubts On Exercise

Actually, the issue of arresting mayors and throwing them in prison is not new in Cameroon. How the Mayor of Njombe-Penja was picked-up and incarcerated before going through a kangaroo judgment that slammed him a life jail term are still fresh in the memories of most alert Cameroonians. And till date the Njombe-Penja Mayor, Paul Eric Kingue argues strongly that his arrest and incarceration is politically motivated. This comes to confirm the allegation that most of the arrests are politically motivated, for if not why should the Supreme State Audit barely invite some embezzlers and question them in posh offices and ask them to pay the huge sums they have embezzled while others go through the grilling of the Judicial Police officers and are thrown in jail upon mere suspicion of embezzlement?

The lists of the names of mayors accused of embezzlement circulating in the North West Region has the names of Ntoi Daniel, mayor of Ndop as haven embezzled FCFA 9.7 million just like his colleague of Balikumbat Council, Wasum Augustine who is equally alleged to have siphoned FCFA 9.7 million. Why the delays in their arrests while others that have been accused of embezzling lesser sums have been nabbed? Are they being politically protected while others who have no political God fathers are being victimized? Why does the justice system apply different measures to the same weights? Chances are that those that have been accused of embezzlement and have not been arrested yet can look for financial means to lock the holes they created or that they can bribe their way through justice. Another possibility is that the delay in arresting those earmarked for arrest can force them to escape by moving out of the country. In such circumstances they would have dribbled both government and their municipalities for in an attempt to escape, chances are that they will carry along more council funds. Also the delay in their arrests can permit them to forge and falsify documents that incriminated them.

Thus the selective arrest of those accused of embezzlement cast doubts on the intentions of the exercise. Is it actually out to purge the society of embezzlers or to purge the society of those considered as threats to some politicians? Their appearance in court in the days ahead to argue their cases may unearth more cans of worms.

Squatters On El Hadji Baba Danpullo’s Land Embark On Blackmail Tactics

El Hadji Ahmadou Baba Danpullo, the multi-billion business magnet, the peace loving and patriotic Cameroonian who is considered one of the leading private sector employer in Cameroon is again in the news. The proprietor of Elba Ranch, the Ndawara Tea Estates and other business conglomerates has been seriously defamed and blackmailed by some press organs, stating that he has seized land from some inhabitants of Douala. The media reports have been seen by many as calculated attempts by squatters on Baba Danpulo’s land to paint him black in the eyes of the public as an insensitive land grabber. This unfortunate situation that is unduly amplified by some hired press organs is coming on the heels of recent genuine moves embarked upon by Baba Danpullo to develop his land in Douala. Although Baba Danpullo has remained unperturbed by these derogatory, false and fabricated press reports, he has not ruled out the possibility of resorting to the law to correct the injustices he is suffering from the squatters over his legitimate land and the false public opinion created by the media.

Facts Of The Ploy Against Baba Danpullo

The press organs that have published the erroneous information about Baba Danpullo claim that he has seized land from some inhabitants of Akwa in Douala. This is false. In actual fact Baba Danpullo is the rightful owner of the piece of land in Akwa Douala that is being claimed by illegal squatters. All began with the recent fire incident that consumed the Marché Congo in Douala. After the fire incident, some squatters swung into action to occupy parcels of land that belong to others. In their bid to occupy the vast land left by the fire disaster that razed everything to dust, the squatters occupied Baba Danpullo’s land that was adjacent to the burnt down Marche Congo. The piece of land has a surface area of some 720 squares metres. Knowingly that Baba Danpullo would not allow them occupy the land, the squatters decided to hire the press to circulate erroneous information about the piece of land and about Baba Danpullo. In their bid to derail the public, the allegedly hired media organs stated that the land title of the piece of land in question was long cancelled by a decision of the Administrative Bench of the Supreme Court in June 2010

Contrary to this erroneous information circulated by the hired press organs, information gathered at the right sources in charge of land issues in Douala indicated that Baba Ahmadou Danpullo is the proprietor of the land in question. In actual fact the land has a certificate matriculated No. 3712/Y10/MINDCAF/P530 of July 31, 2012 delivered by the competent services of the Ministry of Land Tenure. And on the certificate it could be read, “The land conservator of Wouri, here undersigned certifies that an urban building constructed on a surface area of 720 square metres situated at Douala I, in the Akwa neighborhoods belongs in all legality to Mr. El Hadji Baba Ahmadou who acquired it on December 6, 1995 through mutation after sales.” According to this certificate, it therefore implicitly means that there is no land problem or landownership problem between El Hadji Baba Danpullo and whosoever according to the statutes applicable to land tenure and ownership.

It is worthy to note that the comedy of the land fracas pitting Baba Danpullo and some unscrupulous squatters in Akwa started when the Douala City Council cleared the debris left behind by the fire disaster that consumed Marché Congo. After that, squatters embarked on occupying the empty spaces where buildings once stood and were consumed by fire. This was more so as the Douala City Council thoroughly cleaned these spaces and rendered them habitable and usable by squatters. And conscious that they were occupying the space illegally, the squatters resorted to the media to put across their diabolic plans of permanently occupying land that did not belong to them.

It should be recalled that at some time in the past, Baba Dnapullo, the rightful owner of the piece of land wanted to develop it. By then some squatters had been there. Being a peace loving Cameroonian, Baba Danpullo invited the late Quarter Head, Mr. Bakouna Caché for mutual discussions so that he could ask the squatters to leave his piece of land and settle somewhere else. As a loving father who hates to see others suffer, Baba Danpullo even promised financial compensation to enable the squatters resettle somewhere else. But this humanitarian gesture was obstinately rejected by the illegal squatters as if the land was theirs.

It was after the fire incident that consumed the Marché Congo that Baba Danpullo wanted to regain his piece of land. But his attempt to develop his rightful possession has instead resulted into a spiral of attacks on him as a land grabber. This reversal of roles where the land owner is tagged a land grabber by squatters is being promoted by some media organs that have been duly hired to soil the long established clean reputation of Baba Danpullo

Persistent Sponsored Media Attacks On Baba Danpullo 

William Graham Summer once opined that, It is remarkable that jealousy of individual property in land often goes along with very exaggerated doctrines of tribal or national property in land.” This is true of Baba Danpullo, an unparalleled developer who has suffered persistent media attacks over the years. At one time Baba Danpullo was unduly accused of seizing land from the Mbororos and violating Human Rights. These unjustified allegations forced the former US Ambassador, Neils Marquardt to personally pay a visit to Ndawara to have an-on-the-pot appraisal of the situation.  The US Ambassador after visiting Ndawara left with the impression that all the allegations of human rights abuse by Baba Danpullo were mere hearsay stories that smacked of blackmail and mudslinging. This erroneous information as usual was ventilated by some media organs that are bent on soiling the reputation of Baba Danpullo. In response, Baba Danpullo stated that his doors were wide open and, “Let people come and verify to know the truth…” The scandalous reports went as far as accusing Baba Danpullo of involvement in a horse trading scam. The press reports indicated that he had confiscated some 38 horses that belonged to some Mbororos and locked up the owners for violating his ban on the selling of horse in the North West Region. In response to this and other allegations circulated by the press that the then North West Governor, Abakar Ahamat had distanced himself from Baba Danpullo, the calm and serene Baba Danpullo reiterated that it was pure blackmail for he had close to 2000 horses. He however quickly added that having 2000 horses did not mean that people should steal them. He said the governor is an administrator and cannot transform himself into a judge. Baba Danpullo indicated that after the theft of some of his horses that were carted to areas like Bafmeng and Nkambe, he contacted the appropriate judiciary authorities to investigate into the matter because the stolen horses were put on sale by the thieves. Baba Danpullo stated to the press that the recovered horses were his horses that were bred and reared in Ndawara and those who claimed they were theirs were unable to show proof of their origins and where they were bred.  

Fake NGOs Created To Smear Baba Danpullo

It is on record that some NGOs created along tribal leanings have over the years struggled to present Baba Danpullo nationally and internationally as a devil. Baba Danpullo argues that these fake NGOs have been created with sole aim being to denigrate him and his activities. He said these NGOs that have no leaders or the names of their leaders on the leter head of the organizations have published false information about him and have been circulating this information in high quarters to the point of copying national and international instances. And that these same NGOs are at the forefront of allegations that he persistently violates Human Rights. In his response to these false allegations, Baba Danpullo declared solemnly that individuals do not violate human rights because they neither have the police nor the cells.”Do I have the police, prisons? He retorted.

On the issue of land grabbing, Baba Danpullo fumed, “He who says I am taking land should show who complains, I took land from whom? He regretted that the NGO named Justice and Dignity Campaign spent time citing press reports that denounced him without any proofs. He doubted the NGO, calling it a fake organization that has been created by his detractors to paint him black publicly. He reiterated the fact that the fallacious news reports quoted the Justice and Dignity Campaign as condemning him in what they called the latest strategy of further impoverishing and subjugating the Mbororo pastoralists of North West Cameroon, and calling on the authorities to stop him Danpullo and his agents, as simply a destabilization ploy by his detractors.

Thus the recent media reports on the land fracas in Douala is just one of the so many attempts that have been perpetuated over the years on Baba Danpullo who is out to develop Cameroon through the provision of jobs and the investment in real estate and other business ventures.

Expectations Of New Bar Council President

Barrister Sama Francis Asanga of the renowned Sama Law Chambers, a  North West Cameroon-based Law Firm that provides legal services in Cameroon and the rest of the world through an established  professional network with other Law Firms worldwide and within the country emerged as the new Bar Council President in elections described by many observers as heated and overtly democratic. Barrister Sama’s victory over his peers to emerge as the Bar Council President replacing Barrister Eta Besong Jr. could be likened to a caesarean delivery, as the Elective General Assembly that was earmarked for two days finally took four days to resolve all its outstanding issues.  Barrister Sama’s victory was welcomed by a cross-section of his colleagues who see in his election a new dawn for the Cameroon Bar that has of late been riddled by some internecine squabbles that polarised and balkanised the Cameroon Bar.

Prior to Barrister Sama’s election on Tuesday August 14, 2012, the General Assembly of the Bar Council that went into session in the Bamenda Congress Hall on Saturday August 11, 2012 had after two days of deliberations succeeded in electing the President of the General Assembly and the Vice. Barrister Tang Emmanuel was elected to the post of President of the General Assembly of the Cameron Bar Council while Barrister Nana Viviane secured the Vice Presidency of the General Assembly.

The Ntumfor Reconciliation

In spite of the bickering and the wrangling that characterised the Bamenda Bar Council General Assembly, one thing remains clear: that lawyers after all agreed to meet in a General Assembly. This agreement to meet in an Elective General Assembly was brokered by the all time Peace Crusader, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle who invited Barrister Hippolyte  Meli, President of the General Assembly and Barrister Eta Besong Jr. President of the Bar to his office in Douala. The invitation of Ntumfor came on the heels of an imminent split in the Bar Council due to a misunderstanding that emerged between the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Bar Council on when, where and how to organise an Elective General Assembly. The misunderstanding degenerated into a mutual mistrust, thus hindering the organisation of an Elective General Assembly of the Bar Council, leaving the Eta Besong Jr led Executive in office two years after the expiry of their tenure of office. Even an attempt by Barrister Meli to organise a General Assembly in Yaounde flopped as administrative officers stepped in to disperse lawyers from the Yaounde Congress Hall. This situation further exacerbated the existing conflict and lawyers went on strike deserting the courts. The government was hard hit by the lawyer’s strike just like plaintiffs and defendants, especially as lawyers deserted the courts for close to one week.    

Ntumfor swung into action and as usual rescued the situation by allowing the two belligerents to talk out their differences. At the end of the reconciliation in his office in Douala, both Presidents issued a joint communiqué that sanctioned the reconciliation and billed a date for the Elective General Assembly. It was this Elective General Assembly that held in Bamenda and came out with a new team at the helm of both the General Assembly and the Bar Council. And Ntumfor Nico Halle who brokered the peace deal for the elections to hold was readily at down into a happy end as elections went through hitch-free.

The Daunting Task Awaiting Barrister Sama Francis

Barrister Sama Francis has won the Bar Council Presidency at a moment when there are talks of an imminent split in the Bar. Fortunately, Barrister Sama Francis is quite aware of the internal squabbles that rocked the Eta Besong Jr executive to the point of crumbling the Bar Council.  The tenure of Tchoungang just like that of Eta Besong Jr has been considered by many lawyers as uneventful. This has been so because debts have accumulated, lawyers are disinterested in the Bar especially as colleagues have been picked up and incarcerated and the Bar Council has been very indifferent to their plight.

Barrister Sama Francis in his policy speech muted that in order to ensure and improve on the efficiency of the Bar Council, its deliberations would be computerised. He added that the Bar Council will henceforth make policy declarations on matters of law and its dignity will be restored as the law profession is for people who can and not for people who want. He promised to make an appraisal of the prevailing situation of the Bar Council and to embark on consultations to chart a better road ahead.

 Shortly after his election, Barrister Sama Francis set to work as he told his peers that it was time for action. He told the press that he was not going to be a little dictator at the helm of the Bar Council but to work with everybody, especially the past Bar Council Presidents in a synergy to make the Bar Council and lawyers regain their lost glory. Barrister Sama Francis is expected to bring sanity in the law profession by proposing and meting out sanctions on wayward colleagues that drag the profession in mud. He is equally expected as a matter of urgency to look into the cases of colleagues that have been locked up while insuring that lawyers pay in their dues to enable him make the long standing Secretariat Project a reality. Barrister Sama Francis as Bar Council President is equally expected to institute dialogue and bring together all lawyers to speak one language for the betterment of their profession. And Barrister Sama Francis seems to be up to task, evident by the fact that he frowned at his peers who stood against him and immediately the results were declared left the hall. To him the victory was not his but that of the Bar Council that was witnessing a new dawn.

Barrister Sama To Copy Barristers Gorji Jinka, Luke Sendze, Yondo Black, Akere Muna And Ben Muna

The ululations and joyful songs that followed the declaration of Barrister Sama Francis as the new Bar Council President were telling of the expectations from him by his colleagues. This was so because the last two mandates of the Bar Council were not eventful to the distaste of many lawyers who witnessed or heard stories about the tenures of Gorji Jinka, Luke Senze, Yondo Black, Akere Muna and Ben Muna at the helm of the Bar Council. Given that Barrister Sama Francis is very proactive and has proven his worth in the courts in Cameroon, lawyers are very optimistic that he will greatly reform the Bar Council for it to regain its dignity. Barrister Sama himself is very optimistic on this score as he told journalists in Bamenda on August 15, 2012 that “The time of playing the Ostrich with the aspirations of the Bar Council is over. History will tell that once a young professional of Baba village in Santa Sub Division of the North West Region, a Presbyterian Christian by faith served the Cameroon Bar Council diligently for the betterment of all Cameroonians.”

Barrister Sama Launches Appeal To The Media

There is no gainsaying that the relationship between journalists and lawyers over the years can be likened to that existing between fowls and cockroaches. But Barrister Sama an ardent advocate of press freedom seems to see it differently. He fervently feels that the press should and is supposed to be the Goodwill Ambassadors of the Bar Council. During the press conference that he granted a day after his election, Barrister Sama Francis called on the press to inform the world that Bamenda town, the historic town in Cameroon was chosen to hold the General Assembly of the Bar Council in order to usher in a new dynamic in the Cameroon Bar. He reaffirmed the resolve of the Bar to stand by journalists in times of crises. He congratulated the population of Bamenda that for four days running hosted lawyers that travelled to Bamenda for the General Assembly.

It is worthy to recall that Barrister Sama is the lead advocate of the Sama Law firm that has been in legal practice since 1982. The Sama Law Chambers equally offer internship to University Students who wish to take law as a career. For this reason a Legal and Career Assistant is there to orientate students. The areas of operation by the Sama Law Firm include amongst others, International Trading, banking, Investment and Finance, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration, Alternate Disputes Resolution, General Public Notary, OHADA Legislation, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Corporate Restructuring, International Joint Ventures, Project Finance, Real Estate Development, Product Liability Law and Media Law.   

Otte Andrew Morfa aka MAO: The Man of the Moment

The American writer, William Menninger has outlined six essential qualities which are key to a successful man. In referring to such a person as a man of the moment, Menninger says sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom and charity constitutes factors that make somebody successful. The Mayor of Mbonge Sub Divisional Council in Meme Division of the South West Region of Cameroon has a dose of these qualities and holds them close to his heart. These qualities are his treasures. In Mathew’s gospel Christ is quoted as saying that ‘where your treasure lies there wiil you heart lie also’. The Chinese thinker, Lao Tzu has redefined these treasures which are essential qualities for a success in the oft-quoted passage: ‘I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility-which keeps me from putting myself before others’. He goes further to enumerate the gifts of all this qualities: ‘Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and can be liberal-avoid putting yourself before others and you become a leader among men’. Otte Andrew Morfa is by all means a gentleman who is not only bold and liberal but also a leader by his own rights. As mayor of Mbonge Council, one of the oldest and largest council areas in the whole of Cameroon is noted for his gentleness and sincerity. As a leader Otte understands the importance of the bigger picture even as he does not close his eyes to petty details. As mayor of Mbonge for the past five years, Otte Andrew has done more than any other single mayor has ever done in that council area. He came to the council with a big vision; that of giving back to Mbonge the place it deserves in the Southwest Region and in Cameroon. Even as his leadership remains little understood and grossly misinterpreted in some quarters, the point remains that in terms of productivity Otte Andrew has many rivals but few equals in the council area.To suggest that Mayor Ottee Andrew has not done much is to ignore the facts and evade the realities about Mbonge Sub Division. Otte Andrew alias MAO has demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubts that he has the vision, the will and the determination to assist in the transformation of the local community in Mbonge. AS a leader he has brought many councillors in Mbonge council to understand that being there for each other counts more than having the sharo elbows that characterized Mbonge some years ago. Otte Andrew’s objectives for Mbonge council are noble, his methods civil. In managing affaires in Mbonge council he seeks the truth as his defining achievement. That is why no human weapon fashioned against him can prosper. That is why his enemies continue to labour in vain. The visionary leader of the Mbonge council area has as determination to improve upon the welfare of his brothers and sisters. His exceptional understanding of the challenges that confront the Council area has also shaped his vision. Today Otte Andrew Morfa is the arrowhead for the growth of the SubDivision. Reason why the former SDO for Meme is on record to have scored Otte Andrew Morfa has the best Mayor in Meme Division. He even went further to urge other mayors to consult him when in difficulties. This Custom administrator of exceptional qualities is quietly customizing the development of Mbonge. As priority, his fundamental mission has been to widen the circle of opportunity for his brothers and sisters back home. That is why, with is deep understanding that ‘knowledge is power’ he went on to set up an FM Community Radio in Mbonge. The purpose of the community radio has been to act as a catalyst for the development of the area by proving practical information on health, environment, education and development of the area. He labouredly wanted the creation of this FM because he wanted sons and daughters of this hard-to-reach and underserved segment of Meme Division to be abreast with happenings around the world and to adjust thereof. In his bid to introduce bottom-up participatory development, the mayor thought it wise to facilitate information flow in the community. Its weaknesses notwithstanding, the mere introduction of this modern development mobilisation tool remain a step in the right direction yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Morfa Andrew’s Parcour Vita

This senior custom’s officer who hails from Nganjo village in Mbonge clan is politically very active in the Meme II Mbonge CPDM Section and holds the position of scribe. His new style in council management leaves many surprised. He has constructed and successfully handed over many classrooms and benches to schools and colleges in the locality. With the council owned caterpillar that he purchased, many farm-to-market roads have been opened up and some rehabilitated. The council building that was looking almost naked has been refurbished. The vast nature of Mbonge Council area with over 99 large villages has not intimidated him. Rather it has strengthened his resolve to roll off his sleeves and let things done. In this light he is reaching out to their demands progressively and as means provide given that the most beautiful woman can only offer what she has got. More Council staff has been enlisted in a bid to curb unemployment in the community. This silent locomotive is an achiever as seen in his support to the Mbonge Cultural and Development Association, MCDO. Knowing for a fact that ‘water is life’ Morfa Andrew Otte has provided portable water to his community. Health is wealth, it is said. That is why the communities of Barombi Kotto, Maromba and others will never forget Otte for the construction of health facilities in these communities. As a lover of  development and human development, he spearheaded lobbying and advocacy campaigns for the election of the National YCPDM President. He is from Mbonge, his constituency. For this and others we say bravo mayor Morfa Andrew Otte. The future is bright.

Ndeme Samuel Takem: The Unsung Hero

It was G.K Chesterson, the  great scholar who once wrote that each time the world was in trouble the demand went up for practical men. Ndeme Samuel Takem aka ‘ndamba deh’ is a practical man that was created out of the inability of Kumba to stay as one council area and develop. The crisis that enveloped Kumba in the last years of the 90s and early 2000 led to the invention of Kumba III, Mabanda as a Sub Divisional Council. The elections that followed saw Juris Dr. Ndeme Samuel emerge with a very wide victory margin as the pioneer major of Kumba III Council and every other inhabitant there has beeb thankful to the powers that be for transforming the theory of bringing administration closer to the people into concrete reality. Ndeme Samuel Takem, the young Mabanda boy who abandoned his huicy job in the United States of America to come back and contribute to changing the living conditions of his beloved people was given the daunting task of birthing and nursing Kumba III COUNCIL. Unlike other councils that started off with material and enough technical poll of resources, Kumba III under Ndeme was to forge out its own road map without compass.  The very ingenuity of Mayor Ndeme has been able to make Mabanda and the rest of the villages and neighbourhoods that make up that predominantly agrarian environment be a paradise on earth today. Not that like the real paradise in Heaven everything is available for the asking but that all that is critical for the development and transformation of this locality is being carefully carved out by this agile and ebullient Mayor.

Unlike other Cpdm mayors in the country, Ndeme Samuel prides himself of the fact that he is being spurred on by a well crafted Council Development Plan that he is intent on implementing it before he thinks of any other thing. When Kumba III was being carved out, it was nothing but a name. The very hard working and peace loving people of Kumba III were not part of the sharing of the national cake when it came to major developmental issues and projects. The arrival of the forward looking mayor has virually brought Yaounde to Kumba. Mayor Ndeme Samuel alias ‘ndamba deh’ has emerged as the man of the moment in Meme Division and by extension the Southwest Region. He is an essential part of the success story of Biya’s policy of greater realisations in Cameroon. Many of us would prefer to be known for our accomplishments and our qualities as individuals. But ‘ndamba ndeh’ as he is fondly called by the many youths across kumba town would prefer to allow people judge him by the humble things he does for the benefit of the local community.

Ndeme Samuel:The King of Youths

To say that Ndeme Samuel is King of youths is to say the obvious. To deny it is to say that we never appreciate people’s individual talents and gifts. Every well meaning person in Meme knows that there is no mayor who surrounds himself with the youthful population as Mayor Ndeme Samuel. This special gift of his has made him not only to remain youthful himself but also to surround himself with youthful ideas. This also accounts for his success as a politician. He knows just too well that what makes a politician tick is his ability to liaise with youth and women. By uniting the youth around his ideals through the annual football competitions Myaor Ndeme Samuel Takem alias ‘ndamba ndeh’ has enabled President Paul Biya to be visible in Kumba III, for, in what other way can Biya’s social policies be understood and translated into concrete reality if not through football. The annual trophy that carries a whopping cash prize of over 1 million is an indication that Cameroon youth are the true leaders of tomorrow. This unsung hero of our times has constantly called for moderation and reason in whatever the youths of Kumba III do. Point is, in the whole of Kumba today, no mayor has is ideas and opinions sort after by the youth as NDEME Samuel. Ndeme, although a frontline CPDM politician has succeeded with the youth where many a partisan politician has failed. His love for the job and his realizations in Kumba III has given a chance to the inhabitants of the area to create a viable society. Although the only way a true leader should be judged is against the canvass of his time, a mistake constantly being made by those who are supposed to know better in Kumba is that they turn to judge Mayor Ndeme Samuel Takem only by simply realigning their prejudices. People have failed to realize that it is much easier to watch someone riding a horse than to be put on the horse’s back. In judging a man like Ndeme Samuel, we instinctively apply prejudicial standards so that some of his virtues go unnoticed. The very fact that he has remained open-minded ever since he came to the helm of affaires in Kumba III has helped in disinfecting the tense political air that used to reign in the area before his arrival. He is one of the most resourceful and intelligent mayors in the region.

Count His Blessings

Barrister Ndeme Takem Samuel aka Ndamba ndeh has travelled widely and his wealth of experience is benefitting Kumba III today in more ways than one. This ex-student of then PSS Kumba, today PHS Kumba is member of the renowned Cameroon Bar Council. Even though he came back from the United States a rich young man and even though he has devoted his wealth of time and energy to local council development, Ndeme continuous to feel proud for his people. It is record that he got to the Kumba III council as a response to the people’s call and not because he wanted it for self aggrandisement. This happy-go-mayor is a socialite of the first class and would hardly find time to twist his face against somebody. Always with is celebratory glass of wine, Mayor Ndeme since moved into the prestigious circle of CPDM Central Committee Delegates and has since been performing this function to the satisfaction of the party hierarchy in Yaounde. A key achievement to his credit is the construction of the new and ultramodern council chambers in Kumba III, This chamber adds more verve and beauty to Kumba III and makes surrounding councils stir. The Kumba III Corners road which runs through the Railway station has been completely rehabilitated and since where ever a road passes development follows, it has speed uo the development of the area. Come to think of the modern slaughter house in Kumba III and the number off youths employed as a result. Talk less of the revenue accruing to the council. As if that is not enough, the mayor is on record for always standing by the women of his council area on women’s day as he always provides fabric for March past. You may take all your time to count the many classrooms, benches and toilets in the municipality. The ever neat and funky mayor also provides holiday jobs for his youths to enable them stay out of crime. More importantly, Mayor Ndeme has remained a strong supporter of President Biya in and out of season. He supports Meme IC financially and sometimes transports militants’ to and fro party events. It is thanks to this American trained jurist that Kumba III is having a new facelift today. When the intended ultramodern council hall is completed, the story here would not be the same. Talk of Ndeme Takem Samuel, the Juist Dr and you are talking of an unsung hero in Kumba

Consequences of Chantal Biya’s Absence

The First Lady of Cameroon (acronym: FLOC) is the hostess of Unity Palace or Etoudi.  The use of the title of First Lady to describe the spouse or hostess of an executive began in the United States. In the early days of the republic, there was not a generally accepted title for the wife of the president. Many early first ladies expressed their own preference for how they were addressed, including the use of such titles as "Lady", "Mrs. President", and "Mrs. Presidentress". According to legend, it was Dolley Madison that was first referred to as "First Lady" in 1849 at her funeral in a eulogy delivered by President Zachary Taylor. Sometime after 1849, the title began being used in Washington, D.C., social circles. The earliest known written evidence of the title is from the November 3, 1863, diary entry of William Howard Russell, in which he referred to gossip about "the First Lady in the Land," referring to Mary Todd Lincoln. Use of the title later spread from the United States to other nations. Several women who were not presidents' wives have served as First Lady, as when the president was a bachelor or widower, or when the wife of the president was unable to fulfil the duties of the First Lady herself. In these cases, the position has been filled by a female relative or friend of the president. According to United States Files the position of the First Lady is not an elected one, carries no official duties, and receives no salary. Nonetheless, first ladies have held a highly visible position in U.S. government. The role of the First Lady has evolved over the centuries. She is, first and foremost, the hostess of the Unity Palace. She organizes and attends official ceremonies and functions of state either along with, or in place of, the president

Origins and Role of First Ladyship

Like Chantal Biya today, Dolly Madison popularized the First Ladyship by engaging in efforts to assist orphans and women, by dressing in elegant fashions and attracting newspaper coverage, and by risking her life to save iconic treasures during the War of 1812. Madison set the standard for the ladyship and her actions were the model for nearly every First Lady until Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1930s. Plagued by a paralytic illness, President Franklin Roosevelt was not free to travel around the country, so Mrs. Roosevelt assumed this role. She authored a weekly newspaper column and hosted a radio show. Over the course of the 20th century it became increasingly common for first ladies to select specific causes to promote, usually ones that are not politically divisive. Lady Bird Johnson pioneered environmental protection and beautification; Pat Nixon encouraged volunteerism and travelled extensively abroad; Betty Ford supported women's rights; Rosalynn Carter aided those with mental disabilities; Nancy Reagan founded the ‘Just Say No’ drug awareness campaign; Barbara Bush promoted literacy; Hillary Clinton sought to reform the healthcare system in the U.S.; and Laura Bush supported women's' rights groups and encouraged childhood literacy. Michelle Obama has become identified with tackling childhood obesity. Hillary Clinton was, for a time, given a formal job in the administration. She became a U.S Senator from New York in 2001 and is currently the Secretary of State in the Obama administration. Like Chantal Biya, many first ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, and Michelle Obama have been significant fashion trendsetters. There is a strong tradition against the First Lady holding outside employment while serving as White House hostess. However, some first ladies have exercised a degree of political influence by virtue of being an important adviser to the president. During Hillary Clinton's campaign for election to the U.S. Senate, the couple's daughter Chelsea took over much of the First Lady's role. The Office of the First Lady is an entity of the Presidency, a branch of the Executive Office of the President. As such, Hillary Clinton's abdication of the office in favour of the couple's daughter, in advance of the former's installation as a United States Senator avoided conflict under the Ineligibility Clause of the United States Constitution. In next door Nigeria, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, is canvassing for the inclusion of roles of presidents’ wives in the constitution. According to her, the inclusion would enable First Ladies get retirement benefits along with their husbands when they leave office. She has even picked up a job as Civil Service Permanent Secretary at Bayelsa State.

Consequences of Chantal Biya’s Absence

If we have taken the pains to recount all this it is to awaken Cameroon’s national consciousness to the function our First Lady Chantal Biya has been performing and to signal the consequences of her absence to the ordinary Cameroonian. Nobody ignores the important social role Chantal Biya has been playing in Cameroon. We know of her involvement with orphans and vulnerable children as well as the very hard-to-reach and underserved segments of our population. Nobody today in Cameroon doubts the fact that it is Chantal Biya more than anyone else that has given a human face to the Presidency. No one doubts the fact that if Chantal Biya were still as present as she used to be the quadruplets born by the Tiko woman and presently at Mount Mary Buea needing assistance should have been a thing of the past. Only the other day, an old woman in distant Belo Sub Division queried the son who has just arrived from the city over the disappearance of Chantal Biya. According to this old mother, the only thing she has ever benefitted from this government are two bars of soap she received from the Chantal Biya delegation to Belo some time ago.

It is now over 167 days since Chantal Biya was last seen in public. That is, from March 8 this year till today August 20, nobody has seen her in public. As hostess of the Unity Palace, she was supposed to prepare and receive guests at Unity Palace on May 20. She was not there. As First Lady she was, as has been the case, supposed to have accompanied President Biya to Nyabisan for the Mevele Dam project. Same for Lom Pangar recently. Talk less of the CEMAC Heads of State summit in Congo. Our Chantal has not been seen. No word too from her press officer. Only thing we know for a fact is that the husband, Paul Biya recently signed a Presidential decree transforming her Chantal Biya Foundation into a public utility.

Signs of Strained Family Relations?

A renowned American writer, Troy, wrote at the close of the decade that: ‘The pressures of the presidency can place a strain on the strongest of marriages, but it can also steer a sometimes shaky union to surer ground. Bill and Hillary Clinton, rocked by the allegations over the White-water affair and by their failed attempt to restructure the healthcare system, have become visibly closer. It seems as if their marriage intensified. They need each other in ways they didn't each other before," mused Troy. The fact is that President Paul  Biya married Chantal Biya out of love. The fact is also that Cameroonians have come to love Chantal Biya as the mother and ‘First Lady of the Land’. They deserve an explanation on her whereabouts. Can someone speak out?

Town crier No 319

Country people,

Barka da Salah in arrears. I am sure you enjoyed this great Moslem feast like myself. As usual it was hectic at El Hadj Lawan Bako, the great philanthropist. Of course, those of you who have been there before remember the usual warmth and hospitality of Nawain. Everything went on hitchfree. Luckily, there is no Moslem/Christian conflict here. No Boko Haram. The warmth and merriment at El Hadj’s place directly contrasts the bitterness at John Ntarinkon’s especially when the name of your town crier is mentioned. Not to shorten his days, although he is already living on bonus time (he is 73 and above) I have decided to pipe down on him. This I have done partly to please those of you who are his fanatical supporters. But please, those of you who are close to him should remind John Ntarinkon that criticism is the price he must pay for the position he occupies. Look at Popoul. What sort of insults have not been heaped on him? In fact, Popoul is the most insulted president in the world. Except for late Pius Njawe which he was surely misled to jail, all those who have insulted Popoul in the vilest terms imaginable are going about their normal duties. Through his tolerance Popoul is telling fellow politicians that if they are not ready to be criticized, they should quit politics. We of the press don’t criticize out of hatred or mischief. We are only doing our duty as watchdogs of society.

Back to Popoul. He returns to the country next week and it is the wish of all Cameroonians that he comes back form Geneva with their much cherished Mama Chantoux. I am one of those absolutely sure Mama Chantoux will bounce back to take her place as First Lady. If you doubt me your eyes will be your witness. Proof that Popoul and Mama Chantoux are still together is that for the first time Popoul sent a condolence message following death of one reverend sister in Yaounde on his behalf and those of Mama Chantoux. There can be no smoke without fire. There was actually problem between the two. Mama Chantoux reportedly said “to hell’ or as frogs usually put it’ ca gate, ca gate’ after a better quarrel ensued between them. Of course, there is no marriage or any relationship where disagreement doesn’t take place.

But Popoul’s real headache is not Mama Chantoux. It is his former collaborators now turned opponents. I am not talking about Marafa or Yves Michel Fotso. That is an old story. I am talking about Professor Maurice Kamto who has decided to launch his party named Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM. He did so during a press conference at Hilton. Police stormed the occasion, Kamto sneaked into his car and vamoosed. The police came after the event was over. It was attended by an impressive number of persons including journalists and members of other political parties. But why did the police have to behave this way? The party had been registered by MINATD or was it because as I heard, the former minister delegate at the ministry of justice didn’t register the party in his own name? But I am not yet done with Hilton. I hear the management of the prestigious hotel has been sued. Kamto had paid for the hall and of course for the facilities the hotel provides. But there was no AC (air conditioner) and no light in the hall. Proof of the regime’s discomfort is Rene Sadi’s complaint on air that the press conference addressed issues other than those it was intended to. This is where I hate this regime. It creates heroes out of nonentities. If gendarmes didn’t shoot and kill in Bamenda on May 26, 1990, John Ntarinkon would not have been the hero he is today. Maurice Kamto’s press conference wouldn’t have been still a topic of discussion if police never stormed Hilton to disrupt his press outing. Popoul’s growing discomfort is heightened by the Marafa/Fotso court outing. The heavy turnout at court each time Marafa appears and worse of all, the shouts of ‘our president’ addressed to him show the unpopularity of the Popoul regime. Scores of security forces have to be deployed each time around the Mfoundi court to maintain order. Sometimes the suspects are smuggled in through the backdoor to avoid the crowd.

But that is not the main source of Popoul’s discomfort. The recent statements from Marafa and Fotso implicating Popoul is the real source of the president’s headache. Marafa says Popoul knew and even teleguided every move taken in the process to purchase a presidential plane. He denies disbursing the $29 million whose misappropriation is the core of the trial. Yves Michel Fotso disclosed that he was appointed for a mission. The way in which the trial is going suggests that at a point Popoul himself can be issued a subpoena to appear in court. But we know the judges can’t dare. I even hear the judgment is already locked up in a special drawer and that the proceedings are just a formality. Like elections in Cameroon. The results are known in advance. That is why we call Cameroon’s democracy ‘Advance democracy’. But we are comforted by the fact that some of our judges still have consciences. Magistrate Kenmoe, the man who slammed a life sentence on innocent Forjindam has resigned. He complains that everything was being dictated to him from above. He has therefore decided to hands off all Epervier cases including that of Nguini Effa. He says the fact that the verdict was dictated to him against the tenets of his profession is why he is quitting. But the deed has been done. What he has done. That is medicine after death. He should have cried foul and even granted a press conference when pressure was mounting on him.

Welcome to North West Mr. Epervier after your frightening mission in the centre and littoral regions. I am pleased that you have picked up stingy, headstrong and swollen headed mayors like Tenoh and Co. Tah George Mbh, and Awanakam Godloce a serving and former ‘S’ mayor respectively, together with ‘C’ mayor Agogho Johnnie and Ahmandong Godwill, assistant S mayor have spent their first four days in jail. But what puzzles me is that they are in the Mbengwi production prison, whereas Tenoh who is from the same Momo jurisdiction is at the Abakwa central prison. Another puzzle is why all 3 Ngoketunjia mayors implicated in the communal stamp racket have so far, not been arrested. I mean the fake professor, Ntoh Daniel, the mayor-turned teacher, Tikanjoh Stephen and that conceited fellow, that ingrate, Wasum Augustine in Balikumbat. I hear they will be picked up either today or tomorrow.

Congrats to those who attain leadership genuinely and not through manipulations. Therefore, congrats to Batonier Francis Sama who says he will work better for those who didn’t vote for him. That upstart at the helm of North West CAMASEJ should copy the good example of Batonier Sama and also resolve to work for the 20 people who voted against her instead of threatening to make an issue of remarks about her questionable accession to North West CAMASEJ leadership. A big congrats to ELECAM. I hear biometric machines are already around. Who can doubt Fonkam again? Registration starts in September and I advise all of you to register and get ready to vote. Otherwise, you will end up being ruled by the likes of Njingum and those embezzling mayors already behind bars or on their way there. The experimental phase takes place in Yaounde. Training next and full exercise to ensue. At least 7 million voters are expected. “opposants’ are surely cracking their brains on where to pick holes in the electoral process. I want to see how far they go. I also want to see how far the likes of Barrister Nkom will go in their fight to instill homosexuality and lesbianism in Cameroon. I am pleased with the recent condemnation of the practice by Yaounde archbishop, Tonye Bakot. He didn’t call names, but he left nobody in doubt about the fact that those practicing it are those in high places who want to keep power at all cost or those wanting to attain it. I don’t want to revisit my hit parade of homosexuals. I just want to let sleeping dogs lie.

Country people, I seize this opportunity to remind us that before doing anything it is essential to reflect on its consequences. We should not behave like ‘S’ politicians who speak without first reflecting. Agitators all of them who speak to cause excitement. That is why I have suppressed my list of homosexuals and lesbians. I also caution my compatriots which most of you are not to believe everything we hear or read on the net. For instance, the claim that Bakassi has declared its independence. This is something a few sensation loving youths just wrote and posted on the internet. Many people took it for gospel truth until South West governor, Okalia Bilai Bernard cleared the air dismissing everything as rumours. He disclosed that development infrastructures were fast going up in Bakassi. We encourage other administrators to follow the example of the South West governor and dispel all rumours before they are mistaken for facts. Concerning Bakassi, your town crier was and remain one of the patriots who rejoiced when Cameroon finally took possession of it. Some Cameroonians have lost their lives defending it. Some before and others after. For those after I am thinking about my brother Lekunze who died 3 years after Cameroon took control. I fear for my other brothers, Peter Tien Ndeh SDO for Ndian where Bakassi belongs. I pray God that he shouldn’t be kidnapped as has been the case of other administrators. I equally feel for fellow Cameroonian journalists of Le Jour newspaper which belongs to Haman Mana. Within two months, Le Jour has lost two journalists. I am not parochial in thinking, not superstitious of mind, the word ‘famla’ would have quickly come to mind considering that the proprietor of Le Jour is Bami. Sad as it is, life has to go on. I enjoyed Salah yesterday at Nawain’s as I told you earlier. Thanks to Barca da Salah Monday was a public holiday. So like all Cameroonians, I had a free day. Afterall, who cares to work? Why Saudi Arabia and Qatar were the ones which announced the appearance of the moon before the feast was ordered is not my concern. I am happy it fell on a Sunday for the reason  I have just explained. There is however at least one person who never enjoyed Salah with the same gusto. It is the large buttocked ex-wife of our former Newman’s confidante Joe. I mean Philomena of the ‘grand debat’ who was sacked as principal of a school in Ndop central. You can guess. You see how tough Ntumkwifon is although sick. Serves her absolutely right. Her mind should now be in turmoil like that of Ali Bongo Odimba, the parvenu who rigged elections to become Gabon’s president. Sleep, I hear has vanished from his eyes following the return of opposition leader Andre Mba Obame who left the country in 2010 criticizing Ali’s electoral fraud. Obame’s return sparked demonstration resulting in the imposition of a curfew in Gabon. Popoul is surely scared of such a thing happening here. Reason subsidies on petrol haven’t been taken away. France ruled by Ali’s new protector is also in trouble. Not people initiated but the work of nature. Scorching temperatures in the South of France is threatening have imagine 21C^o at night and up to 40 ^oC during the day. Toulouse, the scene of a recent bloody drama where a psychopath slaughtered people, is the most affected. The elderly are the most vulnerable. 15.000 people lost their lives in 2003 due to the scorching heat. Is it just climate change or France is paying the price of electing a divorced man as President? This reminds me of something, Francois Hollande has spent his first 100 days at the Elysee. Lucky man. Heat can’t kill him because of the sophisticated ACs at the French presidency. But the majority of French men are not happy with him because he has not kept his campaign promises. The issue of retirement age reduction and improvement of unemployment. Rate 54% are unhappy with him while 51% say France is heading for the worst. Serves the French right. They voted out Sarkozy who advised them to work and improve their economy the way the Yankees do instead of relying on their former colonies, the tradition of De Gaulle, Mitterrand etc. If Sarkozy were still in power the days of Popoul and other Methuselah presidents would have been numbered. I like the Egyptians better than the French. They voted a foresighted leader. Mohammed Morsi is doing the right thing- trimming top military personnel to size. He retired the all mighty Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi . I never knew there were still Field Marshals in Africa after Idi Amin the brute. I wonder what war Tuntawi fought to become field marshal whereas great yankee soldiers like Swazkov and Collin Powel ended as generals.

Talking about the Yankees, Mitt Romney, republican candidate has chosen Paul Rione as his running mate; 3 months to the yankee presidential election. Obama and supportes are quaking because of the landmark fundraising conducted by Romney’s supporters. Obama’s wife, Mitchel is campaigning vigorously for her husband. The gap in the polls is still narrow, but it is my wish that Romney wins. I hate the democrats. Rwanda in 1994 witnessed the slaughter of 800.000 people with the Yankees under Clinton. Now Obama has watched the slaughter of over 20.000 Syrians. He permitted gay marriages just because he wants to be reelected. Obama threatened endgame for sit-tight African leaders. Today, the likes of Popoul are still mischievously seated in the high places of their kingdoms. I am pleased with the setback Obama suffered in his attempt to have Julien Asange extradited by Britain to face trial in yankeeland. Asanga has finally been granted asylum in Equador. I don’t want to hear anything about the organization of American states forcing Equador to hand him over. The Yankees never heeded to Argentina’s call for the adherence to the moroe doctrine when Britain attacked and defeated that South American country over the Falkland islands. Britain had as that time iron lday Margaret Thatcher as prime minister.

Still on the wikileaks genius, he was supposed to face trial in Sweden for sexual assault. In yankeeland he faces the death sentence. Reason why I support Equador for saying the country is keeping him in the interest of freedom of expression. I love wikileaks for exposing  very important world secrets including those of Cameroon. Great whistler blower wikileaks is and a source of journalistic scoops.

As I said earlier, I hate the Yankees under Obama. If it were a republican in power, the rubbish in Syria would have since stopped. Obama talks only of financial support. A republican would have since sent B52 bombers and F16 fighters to get Bashir al Assad out of the Syrian presidency. The 300 UN observers should leave Syria quickly as it is already doing, as the fighting intensifies. Kofi Annan steps down finally in august. So Algeria’s former foreign minister Ruadar Brahimi takes over. I want to think he just wants to make a name and chop the heavy gombo the UN provides. If he thinks he can bring peace to Syria with Assad still president, he is grossly mistaken. China and Russia have messed everything up by vetoing resolutions which could have ended Assad’s bloody leadership. But while all eyes were focused on Syria something appalling happened in Democratic South Africa. Police opened fire on striking mine workers killing 34. The mine workers whose dispute sprang from a disagreement between two trade unions over pay rise, were brandishing clubs, and clubs. Two policemen had been hacked to death by the demonstrators one of whom had a gun. You see that police fired not so much in self defence as in retaliation, call it revenge. South African president, Jacob Zuma had to cut short his participation in a regional summit in Mozambique. He has set up a commission of enquiry saying it is not time for blame. Vladimir Putin Russian leader is no longer at ease after the three women that engaged in the pussy riots were sentenced to two years in prison. They had staged a song in the Russian orthodox church calling on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Putin. The court accused them of hooliganism. Thousands gathered outside the court protesting. Police arrested some. Demonstrators have held in more 30 European cities against the verdict. The 3 women were arrested in February. Kofi Olomide’s sentence for three months also led to protests by his supporters. He was charged with rape by a Paris court. Olomide who had a row with producer over his dancers has always been a controversial musician.

I end the gist for this week on a note of disappointment with YOSA which now behaves like P- Tonton. Shem on them. How can they allow themselves to be beaten at Abakwa after raining horse?

Misappropriation: Did Mbengwi & Andek Mayors Propose 3M FCFA Bribe To Avert Arrests?

- Uncertainties Over Fates of Ndop & Balikumbat Mayors

By Tetuh Mbah

News about the impending arrests of the mayors of Mbengwi (Tah George Mbah), Andek (Agogho Johnie) and others had spread world wide. After the arrest of Lawrence Ndangoh Tenoh, Mayor of Batibo, many had questioned why he was the only one being ‘scape-goated’. Yet, last Thursday August 16, 2012, the precinct of the High court in Mbengwi was jammed to full capacity. At least 500 people came to acquaint selves whether both the Mbengwi and Andek mayors would be arrested or set free. Allegations had even been rife that Eric Talla, the examining magistrate and the state counsel had been ‘bribed’ with 3 million FCFA not to order the arrests of the entangled mayors. Yet, last Friday rumours made rounds that the mayors of Ndop and Balikumbat had also been arrested under same pretext.

It was midday, last August 16 when State Counsel, Talla cleared the air. All those who had misappropriated state funds were remanded in custody. SDF’s Tah George Mbah of Mbengwi- 20 million FCFA; CPDM’s Agogho Johnnie of Andek - 34 million FCFA; SDF’s Awanakam Godlove, ex-mayor of Andek- 4 million FCFA and CPDM’s Amahndong Godwill- 1^st deputy mayor of Njikwa- 32.8 million . They had since spent their first weekend at the Mbengwi production prison.

Prior to d-day, allegations were rife that nothing would happen. Mbengwi residents therefore had to troop to the high court to witness the unexpected. Yet, the matter was merely heard in chambers. What Chronicle learnt from some of the anxious observers was that the rest of the Momo mayors would not be arrested like Tenoh of Batibo. Accordingly, they had allegedly bought their ways, in ‘bribing’ the state counsel and examining magistrate, with some 3 million FCFA, not to be hooked: that even the Procureur General too had assured.

Yet, the realities last August 16, 2012 proved that Talla and his collaborators are true respecters of the law. Chronicle gathered that Talla banked on the provisions of section 184 of the penal code on suspects charged with misappropriation and felon. This is what Chronicle learnt, was used to nail the Batibo mayor Tenoh. Thus based on same premise, Talla had no option but to remand Tah George, Johnnie Agogho, Awanakam and Amahndong in custody.

The precinct of the Mbengwi high court had been heavily militarized. Combat-ready police and gendarmes had been placed on standby. Even a detachment of warders were at hand.

Immediately as Talla unveiled the unexpected, the said mayors were ferried to the Mbengwi prison. By press time, they were still there.

Many have however questioned why Tenoh, who committed the same crime as the mayors of Mbengwi, Andek and Njikwa is instead detained at the Bamenda prison and not Mbengwi, the divisional headquarters.

Reacting to the arrests Hon PC Fonso, the outspoken SDF member of parliament told Chronicle on phone that it was unfortunate. While Teche Nyamusa, Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful simply said he can’t comment on the arrests. But Ni Ambo Julien, another Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful told Chronicle that justice should take its course. He further opined that arrests of corrupt officials should not be biased, adding that other embezzlers should be trapped too.

The atmosphere at the Mbengwi court last August 16, 2012 was electrifying. Some SDF diehards, including the wife of Mayor Tah were spotted weeping profusely, when he and his colleagues were being ferried to the Mbengwi prison.

But while Agogho and his colleagues may await what the court would dictate, Chronicle gathered that there is another suit at the Mbengwi high court involving Mayor Tah George over corruption allegations. A source at the court hinted Chronicle that Tah George will appear on august 23, 2012 in another suit of misappropriation/embezzlement, wherein he doled out ghost contracts, wherein he was the one tacitly behind. Chronicle gathered that the matter has been brought up by Jaff Edwin, Secretary General of the Mbengwi council.

Meanwhile, the Epervier hook has not been limited only to mayors in Momo division. Last week, Chronicle gathered that the files of the mayors of Ndop and Balikumbat in Ngoketunjia division had been ripe. Accordingly, mayors Ntoh Daniel of Ndop, caught in same web, with a deficit of 9.7 million FCFA just as his colleague of Balikumbat, Augustine Wasum have been placed under strict surveillance. They have allegedly been refrained from moving outside the North West region and monitored.

Last Thursday, rumours made rounds that both the Ndop and Balikumbat mayors had been arrested. Yet, it was less so. Some independent reports however state that they would be picked up this week, to face same charges as Tenoh of Batibo, Agogho of Andek, Tah George of Mbengwi and others.

Additional List

Last weekend, Chronicle learnt that there had been an additional list of mayors involved in same communal stamp scandal and other related scams. The names of Charles Njukwe of Wum, Ngum Jerome of Elak-Oku, Jones Tankoh Mangoh of Nkambe and others were cited. It is unclear whether the PG would also order for their arrests. But as Chronicle was told, investigations about their malfeasances has been going on secretly. A judicial source hinted Chronicle that there will therefore be no doubts, should other mayors be picked-up and detained like their colleagues of Batibo, Mbengwi, Andek and others.

Election of New Mayors

Given the present detention of the mayors of Batibo, Mbengwi and Andek, a source at the Momo SDO’s office hinted Chronicle that there is the need for fresh elections to be conducted. Chronicle also gathered that the councils involved have not have it easy in its dealings; that the case of Batigo is worse, given that mayor Tenoh was arrested almost a month ago and the council has not been able to respect its financial commitments, given that the 1^st deputy cannot commit the council financially.

It is expected that next wee, Isaac Moundourou would state the staging of elections of new mayors of the Batibo, Mbengwi and Andek councils. They would have a year to conclude the extended mandate of municipal councilors. Yet, a source hinted Chronicle that the move may delay, given expectations of the issuance of a decree, appointing new SDOs.

The present Momo SDO Moundourou has been overdued retirement. Once President Biya returns from his private trip abroad and effects the appointments of new SDOs, it is believed that it would be over for Moundourou in Momo. Implicitly, it would be another SDO to conduct the election of the new mayors of Batibo, Mbengwi and Andek, which might take time (Affair a suivre…)