Bamenda III Council Begins Reaping From Linking With Korean City

By Tegha Otega

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Town Crier No 315

Country people

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tenoh, 1st SDF Official Caught In Operation Epervier

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

By Tetuh Mbah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kumbo: Tasha Told To Get Back To SDF

- CPDM Bui I Section President Sidelined In Contracts

By Shey Wirba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fru Ndi To Storm Yaounde For Marafa’s Case?

By Tetuh Mbah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biya in Congo For CEMAC Without Chantal Again?

By Yussuf Sariki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forjindam Slammed 15 Years; Thereafter Life Jail Sentence

Manipulation or Reality?

- Verdict Appealed To The Supreme Court

By IO Fossung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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