Tatsa Estate Wahala: How Estate Administrators Apologized to Sheriff-bailiff Njoya

 By FC Ndi

The administrators of the Tatsa Estate have apologized to Sheriff-bailiff Joseph Fonyuy Njoya,a Bamenda based international legal consultant. In a mail issued an signed by the three administrators of the Tatsa estate namely; Tatsa Fonkwang Norbert, Tatsa Mbikakeu Augustine and Tatsa Longlack Berlain, the trio on behalf of the entire family apologized for whatever any member of the family might have caused to the personality of Barrister Joseph Fonyuy Njoya during the Press Conference that took place at Ayaba Hotel on May 31, 2013. The apology dated July 15, 2014 which The Eye laid hands on a copy was explicit and apologetic, yet impressive and full of dignity. The administrators averted that they were ill advised. In a very cordial manner, the administrators outlined that "having amicable resolved with you, all pending actions against our estate and individual members of our family, we hope by this apology to move harmoniously rather in building together what our father left as a legacy for this country for each and sundry, and to foster your career as a legal practitioner". 

It should be recalled that Sheriff-bailiff Joseph Fonyuy Joseph is a hard working and efficient international consultant who many young advocates look up to him as their role model.  What is peculiar about the learned advocate is that whenever you meet him for the first time, you are taken by his mastery of issues.  Take it as arrogance and you are right for this is positive superciliousness because he masters issues. Notwithstanding, he has the drive and dedication that defies any facile explanations.  From that standpoint, popular opinion in Cameroon had long described Barrister Njoya as a role model in the legal profession and a silent achiever. When he was cited in the Tatsa saga, analysts were taken aback given that he is “highly skilled and approachable and has good legal and people skills”, a “formidable advocate” that could not be involved in scandals. He is well known for his dedication to the well-being of the profession as well as his clients, his will to win, his legal knowledge, creativity and attention to details. Besides, has also been said to be that kind of person who finds solutions to difficult problems. He will take time to understand everything issue and will tailor his service around the needs not only for the seek of money but at times for humanity (Pro Bonu) and with a fair and flexible approach. Where a case can be resolved through negotiations, so as not to incur costs, Maitre Njoya can be relied upon for his strong negotiation but where a fight is necessary, he is renowned for his authority performance.Meet him at the Njoya Chambers in Bamenda and you will be marveled by his skills in both national and international issues.

When Abraham Lincoln in 1850 wrote the following on the job of a lawyers, he was categorical that even though “there is a vague popular belief that lawyers are necessarily dishonest…the impression is common, almost universal. Let no young man choosing the law for a calling for a moment yield to the popular belief---resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer”. Lincoln appears to have practiced what he preached. Amazingly, he earned his nickname, “Honest Abe,” despite working in two professions commonly accused of ignoring the truth: law and politics. Even as a young man, Lincoln’s honest character was evident just the way Cameroonians look at Barrister Joseph Fonyuy Njoya. Lincoln’s reputation for honesty followed him into politics just like Barrister Njoya’s truth earned him an apology from the Tatsa Estate administrator.

Lincoln’s reputation for absolute honesty gave him an edge as a leader. People might have disagreed with him, but they couldn’t question his integrity.

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