Meet Tamfu Ngarka Tristel Richard, The Model Barrister at Law

 By FC Ndi

Barrister Tamfu Ngarka Tristel Richard

Michel de Montaigne wrote in his essay, Of Repentance that "a rare life remains well ordered even in private". According to Michel “Any man can play his part in the side show and represent a worthy man on the boards; but to be disciplined within, in his own bosom, where all is permissible, where all is concealed—is the point" that is very rare in society. He used this principle to tell the story of Julius Druses, who, he says, was approached by local workmen who offered him 300 crowns to redo his house so that his neighbors would no longer be able to look into it as they could before. But Druses rejected it and told them that he would give 600 crowns if they could make it so that everyone could see from all sides.  The point of this story is that while most of us would prefer to keep our private actions out of the public eye because they often conflict with the kind of person we are perceived to be, the truly moral person—that is, one who has been trained properly in the virtues—would be able to live a life that is a completely open book.

Closer to Julius Druses in Cameroon is Tamfu Ngarka Tristel Richard, Senior Managing Attorney and Solicitor at Tamfu & Co, a renowned law firm based in Douala-Cameroon. He is a replica of an Aristotelian ethics. This is so because according to Aristotle all human actions that are aimed at cheerfulness are the prerequisites of a life of virtue. If we accept this starting point of Aristotelian ethics, the next question that should automatically be asked is: how could a lawyer become virtuous when society think great lawyers tell lies? In asking this question we should be able to make out the distinction between intellectual virtues, such as practical wisdom, and moral virtues, such as courage, generosity, honesty and the like. Intellectual virtues is acquired by education; moral virtues by habit. This is so because people with conscience and character are resemblance for excellence or virtue and they love what is noble and feels disgust at what is base. Lawyers are not exceptional. That is why the likes of Barrister Tamfu Richard who are making the difference in the practice are looked up on as locomotives of society and role models.

The simple fact about this energetic young man is that he is such a character that finds love in what is novel and feels disgust at what is based. Such is Barrister Tamfu Richard.  His love to do what is right could easily be linked to the result of his upbringing, intellectual virtues and practical wisdom. Brought up in an emblematic sedimentary setup where value is carte du jour, Tamfu’s quest for knowledge catapulted him to becoming barrister, solicitor and renowned licensed intellectual property attorney; yet he still believes that humanity is just like teaching a child. To him, as a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man.

Certainly somebody doesn’t still believe that they can simply teach a child to become a role model in society but Tamfu Richard does. Some people often wear one face to the world and another behind closed doors—but this is not the case with Richard who many look up to as a role model in society. Certainly we have all heard cases of men who appear to be extremely gentle in public, who are horribly abusive at their workplace, but those who have had the opportunity to meet Barrister Tamfu Richard would agree that he is such a person who has so completely embodied the right way to behave that he exhibits this in all aspects of his life. Whenever he accepts to defend a client in court, he does it and well.

What makes Tamfu Richard different from others is that he has an extensive experience in the practice given that he is a Member of the Nigerian Bar Association and Cameroon Bar Association.

Who is Barrister Tamfu Ngarka Tristel Richard?

After obtaining the Advanced Level Certificate at Bilingual High School Bamenda, Tamfu Richard into the University of Dschang where he studied law. In 2006, he graduated in flying packing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political sciences (LLB), and in 2010 the guest for more knowledge landed him the University of Douala, where in 2012 he graduated with Masters Degree in Business Law (LLM). In 2013, he was admitted into the Nigerian Law School where he obtained the Barrister-at-Law Certificate and was call to the Nigerian Bar. It should be noted that as far back as 2009, Tamfu Richard worked as a Paralegal at Legal Power Law Firm in Douala. With six years experience in the practice, coupled with side courses such as Doing Business 2012 in a More Transparent World, Doing Business 2013: Smarter Regulations for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, Doing Business 2014: Resolving Insolvency in Companies, Richard is World Bank Consultant on Doing Business Project in Cameroon since 2012. It would not be an exaggeration if we can clearly state that any company looking for an expert legal retainer goes for Richard. This is so because he holds a diploma in conflict resolution and has the thoroughness that is very rare in some people. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Biafran Agitation : Ex-US Army CaptainWrites to President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria By

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Top 2015 Prophecies of Nigerian Men of God that Never Came to Pass

This is a list of some prophecies made by Nigerian religious leaders against the year 2015 that are yet to happen with the year running out.

Apostle Johnson Suleman

A prophecy is a message of revelation which a prophet or clairvoyant, believed to be in divine communion with God, receives from God and passes to people concerning what is to happen in the future.

 Nigeria has had a bumper harvest of prophecies in 2015, majority of them predetermining the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

 

(1) Prophet Olaniyi Odutayo
Prophet Olaniyi Odutayo of the World Prophetic Church, Ikeja, had in the countdown to the March 28, 2015 presidential poll affirmed that God revealed to him that President Goodluck Jonathan would defeat three strong contenders to emerge victorious.
Odutayo, who was said to have fasted for 40 days, declared that God revealed to him that although the opposition would win more states in the election, President Goodluck Jonathan would still remain in power till 2019.
He said, “During the prayer/fasting, the Lord showed me three men trying to bury Goodluck Jonathan. Each one of them was trying to bury him one after the other, but as they pushed down his head, he rose up again. After the third man pushed down his head, he thought he had prevailed, he was already jubilating but suddenly Goodluck rose up.”


(2) Prophet Joseph Oladipupo
Prophet Joseph Oladipupo is the shepherd in charge of Faith and Victory Church located in Akure, the Ondo State capital and one of those whose prophecies concerning the 2015 presidential elections never were.
According to him, God said Muhammadu Buhari, the major challenger of the then incumbent president, Jonathan, would not win.
“The upcoming election will be very tough for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but they will win the presidency,” he said.


(3) Primate Elijah Ayodele
In January, 2013, founder and General Overseer of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, predicted that God showed him Jonathan would continue to rule till 2019.
“The 2015 elections will hold but will be peaceful in some areas and not in other areas. As it is, from what I see at the moment, PDP will win, amidst serious criticism,” he said.

(4) Apostle Johnson Suleman
“With the level of bloodshed I saw, it is better Goodluck goes now to his village quietly.
2015 election is another June 12. The man who truly won will not govern or rule,” was how Apostle Johnson Suleiman put his own.
These words of Apostle Johnson Suleman of Auchi-based Omega Fire Ministry implies that Jonathan was favoured to win but after that, violence may consume him. He thus advised that the “divinely favoured candidate quit the race or face the regrettable consequences.

(5) Alhaji Musa Ayeni
Alhaji Musa Ayeni was the Presidential candidate of the African Peoples Alliance (APA). Like the prophet of old, he had before the election claimed that he had been ordained by God to take over the mantle of leadership from President Jonathan after May 29.
The politician told newsmen in Akure, that his decision to join the presidential race was in obedience to divine call from God.
“I came into the race because God directed me to contest the election. God told me categorically that I will succeed President Goodluck Jonathan and I believe what God says, hence, my resolve to contest the forthcoming presidential election,” Ayeni, who was former deputy governor in the old Ondo State said.
After the election, Ayeni came third after polling 53,537 votes, meaning his self-favoured prophecy never was.

(6) Prophet Paul Okikiiesu
A Lagos prophet, Paul Okikijesu was not quite clear with his prediction, but said correctly that Buhari might be voted for. He said “If Buhari can surrender his heart to me, he will win the election. Nevertheless despite people’s mandate, they will neither release power to him nor swear him in as the president of the nation. His situation will be similar to Abiola that had people’s mandate, but was not given the chance to rule the country.” It is not known whether the APC candidate “surrendered his heart” to the cleric, but as for now, he has been declared the winner.
Others however did not see any glimmer of hope for the APC presidential candidate.

 

Source: Leadership

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Indonesia to Build Prison Guarded by Tigers and Surrounded by Crocodiles for Drug Traffickers

 In a very controversial move that has gained international condemnation, a country wants to take the fight against drug trafficking to another level by building a prison guarded by tigers, piranhas and crocodiles.

Chief Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso

A controversial drug tsar has announced plans to house drug traffickers in a prison surrounded by a moat full of crocodiles. The chief of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency Budi Waseso was ridiculed when he made the statement last month. But he has since said he is deadly serious and is thinking of employing man-eating piranhas and tigers as guards as well.

 He told the media: "It is also possible we may use piranhas, and because the number of personnel at the prison might not be enough, we can also use tigers.

 "You can't bribe crocodiles. You can't convince them to let inmates escape ."

 Waseso had embarked on a tour of the country to find "the most ferocious type of crocodile" to guard the jail, which is to be for drug convicts who have been sentenced to death.

 

 He has already obtained two crocodiles from a farm to study their power and aggression and may ultimately put as many as 1,000 in place to keep convicts from escaping.

 "The number will depend on how big the area is, or whether perhaps to combine them with piranhas," he told reporters, according to the rimanews.com portal.

"Because the (prison) personnel numbers are short we can use wild animals. We could use tigers too - for conservation at the same time."

 Anti-drugs agency spokesman Slamet Pribadi confirmed Waseso was also weighing the possibility of tigers and piranhas as guards, and hit back at suggestions the prison island plan was a joke.

  "This is serious, this is not a joke," Pribadi told AFP.

 "Drug trafficking is an extraordinary crime and therefore the fight must also be extraordinary, we cannot fight the usual way."

 

Indonesia has some of the harshest anti-drugs laws in the world, including death by firing squad for traffickers. The country sparked international uproar in April when it put to death eight foreign drug convicts, including Australian Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

 A ninth prisoner set to face the firing squad, Filipino woman Mary Jane Veloso, received a last-minute temporary reprieve. British gran Lindsay Sandiford, 59, has been facing the death penalty since being sentenced for trying to smuggle cocaine into Bali in 2013. In separate comments on the TV One channel, Waseso rejected critics who said his plans to use animals as jailors were trampling on the human rights of convicts.

 "We have to look at the whole problem," he said. "These people are murderers - mass murderers. Shouldn't we also look at the human rights of their victims?"

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Ahead 2018; Parliamentary Aspirant Tata Kwawi Mbinglo Publishes Own Political Vision

 MY VISION FOR MY PEOPLE AND THE MBUMLAND AS MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

             My Dear People

  

Tata Kwawi Mbinglo

Another Year is coming when you will hear the same stories and promises from our old politicians. Our land which stands distinct in its enrichment in natural resources, cultural heritage and ethnic endowments has suffered a great deal of exploitation and stagnation for time immemorial. Having observed the economic, social and political and cultural predicaments that has engulfed our geo-political landscape, as your son, grandson, brother and an Elite from Fuh-Ndu Sub Division, I have chosen to stand out tall and shun down the aforementioned predicaments which has rendered progress and brought about poor living conditions of our People in the Mbumland through my Manifesto as viewed in the different domains below.

MANIFESTO-TENTATIVE.
ECOMOMIC POLICIES.

-AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION: Agriculture remains the major economic activity in the Mbum land since its migratory history. The Mbumland is endowed with great natural potentials such as rich and fertile soils, good climatic conditions and absolute peace.There is therefore every possible for Donga Mantung to Feed the entire nation. Unfortunately more than 50% of the total population in Donga Mantung who are basically farmers live in abject poverty and cannot even afford daily basic needs. I am therefore at constant negotiations and yet to do more to bring in improved farming techniques through foreign partners and donors who are ready to assist poor communities in attaining its economic growth. I am yet to reach an agreement with the chairman of DEWACO ESTATES A MICRO NATION IS THE USA and Sir Thomas Harris on getting farming equipments such as tractors and improved crop seedlings in order to multiply yearly farming output by 2020.Thus with me as MP for Ndu come 2018,Donga Mantung shall become the bread basket of not only the nation by 2020 but the continent. We shall negotiate for external markets where our farming products would be marketed.
Together with the Council we shall organize Agric shows and exhibitions twice a year top Promote annual yields. My administration shall make available interest free loans for youths in the business sector who must show proof of willingness to repay the loan in order to promote entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment in Donga Mantung Division.

SOCIAL DOMAIN.

-HEALTH. Health which remains a big handicap to our growth as a result of the high death rates due to the high rate of HIV spread in Donga Mantung since the 1992 Genocide masterminded by the ruling party which has had catastrophic effects on our people. We shall negotiate a deal with World Health Organization and the Government of Cameroon for free AIDS treatment in all hospitals in Donga Mantung.All infected persons shall have free health care services. We shall set up a vigilant youth group to ensure the constant HIV test of our youths and follow up treatments.

-EDUCATION. This remains a priority to the growth of every community. We shall make available free funding for the education of all proven Orphans in the constituency. Poor families will also be assisted with education funds through a funding commission and a scholarship scheme that shall follow up cases of urgent need and make available subsidies. More educated but Jobless youths will be integrated as PTA teachers to teach in schools that are under staffed.

-ELECTRICITY. We have already covered a long journey with the introduction of alternative sources of energy such as solar panels and solar wind energy which will be our major priority to completely eradicate the dark ages in Donga Mantung Division.

OPERATION INVEST HOME CAMPAIGN. We shall launch a campaign on our wimbum elites outside   to come back and invest home. We must not forget our roots and plant our feet strongly by making home our first home.

ROAD NETWORK: We shall open farm to market roads in most villages to link them up to the markets for the marketing of their farm products.Main roads will be reconstructed to give a befitting layout to our constituency.

SPORTS: There shall be an annual sports competition involving both boys and girls and ranging from all the various sporting competitions. I am already negotiating with the Commonwealth Youth Program for the organization of these sporting activities. Our Youths must get busy because an idle mind is the devils workshop.

-POLITICAL DOMAIN.

Our people have suffered a great deal of marginalization by the current regime, my going to parliament is to ensure equal representation at the national level. The Anglophone problem remains my major priority as it continues to be a nightmare to our English speaking brothers.
Also the mandate of the President of the republic must be limited to 5 years a term two mandates maximum.

Empowering the youths in the political processes of our country remains our major priority.
We shall be looking at bills through a bills committee I shall set up in Ndu to evaluate Bills I will table at the glass house. We must work together to attain better results.
There shall be strict respect of retirement age including that of the president of the republic who should not exceed 70 years.

-CULTURAL HERITAGE; With our rich cultural background, we shall ensure the reinstatement of all our cultural heritage such as institutions, values, customs and tradition that are gradually dying out. This is what identifies us as a unique people. We Shall work closely with associations like WICUDA and WISU to enforce this.

This is a tentative manifesto and detailed so that we can use the much available time at our disposal to peruse and your inputs are welcome for my vision cannot be out of your imagination. We are in this together.

Happy New Year as we walk the talk in this year 2016.

Tata Kwawi Mbinglo.

Age 28.

Aspirant For Parliament, Donga Mantung Centre Constituency.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Christmas Tree Lighting: The Fomunyoh Foundation Shares with Kids/Parents of Ngomgham in Bda #PhotoNews

December 24, 2015...Christmas Tree Lighting: The Fomunyoh Foundation-TFF Communes with Kids/Parents of Ngomgham-Bamenda (Photonews)

 

                          When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Scores Killed As Explosion Rocks Nnewi, Anambra State

Tragedy has struck in Nnewi as an explosion has left several people dead and others injured.

Several persons have been reportedly killed and scores injured after explosion rocked Nnewi, one of the commercial hubs in Anambra State.
The explosion occurred at Chicason gas plant located in the heart of the ancient town just a few hours to Christmas.
Cause of the explosion is not known as at the time of this report, but rescue teams are at the scene of the incident to help victims.

 Chicason Industry is one of the leading Local Industries and job provider in the state.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Read President Buhari's Message to Christians as They Celebrate Christmas Day

 As the entire christian community in Nigeria prepare to celebrate its religious festival, the President Muhammadu Buhari has encouraged Christians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ.

 Read the President's message below:

 "I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.

There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation.

Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.
I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.

We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.

Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria.

This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people.

In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability.
Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.

I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Cameroon Government Reacts to Transparency International Corruption Index

The Minister of Communication (Mincom), Issa Bakary Tchiroma on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 in Yaoundé responded to Transparency International report which ranks Cameroon 136th most corrupt country in the world out of 174 considered. According to the same report, Cameroon would occupy the 18th position of the most corrupt countries in Africa.

Citing the unreliability of the classification made by Transparency International, Issa Tchiroma decries that the fact that the report does not provide any facts nor reliable statistics. Transparency International, he added claims that the methodology is built in order to get and I quote" a Corruption Perceptions Index". This perception index then being obtained only from surveys and interviews made on a sample of actors whose representation in the national population, the rest is far from proven. To Issa Tchiroma, Cameroon has taken measure steps to put in place institutional mechanism like Financial Investigation Agency, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac created in 2006), the Special Criminal Court (TCS), a special body of police investigation to check cases under the jurisdiction, etc.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Senegalese Migrant Wins Spanish Lotto in Time for Xmas

Just before winning the lottery, 35-year-old Ngagne had recently lost his job as a vegetable picker in Roquetas de Mar, which is located on Spain’s coast.
Ngagne and his wife reached Spain in 2007, after surviving the journey by boat from Morocco to Spain as migrants.
Amid challenging times, winning El Gordo or the Fat One lottery couldn’t have come at a better time: jobless, both Ngagne and his spouse often struggled to survive on less than $1 per day.
Now $436,000 richer, Ngagne told La Voz de Almeria that he is grateful in Spanish, saying, “There were 65 people on that boat. I want to give thanks to Spaniards and the Spanish government for rescuing me when I was in the sea.”
El Gordo is the biggest Christmas lottery in the world. Rather than one person winning a single drawing, winnings are awarded to thousands of people at a time.
Consequently, the No. 79140 was found on 1,600 tickets in Ngagne’s town. Lottery players in Seville and Granada won second place.

Source: BBC


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

N40b For Oil Exploration: Looting Trick By Buhari; To Pay Amnesty To Boko Haram – IBB

 remarked that the N40 billion naira budgeted for Crude Oil exploration in the Northeast by President Muhammadu Buhari, may not only resulted to efforts in illusion but be seen by an average Nigerian as systematic looting by trick.

Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has

IBB, who played host to a group, The Coalition of Nigeria Future Leaders, in his Minna country home over the weekend, explained that nothing survives massive destruction in the war front, as far as he knew as a retired general.

He said: “It was least expected of a caliber of President Buhari to have even nurtured such unrealistic idea or embrace such destructive advice from any of his Aides or Ministers.

“President Buhari is a retired general and a trained combatant in whom I never believed such move or plan could survive a day.”

The group was on a courtesy visit to the retired general and one of the nation’s statesmen, to officially notify him of his new appointment as the group grand patron.

In his opening remarks, the leader of the group, Comrade Edison Godwin, appreciated the spirit of statesmanship in General Ibrahim Babangida, as he described his silence in the present APC-led federal government as golden and meaningful.

He said no one can compare the retired general to his colleagues who have retired and yet get involved in dirty politics around the Southwest.

He accused President Buhari of taken such step only to appease the Boko Haram sects, as he lamented that it was unfortunate seeing President Buhari now diplomatically granting amnesty to his people, at the expense of the nation’s economy.

Godwin said: “The type of change the All Progressive Congress (APC) brought to Nigerians was least envisaged.

“That the President could have even stooped so low to have relocated the Military Headquarters to the war front was a terrible change on its arrival.”

He said General Ibrahim Babangida must have realised some weaknesses in the leadership of General Muhammadu Buhari as a Military Head of States before he decided to overthrow him on August 27, 1985, in a successful coup.

“No one needs further explanations as to why Buhari was budgeted such huge amount to be wasted in a danger zone like Northeast. It is a crazy economic decision.

“How could a sound retired warlord who had the experience of what the war front always look like decided to expend billions of naira in such an environ? What for, at this challenging period?

“Was that suppose to be part of the changes we were promised as Nigerian youths? The priority to the N5,000 each earlier promised the unemployed graduates?

“President Buhari should realise what will be at stake if such project goes off in a glint of an eye as a result of the insurgency,” Godwin admonished.

The host, who later enjoined the group to be good ambassadors of the country, told his guests to live up to the meaning of their name, The Coalition of Nigeria Future Leaders.

“I feel honoured with your choice in me as the grand patron to your group. It’s good having people like you around with this type of positive mindset. Definitely, Nigeria shall be great again. Please always see this country as yours and her unity as a must protected. You are the future leaders as you said, and I want you to protect that which you aspire to lead,” IBB advised his guests with his usual gentle smile.

http://www.igberetvnews.com/32049

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Ghanian Traditional Healer Gave 1700 African Prophets, Pastors, Power to Perform Miracles and Make Money

 My Zimbabwe News can exclusively reveal that over 1 700 pastors and “men of God” from different parts of Africa have approached the seemingly most powerful “sangoma” in Ghana for powers to perform miracles.

So authoritative is the much-dreaded fetish Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam of Ghana that he openly and publicly dares any of his critics to challenge him in a battle of supernatural powers. Nana Kwaku Bonsam has got his shrine at Sa-Peiman, a village on the outskirts of Nsawam in the eastern region of Ghana.

His god is called Kofi-Kofi, and is the one who provides him with supernatural powers that are desperately needed by different pastors from all walks of life. The Ghanaian newspaper reported that after visiting Nana Kwaku Bonsam, hundreds of top-of-the-range cars were seen parked at his shrine as various prominent businesspeople and celebrated church founders gathered to secure his services.

The rule is that one could only enter the shrine barefooted and without a phone or a wrist watch. The fetish priest is by no means a poor man, as anyone who enters his shrine for consultation pays an amount of about US$5 000 which excludes the cost of the rituals.

As part of his rituals, the priest hangs a cat alive and slaughters several fowls, a white dove, pigeons and goats and then spills the blood on his god. The inner shrine is packed with several other gods and also has many cartons of talcum powder, bibles, razor-sharp machetes hung around the room, a rifle, golden rings, money, padlocks, calabashes and many other items which are veiled.

Narrating in an interview how powerful he is, the much-dreaded man boasted of his capabilities. “I’m a fetish priest; a powerful one of course, and I use my powers to heal the sick, help people who want to travel abroad, help traders get better sales, protect people from fraudsters, disempower witches and wizards or help people who have one problem or the other.

“I am well-known for the wonders I perform in this country so I receive people from all parts of the country and even people from other countries,” he said. The self-styled sangoma was quoted in an interview with Ghana’s Daily Guide as having said he once produced “miracle money” before a highly-respected traditional chief. “I produced money, a gold watch, handkerchief and other things there and that was so wonderful before the chief of Techiman. At the palace, I was able to plant cocoa seeds and they germinated on that same day; I planted a mango seed and it germinated the same day and I killed a house-fly, resurrected it and made it fly round for all to see,” he said.
Still on “miracle money”, Nana Kwaku Bonsam said when he started performing his “miracles”, anything that he touched turned into money. “Anything I touched turned into money and I even stood on a fresh egg, which did not break,” he said.
The sangoma confirmed that indeed there are pastors who have, and still approach him seeking powers to start prominent churches and perform miracles. “Yes it is true. I give powers to perform miracles to a lot of pastors. Currently I have over 1 700 and something pastors; I might need to look into my register for the figure.
“When they come to me I give golden rings to some of them after taking them through a ritual bath. I give them the ring and a Bible and the power I want them to get is what I put in the ring. “I give some the power to heal, others to see into the future and or the past, or do anything I want them to do. It helps their churches get more members who always want to see signs and wonders,” he revealed.
Asked if he would expose the false pastors who acquired powers from him to perform miracles, the sangoma said: “I am only against those false pastors who have come to me for powers and yet are not keeping their mouths shut but rather making provocative statements against me.
“I am also against those who have gone for powers from other shrines yet preach against us and do not abide by our rules.” Nana Kwaku Bonsam further “showcased” his talent of unbelievable miracles: “I can produce money from nowhere. I can plant a palm tree and make it grow that same day. I can pull the edge of a sharpened cutlass on my throat without it cutting me. And I can heal a lot of sicknesses,” he said.
The fetish priest attacked flamboyant pastors who enrich themselves at the expense of their followers. “Some of them are using the church for fashion parade. Listen to how they preach in their churches and how they mention the names of their church members who have Aids.
“Why are they riding in a lot of cars when their church members are hungry? The Bible itself says we should all bring our belongings, sell and share with the poor and needy.”Was that not why Jesus beat up the gamblers in the temple? Some pastors today are virtually being worshiped by their church members, when Jesus himself was a humble person,” he said.
He said if he wanted he could do like any other false pastor who disguises using the bible “I was born Stephen Osei Mensah. I was not born a fetish priest. I was attending church when I got possessed and if I wanted to do what others (false prophets) are doing I would have attached my fetish to my Bible and called myself Reverend Stephen Osei Mensah,” he said. Several Ghanaian pastors and bishops have previously challenged Nana Kwaku Bonsam, but they all couldn’t take the risk.
According to Bishop Obinim, founder of International God’s Way Church, if any pastor dare doubts the anointing God has given him, the person should meet him and he will call thunder from Heaven to strike him. Nana Kwaku Bonsam came forward and took up the challenge and Bishop Obinim reportedly gave excuses resulting in the “spiritual wrestling” failing to take place.
Prophet Nicholas Osei alias Kumchacha also challenged the renowned fetish priest for a spiritual battle after arranging to meet at Tema-based Adom FM’s premises in Ghana. However, a mammoth crowd that besieged the premises to witness the grand “spiritual showdown” got disappointed after Prophet Kumchacha made second thoughts at the last minute and failed to turn up. Several Zimbabweans have been to Ghana and other West African countries over the past few years. Some of them returned back home and became so powerful in their line of industry.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Les Coccinelles” School Complex Fetes Christmas with First Lady Chantal Biya

Source: PRC

First Lady Madam Chantal BIYA personally presided over the lighting of the Christmas tree at “Les Coccinelles” school complex in Unity Palace on Monday 21 December 2015 during a very colourful and lively ceremony attended by pupils, parents, teachers and some members of Government.

The First Lady was received on arrival in the school complex by Madam Youssouf ADJIDJA ALIM, Minister of Basic Education and MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, Minister of Youth and Civic Education. For close to two hours, the wife of the Head of State and invitees were thrilled by the pupils and the programme also included handing over of Christmas gifts and a tour of all the classrooms to see the work of the children.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Jaji Gidado is New SG in the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries

Jaji Gidado Appointed SG in the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries

Jaji

El Hadj Jaji Manu Gidado has been appointed as as the new Secretary General in the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA). He was appointed on December 22, 2015 by President Paul Biya. It should be recalled that prior to his appointment he was in Charge of Missions at the Presidency of the Republic. He holds a Masters degree in Social Science from Bradford University, UK. Jaji hals from Ngo'o, Momo Division, North-West Region. He is the first Mbororo from the North West Region to be appointed to this prestigious position.

16 new Secretary Generals were appointed through the presidential decree No. 2015/595. This is among other included Bassilekin III Achilles appointed Secretary General in the Ministry of Trade; Pauline Kane Fortune Honorée, Secretary General at the Ministry of Supreme State Audit. At the Ministry of Defence, the General Secretariat now is headed by Said Kamsouloum.

In the text No. 2015/596, the President of the Republic also appointed the police chief, Dominique Baya as secretary general at the delegation for national security. As for the Economic and Social Council, Decree No 2015/597 appoints Wonyu Emmanuel Samuel secretary general of the institution. Tanyi Tachot Jacob was also appointed SG of the Chamber of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry of Cameroon.

  Voici les nouveaux secrétaires généraux nommés

Ministère du Commerce: Bassilekin III Achille

Ministère chargé du Contrôle supérieur de l’Etat: Mme Pané née Fortune Pauline Honorée

Ministère de la défense: Saïd Kamsoulloum

Ministère des Domaines, du cadastre et des affaires foncières: Ebang Mvé Urbain Noël

Ministère de l’Economie, de la planification et de l’aménagement du territoire:  Tchoffo Jean

Ministère de l’éducation de base: Bissé Béa

Ministère de l’élevage, des pêches et des industries animales: Jaji Manu Gigado

Ministère de l’emploi et de la Formation professionnelle: Kouékam Justin

Ministère des enseignements secondaires: Ivo Tambo Leke

Ministère des finances: Edoa Gilbert

Ministère des forêts et de la faune: Nongwen Joseph   

Ministère des marchés publics: Massako Fritz Gérald

Ministère des petites et moyennes entreprises, de l’économie sociale et de l’Artisanat: Mbantchong née Ndjepang Marthe Chantal 

Ministère des sports et de l’éducation physique: Oumarou Tado

Ministère du travail et de la sécurité sociale: Razak John

Secrétaire général de la délégation générale à la sûreté nationale: Commissaire divisionnaire Baya Dominique

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Somalia, Brunei Ban Christmas Celebrations

The sultan of Brunei

Governments of both countries prohibit public festivities saying they could damage the Muslim faith.

The sultan of Brunei has banned people from celebrating Christmas in public this year [Ahim Rani/Reuters]

Somalia has issued a ban on Christmas celebrations in the Muslim-majority country after the Southeast Asian sultanate of Brunei announced a similar prohibition earlier this month with the threat of five years in jail.
Sheikh Mohamed Khayrow, director general of Somalia's religious affairs ministry, said on Tuesday that Christmas and New Year celebrations threatened the country's Muslim faith.
"There should be no activity at all," he told reporters, adding security forces had been ordered to break up any such festivities.
"All events related to Christmas and New Year celebrations are contrary to Islamic culture, which could damage the faith of the Muslim community."
Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan, of the Supreme Religious Council of Somalia, also warned against celebrations, saying they could provoke al-Shabab "to carry out attacks".

Last year, the armed group launched a Christmas Day attack on the African Union's heavily fortified headquarters in the capital Mogadishu, killing three AU soldiers and a civilian.
Somalia, which issued a similar ban in 2013, follows the Islamic calendar that does not recognise January 1 as the beginning of the year.
There are almost no Christians left living in the country, although a bombed-out Italian-built Catholic cathedral remains a city landmark Mogadishu.
Foreign diplomats, aid workers, and soldiers living in the AU compound are permitted to mark the day privately.
Santa hats banned
Similarly, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has also banned public celebrations of Christmas.
Religious leaders in the oil-rich sultanate warned the ban on Christmas would be strictly enforced, with violators facing up to five years in jail.
"Using religious symbols like crosses, lighting candles, putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs, sending Christmas greetings ... are against Islamic faith," imams said in sermons published in the local press.
The government warned last year that Muslims would be committing an offence if they so much as wore "hats or clothes that resemble Santa Claus".
Christians represent about nine percent of Brunei's 430,000 population.
Businesses have been warned to take decorations down and authorities have stepped up spot checks across the capital. Hotels popular among Western tourists that once boasted dazzling lights and giant Christmas trees are now barren of festive decor.

Source: AFP

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Mobile Telephone Network: Libom Likeng Li Laments the Quality of Service, Challenges ART to Rise to Expectation

Minette Libom Likeng Li

 Minette Libom Likeng Li, Minister of Post and Telecommunication is not a woman to pigeon hole with. While on a visit to make contact with the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART), December 18, 2015, Minette Libom Likeng Li did not fail to comment on the inconvenience her ministry faces since the announcement by MTN and Orange mobile operators to migrate to 4G.

This former Director General of Customs exploded that when she heard that that some mobile operators have moved to 4G, she also observed that to make a simple call, one need to make three trials, she told the Director General of Telecommunication Regulatory Agency-ART, Jean Louis Beh Mengue. She even regretted to have paid for calls that she could did not get the voice of the person she was or calling.

She proceeded by reminding the Director of ART that "In your missions, I am very interested in the quality of service. There is a problem with the quality. Consumers are demanding and express expectations. You did yourselves followed criticism in the National Assembly and the Senate, as if nothing was done," said Ms. Li Libom Likeng.

She emphasized that "Art should know what it does, how it does it. Who knows may be that is why public opinion does not retain the right thing ", she instructed by warning that" when I return it will be to evaluate. Everyone should question it. In 2016, everyone must mobilize to make things better than has been done so far. ".

Anyone who would maladroitly say President Paul Biya was not foresighted when she appointed this should be considered as being in a state of sin, one of the staff whispered. Public opinion has applauded Madame Minette Libom Likeng Li for being exemplary in her approaches though not long in that ministry.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)