Looking Glass: Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle 30 Years in the Service of Peace/Justice

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle as The Man in the Arena I know

Ntumfor Nico Halle Flanked by Cardinal Tumi, other Clergies

 

Theodore Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena in (Citizenship of a Republic) wrote that “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena”. He emphasized that “The man who does nothing cuts the same sordid figure in the pages of history, whether he be a cynic, or fop, or voluptuary. There is little use for the being whose tepid soul knows nothing of great and generous emotion, of the high pride, the stern belief, the lofty enthusiasm, of the men who quell the storm and ride the thunder. Well for these men if they succeed; well also, though not so well, if they fail, given only that they have nobly ventured, and have put forth all their heart and strength”.

Talking about Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, I will however contextualize the above statement made in 1910 by Theodore Roosevelt by adding that if there is someone who owes his triumph and reputation as replica of  The Man in the Arena" in Cameroon, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle does. The first time I met Ntumfor Nico Halle in 2001, I immediately noticed that he is that manner of man who knows great gusto, great commitments and who spends himself in worthy causes. In fact, one who at the best knows in the end the exploit of great achievements, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

 Ntumfor Nico Halle won it by advocating for peace and justice for 30 good years. Ntumfor's zeal as an advocate of peace and justice started from childhood before he became a lawyer. This is so because he was lucky to have a father with the same proclivity, I have heard him say. I remember having heard and read on newspapers how history had it recorded that on June 6, 1999; North West traditional rulers grouped under the umbrella of the North West Fons Union officially recognized his merits as a crusader of peace and justice, development luminary etc by conferring on him the title of “Ntumfor.” It was of course a great practical moment to be taken into account given that Ntumfor used the title to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in the region. He knew very well that he must pull his own weight first, and only after this can the general public benefit.

Photo Credit: Cham Victor

This was went the North West had a bad record of rampant tribal wars, most of them instigated and sponsored by overzealous elite(s). Ntumfor suddenly became the symbol of peace and is oftenly quoted as saying peace is the weapon of the strong and violence that of the weak. If I am to make a critical judgment of his 30 years as lawyer, I will confidently say without fear or favour that few Anglophone lawyers have known the kind of success Barrister Nico Halle has had. That record has created an aura around Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle to the point that it gives him real momentum, and in the courtroom it’s unmistakable. Even adversaries admire him, and not begrudgingly. Theoretically, his methods—relying on supposed, rattling opponents, getting facts to the bench as early as possible, can be good materials in law school. He is noted to devoting long hours to preparing any file. But none of that gives any sense of why he wins so big. He absolutely loves his job, delights in getting as deep in an opponent’s head as he can. That is why the story of reputable lawyers in this country could never be told without mentioning his name in the first paragraphs. The fact that he is the President of the General Assembly of the Cameroon Bar tells the things he does that few other lawyers have the nerve to try and almost none could get away with the too much trust he enjoys. Some lawyers have a tinge of dishonesty; others are as good as good morning. But when some leave the court-room, you smell a little brimstone. I’ve never heard anyone suggest that about Barrister Nico Halle or his Law Firm or maybe it might have happened before I could know him. He may charge you for services but he won’t cheat. Settling a matter for the betterment of both parties has and is always what makes him different.

The last time I laid eyes on Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle was during his last advocacy crusade to instill transparency in the mainstream churches in Cameroon. I also know him as a devoted Christian and as CMF National President before being catapulted to the position of King of CMF; he left a mark of greatness in the PCC. Ntumfor Nico Halle remains the best Election expert National Election Observatory ever produced. I witnessed him dislodged polling stations in palaces. The success of the election in the North West earned him the reputation and confidence to the point that he was assigned to monitor by-elections in the West and Littoral Regions. He was also assigned by African Union to monitor elections in Zimbabwe.

Talk about Nico Halle, is to talk about development and talking development without mentioning his trapping as President General of Ndong Awing is an abomination. He brought electricity to Awing and implemented several projects. I have heard him say that "if your palace is a junk, then you are a junk". This, he did not only preached but puts into practice. His collaboration with the Press in Cameroon is great. I have heard him quoting Thomas Jefferson severally on the importance of the Press. I have heard him cautioning journalists whenever he is called up to present a paper at their event that dishonesty, slander, sensationalism, inanity, vapid triviality; all are powerful factors for the debauchery of the public mind and conscience.

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