Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle Speaks Out on Hate Speech-A Must Read

MY LITTLE TAKE ON HATE SPEECH

By Barrister Nico Halle

Hate Speech. What causes it and what are it's ramifications? 

This little and simple article is definitely a continuation of my almost twenty-eight years quest for Justice and Peace for our beloved country where there is everything but Love, Justice and Peace. Too bad indeed. 

The article is also triggered by the exponential upsurge in hate speech in Cameroon and beyond. As a Justice and Peace crusader, and as one who has no kind words for embezzlers and predators it is incumbent upon my humble self to situate the current situation within its proper context even if I may only be repeating myself over and over again. 

Yet, what is hate speech? Hate speech though loosely used by so many is described by others as threatening and wanton words, articles that attack particular groups especially on the basis of minority, race, sexual orientation, religion, colour, belief, ethnicity, nationality and education. Hate Speech is also any kind of communication in writing, speech, behavior, action, character that hurts or attacks, uses pejorative or selective language that makes reference to a group of people who are deprived or marginalized. The definition might be varied and various, but it stems from one thing- absence of love, Justice, equity leading to ANGER/FRUSTRATION resulting in- VIOLENCE, CHAOS AND ANARCHY. 

Truth be told, when God created Cameroon like many other Nations, He provided for His people sufficient resources for their welfare. It is true that Adam and Eve played into the hands of the devil who tricked them into violating God's strict instructions. (Spare me details). Both of them fell and sin found itself in the world. 

Despite God's anger, He, in His infinite love for His people still sent Prophets to turn things around without success. He later on sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ to transform His people. These same people rebelled against Him and crucified him even though He committed no crime.

Today we are engulfed in Hate, greed, fear, graft, embezzlement, bribery and corruption, discrimination, tribalism, favoritism, xenophobia, regionalism, hypocrisy, falsehood, marginalization, lies, human rights and liberties abuse, election rigging etcetc etc. Are these not the platform on which Hate speech thrives abundantly? The answer is a big YES. Can we who are promoters of the above fight Hate speech? The answer is a big NO. I challenge some of us; all over our country who are condemning hate speech whether we have the moral authority to fight Hate Speech! How can we condemn what we promote? This is certainly very hypocritical and impossible. If we MUST fight Hate speech, we MUST start from what causes Hate speech otherwise it would be an effort in futility. 

How can we fight Hate speech when we cannot respect the Rule of law of our land? Are we truly patriotic? 

How can we fight Hate speech when discrimination is promoted at all the echelons of our society? Where there is discrimination there is hate speech.

How can we fight Hate speech when the core moral values of love, Justice, equity, transparency, accountability, integrity, truth, patriotism, respect of human rights and liberties, credibility etc that should be espoused to constitute the platform of our daily activities are treated with levity? 

How can we fight Hate speech when meritocracy has given way to mediocrity? 

How can we fight Hate speech when some of those who receive awards, distinctions and medals are of questionable character?

Some time ago I met with someone I know at an event who boasted that he has occupied high positions within our society and even trumpeted that he is one of the most bilingual and educated Cameroonians. I chatted with him for about twenty minutes and told him straight that I do not value his learned stature as most Cameroonians know him as corrupt and election rigger and that he had nothing to offer as he was morally bankrupt. I reminded him of his quest for power and money by corrupt means that people know. He was ashamed when I disclosed to him in the presence of another friend what he had done when he worked at one of our institutions. Can such a person fight Hate speech? Absolutely no,  because he is partly responsible for those in abject poverty idling around.

How can we fight Hate speech when poverty and unemployment are our mainstay? A hungry and an unemployed person is a fertile ground for Hate Speech.

How can we fight Hate speech when elections are rigged at almost all levels of our society? About 85% of uprising in the world emanate from rigged elections. See what happens at Cultural Associations, in our Communities, our global Churches, within Political parties, within the civil society, even in the Bar Association where the Rule of law ought to be the watch word. 

How can we fight Hate speech when Religious structures that ought to be a moral force to reckon with have degenerated into despicable moral decadence? 

How can we fight Hate speech when parents do no longer bring up their children in the way of the Lord? Proverbs 22:6 

The fear of the Lord which should be the beginning of wisdom has now been transformed into the fear of money, power, position etc is the beginning of wisdom. 

How can we fight Hate speech when religious knowledge and moral education do not feature in the curriculum of our children's studies? Five "O" level papers without Religious Knowledge; or Two "A" level papers without Religious Knowledge. Are we not saying that five or two papers without God?  So how does this situation bring up the child in the way of the Lord? Answer blowing in the wind.

How can one who promotes corruption, bribery, graft, discrimination, tribalism, division, divide and rule, hypocrisy, falsehood, xenophobia, violence, bitterness, frustration, sycophancy, surrogacy, bootlicking, praise singing, idol worshiping etc etc etc fight Hate speech? All of these vices virtually promote hate speech.

Even if we are not scrupulously respecting the Rule of law of our Country let us at least ask for direction from our awesome God. This is the person whose boots we should lick daily by going on our knees and asking for forgiveness after repenting from our sins. 

Why is it that even some of the books that could even lead us into being patriotic are systematically spurned?

I have had occasion of reading and re-reading many great books on Goodness, Audacity of Hope, and Lamentation for a beloved Country, Nation Building, the Politics of Jesus, Rigour and Moralization, The Seven Habits of highly effective people. These books have inspired and molded me a lot. 

These books were good yesterday and are today still relevant for a society that wants to live in peace and harmony. If these books had been imbibed at all echelons of our body polity, we would have long emerged as Cameroon is blessed with huge natural and human resources. We would have also avoided the socio-political crisis rocking the NW/SW Regions of our country. Most Cameroonians I know are very intelligent in almost all areas of life. Unfortunately, academia that is devoid of core moral values represents almost nothing. Such academia cannot build a great Nation.

Yet, why have these books been spurned? This is because by implementing their contents embezzlers and grafters would no longer have their way. They have over the years looted and plundered the resources thereby creating poverty and unemployment. Despicable. 

These books imply that the Rule of law would be respected by all and sundry thereby curbing inequalities that are fertile grounds for frustration and of course Hate Speech. Intrigues, greed, vaulting and inordinate ambitions, unbridled quest for power, recognition and position, manipulations, lies, cover ups, and FEAR are largely responsible for most of frustrations leading to Hate Speech. 

The socio-political crisis in the NW/SW Regions are still very pre-occupying owing to a couple of reasons. Some of the key players, call them stake holders have NEVER told the truth because of FEAR. They fear to lose friendship, they fear to lose benefits, favours, advantages, promotions, appointments or reappointments, grandeur, titles, awards, glamour, splendour and what have you! 

People have forgotten that all the above attributes no matter how we acquired them will slip off our fingers when God wills it. I have always reminded myself that there is no position or anything I possess anywhere that I cannot let go when it comes to standing for the truth and defending general interest. We have also forgotten that our live here on earth is ephemeral and that we have a responsibility to leave the world better than we met it. We have also forgotten that amassing wealth to the detriment of our brothers and sisters is a heinous crime against humanity and that we shall all be held accountable to our creator for all our deeds. We even forget that we came empty and will leave the world empty.

Some people are insensitive to the many civilians, and army that are perishing in the senseless war in the NW/SW Regions. Some of us are more interested in how much money we make on the blood of our brothers and sisters dying in their great numbers. Those countries manufacturing arms are making brisk business. Terrible. Others are making political capital of the crisis. A big SHAME to us all. There is always time for reckoning when all will be said and done. 

Finally, when the Pope's representative visited Cameroon recently he re-echoed what I have been recommending since about four years now on how we can honestly solve the socio-political crisis in the NW/SW regions: namely the creation of a Justice, Peace and Reconciliation platform. This will constitute the platform for honest, objective, inclusive dialogue to hold.  For this to happen smoothly, some preliminary measures should be taken to create an enabling environment. I still stand by this crusade and pray that God should show the people of this beloved country the right way to come out of the crisis. 

While this is the way, Spiritual and Moral Rearmament should be highlighted at all the facets of the country. Hate Speech must be tackled holistically especially at the grassroots where we find about 90% of frustration owing to the fact the people are living in abject squalor. 

Like JF Kennedy, I will always ask myself what I can do for my country and not what my country can do for me. This I shall continue to do till my Creator calls me home whenever He wishes. It is not about perfection as nobody is perfect. It is about being useful to humanity our frailties apart.

I pray and pray and pray for God’s people.

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

Hon. Naomi Donates Tons of Fertilizer to Farmers

The donation which comes as farmers in Ndu.sub Division are in need of inputs for their farms was saluted with alot of euphoria. The 10 tons of fertilizer is expected to boost production in the Ndu municipality. Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando was flanked during the distribution exercise by the Mayor of Ndu council, Abdou Borno and other elected officials as well as local administrators. Before handing over the support to women leaders of the 10 farmer groups, the Member of Parliament cautioned that the support should be used for the purpose intended. She equally expressed joy and thanks to the women of Ndu for being the bread basket of Donga Mantung Division and the North West Region at large. She reminded the women that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and lauded their efforts for the significant contribution towards food sufficiency. 

On his part Abdou Borno Kamfon reiterated the fact that the economy of Ndu depends solely on agriculture and livestock. He said that the Ndu council is living no stone unturned in trying to provide farms to market roads as well as developing health infrastructures to sustain the farming population. He thank the MP for the timely support which will go a long way to boost maize and beans production qualitatively and quantitatively. 

The subdivisional delegate of agriculture and rural development for Ndu, said that the fertilizer will benefit an estimated 180 farmers and would likely increase production of maize and beans by over 30-40%

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

Tribute to Christian Cardinal Tumi By Barrister Nico Halle

 

Pa Cardinal as I fondly called you when you sojourned in this sin sick world where there is everything but Love and Justice, I am doing this piece with deep pain in my heart as you have gone home to your creator. The news of your demise was surely a thunderbolt on my whole body set up. So devastating, shocking, smashing, crushing and unbelievable. Why because you are usually robust and promising in your outlook. 

When I remember the quality moments we had together in sharing a meals after both of us acted as resource persons at Seminars or workshops in Bamenda or at your residence here in Douala I am trapped by nostalgia. Excellent moments that remain indelible on my mind. I cannot forget the honour you bestowed upon my humble self when you sacrifice a greater portion of you day in personally taking part in my 30th Professional Anniversary at the Presbyterian Church Bonaberi-Douala in 2016. You electrified the large Assembly of invitees who had come to attend the event by the warm and kind words pronounced in describing me as a man of integrity and dignity. You added that though you were not close to me you appreciated what I was doing for the Nation in the domain of Peace crusading and fighting against Corruption and moral decadence in all its forms. You indicated that you loved my frank and courageous stance on the truth, patriotism, dignity and honesty. 

The climax of your love for me was when you paid my modest family a maiden visit at our home here in Bonaberi. The wisdom you shared with some friends and my Rev Pastors invited to receive you has remained engraved in our hearts. We were abundantly blessed by your visit especially as it was you who initiated it wanting to know where my family lives. We will never thank you enough Pa Cardinal. 

The last but crucial call I received from you is when you were assigned to lead a caravan to explain the contents of the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue MND in the NW Region. When you got to Bamenda you called me to find out where I was as I was on the list of the team you were leading. When I told you that I was still in Douala you asked what I was still doing in Douala when the rest of the members were already in Bamenda. In my response I told you that I could not come to Bamenda to be part of your caravan because I was never invited to the National Dialogue consequently could not come as I would not have much to say especially as the issues needed  mastery. Then you ask a question I could not answer. "Ntumfor if you were not invited to the MND who then was invited? You have over the years been crusading Peace and reconciling so many factions in society how come you of them all will not be invited? When I saw your name on the list I was happy that we had someone who would assist us. Now I do not know what to do. Yes Ntumfor you are right not to come because you were not invited to the dialogue. This is unfair". "Pa Cardinal, may kindly inform you that I checked with the PMHG Chief Dr Dion Ngute and he confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. When I called the Director of Cabinet of PM he equally confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. I further called H.E. Felix Mbayu who again confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. Of the two invitations sent to the Commission for me only that of the Cultural Gala was seen". After listening to me you expressed your indignation at such highhandedness and that was the end of our long chat.

Pa Cardinal you are gone home but your extraordinary huge legacy will live on and be perpetuated by those who espoused core moral values of society. 

I dare not grief for your departure. I would rather celebrate your unparalleled accomplished and fulfilled life. You were a great model. You talked the talk and walked the walk. 

Now that you have been called by your creator, we plead with you to continue to intercede for us all. Continue to pray for love, Justice and Peace to reign amongst God's people. Pray for Cameroon, Africa and the world. 

Finally, thank you for the love you had for me and my family. 

Rest well with the Lord where there is no more pain nor suffering. Where there is no hate, corruption, embezzlement, greed, bad blood, blackmail, rigging, graft, falsehood, hypocrisy, jealousy, discrimination, tribalism etc etc

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

Bafut Mayor, MP Handover Renovated Dormitory Blocs, Promise Scholarships to Students

The Mayor of Bafut Council, Ngwakongoh Lawrence and the Member of Parliament for Bafut/ Tubah, Hon. Agho Oliver have today April 15, 2021, officially handed the renovated dormitory at PSS Mankon (hosting) PSS Bafut. Reconstructed by Bafut council and roofed by Bafut/ Tubah MP as well as with substantial assistance from Presidential couple to renovate other blocs and boys dormitory of PSS Mankon also torched by fire during same period, PSS Mankon counts close to 900 students while PSS Bafut counts over 400 students. welcoming them on behalf of Presbyterian Education Authority, PEA, were the principals of Mankon and Bafut, who prayed God to allow the MP and Mayor live long enough to realize their promises to students of both colleges, while already acknowledging that a friend in need is a friend indeed. 

This is so because in addition to handing over of the reconstructed dormitary, the two dynamic elected young men promised scholarships covering three years tuition to 8 Advance Level students from both PSS Bafut and PHS Mankon, as well as 8 scholarships for high school for Ordinary level students of both schools beginning next academic year. The scholarship in it's entirety is a 3 years scholarship of FCFA 50.000 per year for 3 years for 8 "A" level students, and tuition of over FCFA 400.000 to 8 students for 2 years high school studies as well as 8 GCE 'O' level students transiting to high school. After inspecting refurbished buildings, the Mayor and MP addressed students of both schools, encouraging them to study hard as future of this country is in their hands. 

Hon. Agho Oliver and Ngwakongo Lawrence presented themselves as two examples of youth who dared to dream and succeeded, and urged students to also dream big given that education is the key to the world. 

Accompanying the Mayor and MP to event was the Commissioner for Economic Development for the newly installed North West Regional Assembly, Ghejun Awunti. Before leaving PSS Mankon, Hon. Agho Oliver and Ngwakongo Lawrence also offered 1500 facemasks to the two schools as part of their efforts to mitigate the widespread of covid 19. 

It is worth mentioning that the reconstructed dormitory blocs were equipped with fire extinguishers and solar energy. 

SHUMAS, BSFA-UK Extend Hand of Fellowship to Catholic Schools

Strategic Humanitarian Services-SHUMAS working ifxn collaboration with Building Schools for Africa-BSFA-UK have extended a hand of fellowship to Catholic Schools in Bamenda. SHUMAS Director, Ndzerem Stephen personally handed over the support to the beneficiaries a forth night ago in a solemn ceremony which was marked by the presence of clergies, school officials and parents. 

The support which amongst others included pedagogic material, benches, chairs and science laboratory was the first of it's kind to mission schools. The lucky beneficiaries were St John Catholic School Ntaghem, St Joseph Catholic College Mankon and Saint Charles Lwanga Catholic School Up Station. At St. John for example, SHUMAS rehabilated classrooms and equally donated a well equiped science laboratory for the school which since creation has never had one. Teachers, students, parents and the clergies, expressed gratitude and thanks to their donors for the gift of the future. 

Both Rev. Father Bonaventure Ndong and Rev. Father Edward Siani appreciated the donor for an investment for the future and for acknowledging that " children are jewels". They called on God to bless the hands that giveth and replenish the sources so that these givers will never lack.

Ndzerem Stephen, SHUMAS Director while handing over the gifts to the beneficiaries cautioned that the donation should be judiciously used for the purpose for which it was intended. To him, "the only thing u can give to a child is education. If a child is to be the president of this country and that child does not go to school, the child would not even be a truck pusher. That is why we invest eighty percent of our projects on education". He told students and pupils that education is the foundation of human existence and it is the only key to the future. 

It should be recalled that SHUMAS is one of the leading humanitarian organization in Cameroon and for over 15 years has been building schools and providing an enabling environment for teaching and learning in Cameroon. The SHUMAS Center is the best incubation training center for young agricentrepreneurs. 

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