How adopting Nico Halle's 3Ts' prescriptions would trangulate the flourishing decadent and corruption

The Colbert Factor:

This reflection is inspired by the current mountain of shame and disgrace Cameroon is embroiled in, in the wake of news that billions of IMF-borrowed COVID19 funds have been mismanaged by frontline ministers and top government functionaries even as poor Cameroonians continue to die for lack of test kids, Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, oxygen supply and essential medication in treatment centres across the country. It is the more informed by the fact that if those appointed to assist President Paul Biya in the implementation of his nation-building policies employed even one-tenth of his espoused 'regour and moralization' principles contained in his book, 'Communual Liberalism', Cameroon would have been a wonderful shining city upon the hill. It is also inspired by the fact that in any society where truth, trust and transparency come in short supply, as obtains today in Cameroon, moral bankruptcy and corruption not only become a system of government but get raised to the level of fine arts where threats of arrest and imprisonment mean little to the main actors as corruption does not fight itself. If there's one Cameroonian who has continued to espouse President Paul Biya's principles of 'rigour and moralization', long thrown to the dustbin of history by many a Cameroonian, including his closest collaborators, it is international peace crusader and human rights defender, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle. He didn't imbibe them just because the President had said so, but because they are core moral values of the Bible. And being a convinced and convincing christian he saw nothing wrong in that. Upon taking up power in 1982, President Paul Biya through his 'New Deal' policies made 'rigour and moralization' the watchwords of his tenure. It was intended to be the main guides and principles his government was going to work to achieve. 'Rigour and moralization' made a lot of waves to a point where everyone saw in it dreams of a society where mediocracy would be kicked in the ass and meritocracy placed on a shiny pedestral. It was for that reason that artistes picked on it and spread it through sound tracks, sketches and drama pieces, as it sounded the dawn of a new era where tribalism, favouritism, nepotism, and all other attendant ills like bribery and corruption would fine no fertile ground to breed. Blindly beleiving that Cameroonians would follow suit simply because he has espoused it, the President went to sleep, and so did the follow up and implementation of the much cherished principles. Unlike politicians and other Cameroonians who saw in it just another political slogan like 'power to the people' where when time came for the people to ask to be given the power, the political leaders instead rushed to ally with the oppressor, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle saw in 'rigour and moralization' more a way of life. And for over 28 years, he has been living and breathing it. Even as people mock at him as the lone voice in the wilderness, he beleives like Chistopher Morley that 'Big shots were only little shots that kept shooting'. Of recent, this indefatigeable peace crusader and human rights defender was heard on national radio prescribing that President Biya's document on 'Rigour and moralization' be taught in schools in Cameroon as the surest way out of the moral bankruptcy and decay in society. The purpose of this writeup would have been defeated if Ntumfor's prescrptions were only in sloganeering and not in deeds. He has demonstrated in truimphant detail with his life. And in service to God and to the nation. He served as President General of Ndong Awing Cultural and Development Association, NACDA, with rigour and moralization, making sure truth, trust and transparency were his watchwords in the realization of development projects like water, roads, electricity and a befitting Fon's palace. When time came for him to serve as National President of the Christian Men Fellowship, CMF, he did so with accentuated rigour and moralization, taking church elders and pastors offguard on issues of truth, trust and transparency in the management of church funds and in proclaiming the good news. While serving as spokesperson for North West Fon's Union, NOWEFU, he did that with royal rigour and moralization, even to the point of clashing with power-mongering fons on critical issues of truth, trust and transparency in the management of funds he helped raise for the Fons' secretariat as well as the mismanagement of HIV funds from Public Health ministry. What about his role in election management as NEO representative for the North West during those burning political years? That there was never a rerun of elections in the politically alert and hostile North West during his mandate, and that he was often called in to assist in reruns in other regions attest to his living and breathing the principles of 'rigour and moralization', with truth, trust and transparency as watchwords. Little wonder that he was easily called in by Jean Ping, then African Union Commission President, to broker peace between Morgan Tshangari and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe after the contested presidential elections of 2007 and through his principles of rigour and moralization, he brokered a power-sharing agreement that quickly brought back peace to that Southern African country. Little wonder that his espoused principles of truth, trust and transparency led to him being appointed by Archbishop Mvome Dambala of South Africa, then General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches with Rt Rev Nyansako Ni-Nku as President, to head a constitutional drafting committee for the All Africa Council of Churches that remain in use till today. As immediate past President of the Cameroon Bar Association, he ensured truth, trust and transparency prevailed in the Bar Council. He does same as current President of the Court of Arbitration and Mediation of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Arts and Mines. While he seems to be encountering myriads of challenges in his new role as member of the Commission on Bilingualism and Multiculturalism as he tries to push forward his much cherished principles of truth, trust and transparency in the resolution of the ragging Anglophone problem since Biya created that structure for that purpose in the first place, his over 28 years of using his hard earned resources in peaching peace and development, have largely been recognized nationally and internationally, as demonstrated by the over 116 awards and recognitions he has received. If not for the fact that he has had to reject some awards for lack of credibility and to turn down medals, some coming from his own Commission on grounds that he has done nothing in the commission to deserve them, since the Angloohone conflict is still ragging on, he would have been counting over 120 awards and scores of medals. Having received two international honoris causa doctorate degrees, one local, as well as three Universal Peace awards, Ntumfor vehemently refuses to be addressed Dr., on grounds he knows just so many Cameroonians and Africans who insist on being referred to as Dr. when they loot, pilfer, embezzle and mismanage public funds. He would not want to be identified with such categories of people, even as the only title he would have loved to be identified with would be 'christain'. He rather feels pained that his years and efforts at peace building have been cumbled by the mischievous activities of those carrying around such doctorate titles with nothing else but moral bankruptcy to show. Ntumfor Nico Halle has also been articulate on the fear epidemic that has gripped Cameroonians to an extend that people fear to speak truth to power. Like the COVID19 pandemic where people are forced to wear facemasks to survive, the fear epidemic in Cameroon has also forced many well-meaning Cameroonians to wear mouth-masks for fear of being attacked for speaking truth to power. Even though 'Be not afraid' is repeated in the Bible over 360 times, Ntumfor beleives Cameroonians fear to speak truth to power because of material and career-limiting consequences. His analysis of why Cameroonians continue to be gripped by the fear syndrome cuts through the foreboding shadows with a clear and courageous message of hope. To him, meaningful change can only come to Cameroon if fear is defeated and Cameroonians in their majority begin speaking truth to power. In a rare outing recently on Cameroon's state broadcaster, Ntumfor was categorical that ever since the start of the conflict in the two English speaking regions, an epidemic of fear has weakened the immune system of many Cameroonians. Like Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, Ntumfor is calling out on well-meaning Cameroonians to 'Face the future without fear' if any meaningful change is to be expected As peace crusader and whistleblower of international repute who defends the theory that there can be no peace without justice, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle continues to appeal to Cameroon leadership to use the wisdom it used in resolving the Bakassi conflict with Nigeria through the Green Tree Agreement, to quickly resolve the current Anglophone conflict that has taken thousands of lives, displaced thousands more, brought economic hardship, and installed insecurity in the two English speaking regions. Despite the mounting 'isms', hate speech, corruption, embezzlement, mismanagement, misappropration, Ntumfor Nico Halle continues to keep the faith and to stand firm on the promises of God, beleiving like Sir William Osier that 'Nothing in life is more wonderful than faith...the one great force which can neither weigh in the balance nor test in the crucible'. Ntumfor has recorded unequaled resounding successes wherever he has worked. His exploits are there for anyone to see even though his very unassuming posture has been so eloquent. He remains a polite, simple and respectful high profile personality without qualms. Yet, very strict in taking care of minute details. Over and above, he beleives that it is only the reinvention of rigour and moralization as well as the rigorous practice within government circles of the truth, trust and transparency principles, can Cameroon be sanitized and conflicts brought to an end. When News Breaks out, we Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Agho Joins Bambili Fon to Fundraise for Church House

Bambili's fon Afungchwi III, who is African royal by birth and christian soldier by choice, Sunday May 16, 2021, gathered scores of like-minded tradititional rulers from the North West, teaming elites from across Cameroon, and hundreds of christian faithful for an inuagural fundraiser for the building of a befitting church house for PC Bambili village, situated off the jaws of Bambili palace in Tubah Subdivision, Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Amongst those who electrified the local populace and the Fon's fundraiser was Hon.Agho Oliver, Member of Parliament for Tubah/Bafut and special guest of Charles Awemo turned Fon Afungchwi III of Bambili. Before handing over his package of 500000 for the building of the Manne and Pastor's residence, Agho Oliver told christians during the special church service that the moment he received an.invitation from the Fon to the fundraiser, he immediately started appealing to his firends for support. In response, H.E Mbayu Felix, Edwin Fongod, Chenwi Peter, Dinghambong Anthony, Biyah Felix, amongst others chipped in their widows' mighty mite to the neighbourhood of close to 500000.

He told christians, and to a thunderous applause that immediately he entered parliament he took a.vow never to depart from his christian principles and believe and that for that reason, his parliamentary life is axed on three foundational pillars: spirituality, peace and development. He opined that anywhere tbese three are meeting, he is in their midst. Reason why he was at ease sitting all through the three hours lo.g church service and after that, taking time to commune with villagers and christians who had come from far and near. Welcoming guests to the special royal fundraiser, the initiator of the activity, Fon.Afungchwi III was all joy and praise to God for making him not only see this day but for also giving him the grace to serve his people spiritually and the church. He recounted that while still working in Kumbo, he initiated the construction of PC Bambili, and so could only be happy to be worshipping there now permanently.

The African royal and christian soldier told the congregation why he was bent on building a befitting God's house in.Bambili village and why it was important for his church pastor to minister to God's people in a comfortable residence. He told congregrants he has survived so far in the throne thanks to prayers and God's protection. He was categorical in his resolve to see lasting peace return to the university community of Bambili, and that unlike other fons and chiefs who have abandoned their fondoms, he would die in Bambili palace. Earlier, the preacher of the day, Rev. Dr. Florence Tache, Presbytery Secretary for Tubah/Boyo hailed the enriching and fruutful relations between the traditional authority in Bambili and the church. Falling short of canonizing the Fon of Bambili for always standing firm by the promises of God, the predicator of the day opined what strict and God fearing church leader the fon has been. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 55:1-5, Rev.Dr.Florence Tache prayed Fon Afungchwi's reign to be like the one of King David and that no Golliath shall truimph against the Bambili fon. She challenged civil and religious authorities present during the church service to strive to have living souls rather than dry souls. By the close of the inuagural fundraiser, a total of 8.5 million was raised to the credit of the fon's initiative. The church building is estimated to cost some 30 million FCFA.

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

Hon. Agho Oliver Donates to Sabga Muslim Community Ahead of Feast of Ramadan

Ahead of the feast of Ramadan, the Member of Parliament for Mezam North constituency, Hon Agho Oliver has donated Parliamentary goodies to the Muslim Community of Sabga. Hon. Agho Oliver used the occasion to applaude the Sabga Muslim Community as an exemplary peace loving community and for being development oriented. He said he personally holds the entire community in high esteem reasons why he decided to come and share with them during this fasting period. He equally congratulated the Lamido of Sabga for instilling peace in his community and expressed thank to the population as they foiled attempts by separatist fighters to burn down schools in the village "I have come to congratulate you for taking the commitment for peace" Hon Agho added. His congratulatory message for peace was accompanied with bags of rice, cartons of sugar, blankets and buckets to encourage the Muslim community during the month of ramadan. Mamuda Sabga, Lamido of Sabga saluted the MP who for the second year running has come to the aid of Muslim community during ramadan. He encouraged the MP to keep working for the progress of Tubah. And concluded that the population of Sabga has him.in their hearts. When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

#WorldPressFreedomDay2021: Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle Challenges the Media to Tackle Hate Speech

By Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle

Would it not be an unforgivable gaffe if the National Patron of CAMASEJ, CENPA etc  forgets to remember this land mark celebration and commune with the entire Media Family?

Such an event affords members and stakeholders of the Media to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats;(SWOT) of their platform. 

After carefully monitoring the Cameroonian media for quite a while, I can aver without any iota of doubt on my mind that it is waxing very strong. Most of the journalists are more than ever before committed to investigative journalism thereby observing "best practices" principle. Reading through a cross section of the publications, I come away with the impression that the media are becoming more and more devoted to professionalism. 

It would be honest to note that the growth of our Democracy is largely due to the whistle blowing role played by the media. The media has for the most part fought the panel beating of the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon. The media has equally fought electioneering without pity. 

Another area where the media has played a major role is in exposing embezzlers, corruption and graft specialists. 

In short the Press has fought moral decadence in all its forms. On this score I make bold to congratulate the Press. 

As regards weaknesses, I must say that we still have some sporadic sensational publications that do more harm than good to the image of the media family. If the various Press Unions or Associations can deal with the above vices, I bet you we can boast of the best Media in most of Africa. I am widely traveled, hence well placed to compare the media platforms of various countries. 

Yet the media has failed in the fight against Hate Speech which has caused a lot of damage to the peace that we should enjoy. I challenge the media to tackle Hate Speech, the monster. 

On the Front of opportunities, it would be more gainful if the Press diversified its portfolio. Here I mean exploiting the areas of multiculturalism. Cameroon being a country blessed with many tribes and traditions. This beauty should be showcased as a special asset for the country. 

There is also the area of folklore which still has not been sufficiently exploited. 

With regard to threats, one can advise that the Press should constitute itself into a powerful force to reckon with. It should protect its members against overzealous citizens who only have use for them when it comes to singing their praises. It has been a common practice that the Press is usually used and dumped by unscrupulous Cameroonians and self-serving individuals. The Press most watch out henceforth. 

The Press should also press for enough subvention from the State which will help it run well without becoming vulnerable to the beck and call of people who would bribe them to do their dirty jobs. 

Access to information still seems to be a major setback in our Society. There can be no credible Press without access to information. 

It is however known that classified information cannot be accessed by the Press.

Press freedom should be exploited properly, knowing that the right to freedom is not a blank cheque. Rights also have obligations that must be respected by all Press professionals. 

Finally, on the occasion of the celebration of the World Press Freedom day, I wish to dedicate my latest Award from the Nigerian government to the Cameroonian Press for their huge sacrifices in Nation Building. May God continue to protect you as you discharge your very daunting task with little or no resources. 

Happy World Press Freedom Day to you ALL.

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