Article 66 on Declaration of Assets: Teche Nyamusa Petitions High Court on Biya, Tchiroma Case

PRESS STATEMENT

Biya, Issa Tchiroma Case

I, Felix Teche Nyamusa, SDF Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful, applicant of suit No HCM/255M/2012 which prayed the ordering of President Paul Biya and minister Issa Tchiroma to comply to article 66 of the Cameroon constitution has instructed my counsels to petition the president of the appeal court following the final rejection of a motion to relist the case in the Momo high Court.
    Suit No HCM/255M/2012 was instituted in the High Court of the Momo Division Holden at Mbengwi. It prayed for an order that the respondents, Biya and Issa Tchiroma declare their assets in line with
the 1996 Constitution which warrants them to

1.  Declare their assets as at time of taking of oaths of office on their assumption of duties as president of Cameroon and Minister of Communication in their most recent tenure respectively.
2.    An order restraining the second respondent from holding press conferences, granting interviews and preparing write ups propagating the non-declaration of assets by the relevant civil servants prior to
their taking of office or assumption of their duties – Tchiroma had mocked Cameroonians that article 66 of the national constitution on declaration of assets is not necessary – that government had put in
place other outfits like CONAC to fight against corruption.
3.    An order that the respondents jointly and severally pay to the applicant the sum of FCFA 1.000.000for each day they fail to comply with order one and or two above. Unfortunately, but characteristic of Cameroon Judiciary, the Court while the matter was still pending assignment , without my knowledge or that of my counsels, the matter was arbitrarily dismissed, in the absence of all the parties in a session held in Camera. This once more exposes the well documented kangaroo nature of Cameroon justice-rendering system. We are convinced that the judgment was capricious. It infringes on my right as applicant and those of my counsel to fair hearing of their client. The explanations tendered by the judge in the consequent ruling are laughable and flimsy. My counsels and my self are confident that the reasons advanced by the Momo high court judge, in Chambers, are easily debunked. According to the Mbengwi Court President (Julius Nchu), both respondents do not reside in Momo division, the jurisdiction of the Court, Here we say:
No - Biya is the national president of Cameroon. He has residence in North West, at Upstation (Bamendankwe). Branches of the presidency are found in the division - the gendarmerie, police, delegate general of national security are attached to the presidency. These units of the presidency are all found in Mbengwi thus Biya –national President of Cameroon has residence in Momo contrary to the judge’s claims.
Julius Nchu maintained Biya has absolute immunity from legal action as head of state - we find faults here. The President has immunity on criminal matters but violation of article 66 of the constitution is a
civil matter, hence warrants damages – a civil matter. The momo high Court questioned my capacity to sue the president. I will not hesitate to state that the judge has refused to read properly my motion – that I am a concerned Cameroonian. Biya supposedly voted by Cameroonians ought to be answerable to them, which include litigations -   this is obtained in other democracies world wide. Other childish reasons were advanced by the judge who would have simply clearly been clarified by my counsel, but for Nchu’s decision or ruling taken in Camera, without the knowledge of all parties.
    The above and more reasons have forced us to move a motion for the file to be set aside. My counsel filed for a motion to relist the case. The motion for relisting was deposited more than three months ago 6th August 2012 (copy is attached) .The court dragged its feed on it till date. The chief registrar Mr. Atabong like the  Momo high court judge, Juluis Nchu Claimed, that the President of  the Court of appeal ( PCA) for North West region told them not to entertain the matter. My Counsel left the Court premises finally 23/11/2012 disappointed. The PCA reportedly scolded Mbengwi Court for even registering the matter in the first instance. We were thus asked to go for appeal in the appeal court of the region. Thus I have ordered my counsels to petition the PCA. This matter arbitrarily judged in the absence of the parties ought to be relisted. The applicant ought to be heard, on merit. How ever we on behaved of down trodden , marginalized Mbengwi people in particular and Cameroonians in general are ready to
take this matter to its logical conclusion. The President, Ministers, directors etc as prescribed by the supreme law of the land must declare their assets. This will nib corruption in the bud and enhance
development. An otherwise rich country, Cameroon, has been rendered poor. It has been turned totally into a consumer economy with nearly all citizens particularly the youths thinking all possibilities to
emigrate to the Diaspora for greener pastures, against all the dangers involved. I urge all Mbengwi people and Cameroonians in general to flush out the regime. Lets come out massively and register and
eventually vote and also very important defend by all cost the votes.
Countries around us are dethroning dictators - we are not an exception. The regime has completely failed the Momo man in general when it concerns access roads. The once famous Acha-Tugi general Hospital Mbengwi is today a shadow of herself because of bad roads. Our farm products can not get to the markets because of bad roads. The roads and other abandoned projects are this bad because those in charge embezzle the funds for such project with impunity. Hence the Cameroon constitution article 66 on assets declaration must be obeyed.
    Some local opposition politicians have succumbed to the Biya Intimidation. They tell us that it is wrong  to sue Biya – wrong - President  Paul Biya is lucky that he is only being sued after treasonably plundering the economy for more than three decades .In the first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo era , the roads through the subdivisions of Momo though earth were pliable. There were constantly maintenance workers on them. Today the suburbs have been completely abandoned. This is clearly ad variance with my party the SDF, and the opposition in general, wish for grass root development.
President and his Minister are not above the law. They should comply with the provision of the Constitution.
God bless Mbengwi, Cameroon

Felix Teche Nyamusa SDF Mbengwi parliamentary hopeful23/11/12

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

For Lack of Political Platform, NOWEFU Endorses Dr. Ngwanyam’s Senatorial Bid



Mbangfon Dr. Nick Ngwanyam (with walking stick made of cowries)



The North West Fons Union-NOWEFU, a one-time lobbying force is wallowing in the gutter, hypocrisy and in self-skirmishes as some traditional rulers, who are supposed to be the custodians of the grassfield culture, are now making a mockery of culture and tradition.

NOWEFU has become a sinkhole and its existence is only noticed at official gatherings and ceremonies, as its members would exploit every opening to give out traditional titles to desirous individuals.  
Even though there is no law anywhere in the grass field (North West Region of Cameroon) that bars anyone who wishes to be known with any traditional title including the one that was conferred on Dr. Nick Ngwanyam as ‘Mbangfon’ on December 24, 2012, the quandary as we gathered is that the principles and ramifications are never respected. Yet it has become worrisome to many Northwesterners that NOWEFU doesn’t only dish out traditional titles randomly with attestations of recognition, but has moved to a stage whereby it is endorsing political ambitions, like what they did with Dr. Nick Ngwanyam. It is alleged that the decision by these fons to endorse Dr. Nick’s senatorial bid and even declare publicly that (they) the fons are all behind Dr. Ngwanyam to support his senatorial ambitions is tearing the union apart. Someone even questioned whether fons are not part of the electoral college. Even CPDM militants we gathered were taken aback by the declaration.

However, we gathered that a certain Emmanuel Sayani of Donga Mantng I CPDDM has declared his intentions of becoming Donga Mantung Senatorial candidate on CPDM ticket. Furthermore, another confidential source also hinted that CPDM militants of Ako/ Misaje and Nwa are backing the candidature of the fon of Nkanchi who is likely a sure bet given that Nwa, Misaje and Ako councils are governed by the CPDM. A critical judgment analysis reveals an epileptic NOWEFU had to endorse Dr. Nick’s candidature. Besides, allegations are rife  that Dr. Ngwanyam himself has been a thorn in the side of CPDM bigwigs. Sources say the absence of Rt. Hon. Simon Achidi Achu at that ceremony speaks volume.

An adage says that, ‘when an error is committed for too long, it becomes a tradition.’ Therefore, there is no gainsaying that NOWEFU has played the game of the mastiff for long and what is happening is confirming the once established notion that fons have turned themselves to “royal beggars”. As a developer, Dr. Nick Ngwanyam does not deserve to pick a traditional title from the gutter but he ought to have been honoured with one, which he could elegantly move with it in Mbumland. Since NOWEFU is wallowing in the gutter, Dr. Ngwanyam certainly picked his title from it. Notwithstanding, the question in the lips of Wimbum people is whether Dr. Nick Ngwanyam would be allowed to move with a stick made of cowries in Mbumland. “I was shocked by that the decoration. I have no quarrel with the appellation, my problem is with collates that accompany this title. In Mbumland it is forbidden for an ordinary person to move with a walking stick made with cowries”.

Those who took the pains to witness the event went back home more confused than when they were going because they could not find an answer to why traditional rulers, who are supposed to be the custodians of our culture are making nonsense of culture and tradition? By honouring him with the title of “Mbangfon” for empowering youths and at the same time endorsing his senatorial bid, critics are questioning whether NOWEFU has been transformed to a political party to endorse political ambitions or it is for lack of a political platform that Dr. Nick Ngwanyam found solace in the fons?. Another school of thought holds that it may have been the lack of a political platform that Dr. Nick Ngwanyam tried to find consolation from the fons to endorse his senatorial bid. However, political analysts are of the opinion that the choice might have been wrongly made giving that of late, NOWEFU fons were tagged “royal beggars” while latest tags describe some of them as “royal gangsters”, which further puts into doubts their abilities and the power they used to wield.  

 “I don’t understand the reason to scramble for titles or why our fons have decided to be dishing out titles that do not have any significance to benefactors in their own homeland. Why hurry, why? It doesn’t look elegant. The process used by those in a hurry to get titles does not look good, it does not look polished and it does not look civilized. I see it as a sort of business” one of the fons who preferred anonymity observed.  

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

At Homecoming NUDP National Youth President, Dr. Ndansi Elvis Honoured

  MC-bright Nfor

Ndansi Elvis Honoured

Dr. Ndansi Elvis Nukam who was voted National Youth President of the National Union for Democracy and Progress last February has been honoured with a traditional title by the Wimbum Community in Bamenda. Dr. Ndansi Elvis staged a homecoming to thank his party colleagues for supporting his candidature. Flanked by members of the Central Committee of the party, some members of the political bureau as well as executive members of the youth wing of the party, Dr. Ndansi Elvis Nukam received a coronation dubbed “Tamfu” from members of the Mfuh society, meaning the warrior. Before handing dressing him publicly in traditional outfit, the leader of the Mfuh said Donga Mantung Division is swollen with pride as one of their son who was elected National Youth President of NUDP. As a matter of fact, the event that took place at Ideal Park Hotel on November 23, 2012 was the only opportunity for the people to add their own title to encourage him and say “son were are behind you”.
Addressing NUDP militants, Dr. Ndansi Elvis promised that make North West proud and all those who supported his candidature. Accordingly, Dr. Ndansi Elvis Nukam told NUDP militants in the North West Region and Cameroon as a whole. In his recommendations to strengthen the party in the Region, he said “militancy in a political party is first justified by the influence at the base”. He further emphasized that militants should go back to their bases because without a strong base “you are zero in the eyes of NUDP”. He cautioned against the notion of regional politics. More so he added that “in as much as some people fight change, others run away from change but we must embrace change”. To him, for the party to excel and obtain good results NUDP militants in the North West Region must set aside their individual differences and hatred, “our little difference will not lead us anywhere but will rather slow down our own great achievements and benefits in the party”. Dr. Ndansi Elvis also recounted how on May 25, 1990, former Prime Minister Maigari Bello Bouba, then in exile announced the formation of a new party, the National Union for Democracy and Progress in Cameroon, in Paris. He also recalled how on March 1, 1992, the NUDP put forward complete lists in 45 out of 49 constituencies (for 167 seats) and won a total g 68 seats out 180 in the National Assembly. In the North the party won all the 12 seats, 10 in the Adamawa, 13 of the 15 seats in the South West, 13 out of 25 in West Regions respectively thus becoming the second largest political party at the National Assembly behind the ruling CPDM that won 88 seats.
On his part, Maidadi said he disagrees with the saying that Yaounde is the political capital of Cameroon. He said Garoua and Bamenda are the political headquarters of Cameroon and not Yaounde as often claimed. On the popular saying that the SDF is the leading opposition party in Cameroon. According to Maidadi, the leading political party should be judged from the total suffrage at every election and the highest number of MPs. Maidadi also said he agrees with Mula Litumbe who says the marriage between La Republique du Cameroun and Southern Cameroons has not been valorized and needed to be reviewed. He concluded that the entire North is in the hands of NUDP.

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CAMTEL Director General Guarantees North West Region of Better Services

 By Fai Cassian 






DG & Regional Director at University of Bamenda (Vice Chancellor pointing)



The Director General of Cameroon Telecommunications-CAMEL, David NKOTO Emane has said that at present, the optical fibre and the CDMA lines in the North West Region will not only provide the population with quality services but will in addition make available wireline Internet and EVDO (REV A and REV , a broadband WiFi on it mobile network. David Nkoto Emane made the statement in Bamenda, while on a two-day working official visit to the region that enabled him to examine work-done at CAMTEL new installations. Assessing from the level of work done at the optical fibre terminal station at the University of Bamenda, the Jakiri and Oku transmission stations, David Nkoto Emane confirmed that CAMTEL will in the days ahead take its products and services closer to the population. With the technology in place, Northwesterners he reiterated will henceforth start enjoying the multi-dimensional services of CAMTEL, such as high speed broadband internet, CTphone network and fixed telephone lines. Accordingly, he assured the management of UBa that terminal station will go operational as soon as the stand-by generator is installed. He thanked government for making it possible for CAMTEL to put in place this product which is awaited by everybody. With these innovations, CAMTEL has as intension to pass to the third generation. "We will go very far with services that will be more efficient", he said. The Director General also insisted that apart from fixed telephony and Internet, other products will be born, notably, cable television and the wireless.

Harping on the necessity to provide the University of Bamenda with appropriate and adaptable information and communication technologies, CAMTEL Director General also disclosed to the press that the programme to furnish UBa was part of President Paul Biya’s Greater achievements program. According to CAMTEL Director General, CAMTEL in its actions to boost the leeway of its numerous customers to get access to fast telecommunication services the station at the University of Bamenda will also provide over 500 telephone lines. He said henceforth, the population of region and especially Bamenda will be able to enjoy home connections thanks to its multi-dimensional service lines that will provide, telephony (fixed and mobile), internet and television cable at affordable prices.





Director General & NW Regional Director





To the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda, Mr. Edukat, the presence of CAMTEL in the campus will to make his institution a citadel of standards.

On her part, the Regional Director of CAMTEL North West, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith said that the Camtel Network is continuously expanding to localities in the North West Region and they are making them accessible. She added that the exploitation of these services can not be optimized without the collaboration of the people and the administration. She called on the public to be vigilant and watch against those who loot away their cables for private reasons. The programme to modernize infrastructure, she added is aimed at expanding the capacity of telephone exchanges to provide telephone services and internet services to as many rural areas as possible. CAMTEL North West she noted is gradually digitized with transmission network, transmission centres and relay stations which cover almost all the Divisional headquarters and some sub Divisions. With the new policy program in place, CAMTEL Northwest according to Mafor Achidi Achu Judith, it is connected to the rest of the world through an automatic dial-up system. She emphasized that Camtel provides a wide range of telephony services to its subscribers and business customers, including telephony, Internet services, leased lines, satellite communications, and wireless CDMA.

Speaking at Oku, while welcoming CAMTEL Director General and his team to Bui Division, the Senior Divisional Officer for Bui Nzeki Theophile, said the construction of the new installations in Oku has helped so much ion facilitating telecommunications in the Division. Mr. Nzeki Theophile noted that the gesture is in line with the Head of State’s mission of balanced development and to let Cameroon be in the frontline of global economy noting that CAMTEL is boosting local employments in the area since many more jobs have be created with the availability of internet services and CTPhones.



Visit at Mankon Fon's Palace (HRH Fo Angwafo II in the Middle)

 Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel) it should be recalled is Cameroon's national telecommunications service provider, offering voice, data, VSAT and internet services. Established in 1998, Camtel is wholly owned by the Government and has developed an ambitious program to ease in urban and rural areas.

Highlights of the Visit

During the two-day working visit to the Northwest Region, CAMTEL Director General David Nkoto Emane also paid a courtesy the Fon of Nso, HRH Fon Sehm Mbinglo. At the Nso Palace, David Nkoto held a tete-tete with the traditional ruler.

In Oku, CAMTEL DG and his collaborators also paid a courtesy visit to HRH Fon Ngum. Upon arrival at the Oku fon’s palace, CAMTEL delegation was received by dance groups and a mamaud crowd. While at the Oku Fon’s palace, the delegation also visited the Oku Museum and the artifact.

On Friday November 22, CAMTEL delegation also visited HRH Fo Angwafo III of Mankon. While at the Mankon palace, had a discussion with Fo Angwafo in which he expressed the desire for CAMTEL to mark its presence at the upcoming festival this year. Fo Angwafo said he was delighted to receive a visitor of mark who is doing a lot to put into execution President Biya’s Greater Accomplishment by taking information and communication technologies to rural areas. At the Mankon Palace, David Nkoto Emane and his delegation also visited the Mankon Museum before leaving for CAMTEL Regional office where he held a working session with staffs. According to what we gathered, David Nkoto cautioned staff on excesses and recommended efficiency at job side so as to meet up with competition.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Thieves Attack ELECAM Council Office in the East

The recompilation of voters register using the biometric system is reported hooked in the East Region. On November 20, 2012, we learned from credible sources that one council branch of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) Kentzou sub Division in the Kadey Division of Eastern Region was ransacked in the night of Monday to Tuesday by unidentified individuals (thieves).
Classified sources hinted that the attackers were from other countries taking short security services of the small town of Kentzou and even those of the city of Batouri located a few kilometers away.
Sources say two complete kits for the registration of voters by biometric, two laptops, webcams, two usb keys and  office equipment and other consumables were stolen. However, it is alleged that the thieves later dumped the kits but took away the computers and the USB keys.There is uncertainty as to whether ELECAM will replace the stolen gadgets in time for registration to restart. More so, the fear is that if the kits dumped are damaged, they may not be replaced as allegations are rife at that there is a shortage in the kits.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

To Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Reunification, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith Donates Football Trophy to Youths

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith

 There is fanfare and jubilations in Donga Mantung Division as the first round of a divisional tournament sponsored by the Regional Director of Camtel North West, Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu swings into action. According to the cup donor, promoting youth activities is also another way of commemorating the 50 years of reunification in grand style. The trophy named after the 50th anniversary of reunification according to Mafor Achidi Achu Judith carries a cash price of 1.000.000 FCFA. She said the trophy is her own small contribution aimed at fostering national unity, peace and solidarity at this point in time that Cameroonians will be celebrating 50 years of reunification. She further explained that besides commemorating reunification, she also is hoping that the tournament will provide an opportunity for youths to polish and to exhibit their talents. Mafor Achidi Achu Judith also added that the tournament will also serve as a football nursery for Donga Mantung football as well as propel the inspiration for the Division to have at least a 2nd football team, which she says is one of her dream. “It is another way of promoting Donga Mantung oneness” she added. It should be recalled that Mafor Achidi Achu Judith in 2010 sponsored a football tournament worth 1 million FCFA for Donga Mantung youths to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Armed Forces in grand style. Her organization skills and savior-faire caught the admiration of Donga Mantung fons and during the final, she was crowned by all Donga Mantung Fons as the “Senior Ma Yaah” of Donga Mantung Division. The event which was described by analysts as the biggest crowd puller in the Division witnessed the presence of over 10.000 people in attendance. To have single handedly sponsored the tournament, she entered into records as the first ever woman in the Division to succeed in sponsoring a football tournament. Further more, her aptitude and ability ensure that the tournament succeed also confirmed the saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do it much better”.  To bookmakers, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith has demonstrated beyond doubts that she is a trustworthy shoulder on which President Biya can lean. To the Fon of Nkambe, HRH Fon Jabfu Ibrahim Nfor, there is no better way for youths to celebrate such a memorable day than through what Mafor Achidi Achu Judith is offering them. The tournament is bringing together football teams from Nwa, Misaje, Nkambe and Ndu sub divisions respectively.

According to the organizing committee, everything is moving on smoothly as planned. Accordingly 12 football teams from Ndu sub Division, 02 teams from Ako, 02 from Misaje and 01 team from Nwa registered to participate. Desaid who oversees technical development of football in Donga Mantung express gratitude to Mafor Achidi Achu for her contribution towards nation building and especially at this point in time that Cameroonians are celebration President Biya’s 50th Anniversary. He said a technician in the field; the tournament will help him to assess the level of football in the division. He went further to explain that he is grateful that Donga Mantung has able female leaders like Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu Judith who always look back to encourage the youth and women.
It should be recalled that Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu Judith has always stretch a hand of fellowship to rural women. Every year, she donates farm inputs and agricultural tools to women groups as a sign of encouragement in their efforts to feed Cameroonians.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Freedom Of Expression In Cameroon; Why Does Government Hate The Truth

Aminateh Nkemngu

The latest report of some international  NGOs laid bare the reality of the freedom of expression in Cameroon. As to no surprise to anyone, Mr. Issa Tchiroma, the c
Communication Minister went out with the energy of a hungry lion in defence of the 30 years reign of Paul Biya.
In fact, the report was not published by some organisations or journalists paid for by the taxpayer money to polish the image of our country at home and abroad. These reports did not paint or cover up the failure of the government to help or just let journalists have uncontrolled access to the source of information. It is  clear that in Cameroon, the problem lies in the lack of proper legislation that guarantee the protection of journalists and writers during their investigation works or after they published their findings.  Investigation work poses a real challenge which sometimes is life risking. Bullying, harassments, anonymous calls, death threats and even callous murders are the constant battle that face Cameroonian journalists, writers, Television producers, film makers or just singers, to name the few.
As the Minister puts it himself, 400 newspapers may exist nationwide and publish regularly, more than a dozen television channels may clash their waves in the air for 24 hours a day, but the reality is that very few will have access to the source of controversial or sensitive topics concerning government members and other local authorities. Very few will know anything about the management of timber, public companies, petrol and other mineral business.
Journalists or writers who dare should make sure that they have a safe route to  exile,  face sitting for a long time in one of the filthy prison or just get murdered in a strange way. In this regard, there have been many cases of government cracking down on stubborn journalists. Jacques Bessala, Jules Koum koum were murdered either in a traffic accidents or callous murders after they spoke out against serving members of government. 57 years old cripple Enoh Meyo messe, is still sitting in a government prison accused of taking part in an armed robbery. Bertrand Teyou, the author who wrote about President Biya’s wife, was force to the exile. This is the same with Jean Robert Mbane, the author of the controversial book “Cameroun, 50 Ans d’Independence, 20 Millions De Corrompus” could not bear the harassment and   of the secret police. Up to last February this year, he was campaigning for the rights of the victims of 2008 riot and the recognition of the responsibility of the government in this event. 
In his maiden speech, Paul Biya promised that no Cameroonian should be forced into exile for his opinion; but in 30 years of his reign, the reality is something else. This same speech was long before the trial of Njawe-Monga for what they said about president Biya handling of petrol money. This was long before the crack down hundred of journalists and writers who are now forced to go to jail or live in exile for the fear of their lives.  Systematic destruction and damaging of journalist equipments are common in Cameroon. In the 30 years of reign, there have been thousand of speeches and there are actions which speak for themselves. Being a journalist, writer, Tv producer, film maker in Cameroon today is a life risking job unless you abide by the unwritten law of the government and its allies. According to his own statement, Pius Njawe,one of the most stubborn journalist in Cameroon was arrested 126 times between 1990 and 2010.
Paul Biya and his government have a lot to hide and it is not in their interest to have a free press and not silencing any trouble makers at any cost. Therefore, all the information should be tailor made, sweet to the taste of the government and its allies as it is not in the interest of a common Cameroonian to live the nightmare of war and civil unrest of many African countries. Celebrating 30 years as Head of State is nothing more than nasty and foolish entertainment in the modern world.
Paul Biya and his government have a lot to hide and it is not in their interest to have a free press and not silencing any trouble makers at any cost. Therefore, all the information should be tailor made, sweet to the taste of the government and its allies as it is not in the interest of a common Cameroonian to live the nightmare of war and civil unrest of many African countries. Celebrating 30 years as head of state is nothing more than nasty and foolish.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. Minute by Minute Report on Cameroon and Africa

Forbes Magazine Ranks Cameroon's Ndamukong Suh Africa's Highest Paid Athlete

Ndamukong Suh looking to the stars as the limit

 Cameroon’s Ndamukong Suh, who plays for Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL) in the USA, has been named as Africa’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes magazine in its recently published ranking of world’s highest-paid athletes.

The 25-year old Suh is named as the 14th highest-paid athlete in the world with a total earnings of $36 million including salaries/winnings ($35.5 million) and $500,000 from endorsements.

Ndamukong Suh is the son of Michael and Bernadette Suh. His father moved to the USA from Cameroon Where he met got married with his mother Bernadette , who equally found her way to America from Jamaica.

Though an American-born, the native from the North West region of Cameroon has often been vocal of his roots as well as his elder sister and manager Odette Lennon Ngum Suh who played with the indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the 2008 African Women’s Championships.

Suh is joined by fellow is not the only African on the list as Cote d’Ivoire’s Yaya Toure is joint 73rd highest-earning athlete in the world with American basketball player, Tim Duncan with total earnings estimated at $19.1 million each.

American boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. tops the list of highest-paid athletes with $85 million, from only salary/winnings, ahead of Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, is in second with a total earnings of $62 million.

American golfer Tiger Woods ($54.9 million), Basketballer LeBron James ($53 million), Tennisman Roger Federer ($52.7 million), Basketballer Kobe Bryant ($52.3 million), Golfer Phil Mickelson ($47.8 million), David Beckham ($46 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($42.5 million) and American footballer, Peyton Manning ($42.4 million) complete the top ten in that order.

The Great Philanthropist

Ndamukong’s passion for philanthropy began at a young age, donating his own clothing, books, and toys to the children of his parents’ home lands of Cameroon, Africa where Michael, his father was born and Jamaica where Bernadette, his mother was born. As he grew so did his giving. He went on to be an active volunteer at local food banks, and participated in major recycling functions with his family. Entering his college years he spent time visiting hospitals where he comforted the elderly and held babies in NICU.

His most notable giving experience came a)er his graduation but before obtaining his first post-collegiate position. He donated $2.6 dollars to his alma mater dedicated to both the athletic program and the college of engineering department of which he received his degree.

Performing what he masters best

Since being dra)ed 2nd overall in 2010, Ndamukong and sister Ngum, who also serves as his business manager, started the Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation. They continue to strive for philanthropic success through the foundation, whose principles are comprised of:

• Education
• Health, Wellness & Nutrition
• International Outreach

In his efforts to encompass his foundations mission, Ndamukong and his family have developed ways to be become involved his three chief home bases:

• Portland, OR (Birthplace)
• Lincoln, NE (collegiate town)
• Detroit, MI (professional home)

Within its first year of operation, the foundation has sent Ndamukong to donate toys to the entire children of Detroit Medical Center in Holiday celebration. Ndamukong hosted his inaugural football camp in June which serviced over 350 children in Walled Lake, MI and a complete scholarship camp for over 120 inner city Detroit youth. The Suh siblings have also spent time as mentors for high school students in the DPS and the Walled Lake School districts of Michigan. The Foundation has partnered with Nike to cover the expenses for the US Grant High School football uniforms, the team Ndamukong once played for. In addition, the foundation has donated auction items to countless organizations in efforts to fund medical health research and has even adopted a school in Bamenda, Cameroon where Michael, Ndamukong’s father grew up.

 Additional source: Starafrica.com


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Nkambe Council Budget for 2013 Drops

 Tamngwa Marcel Kwakar 

The budget for Nkambe Council for the year 2013 stands at 609,551,000 FCFA. The budget was adopted in a budgetary session that held at the Nkambe Community hall last Saturday Nov. 17^th 2012.

Talking to participants at the start of the session, the Mayor of Nkambe Council Mangoh Jones Tanko thanked all present and called on his fellow Councilors to demonstrate a high sense of maturity in examining the 2013 draft budget. The Mayor also noted the fact that they are in a bonus period of their mandate and as such must put hands on deck to realize set objectives.

After deliberations, councilors finally adopted a total sum of 609.551.000FCFA for 2013. The budget however has dropped compared to 884,504,984FCFA adopted last year. The Mayor however explained that the drop is due to the fact that in 2011 some 270million FCFA was budgeted for the construction of “The Town Hall. “This was suppose to come into account so that there is no need for it to appear in the 2013 budget.

At the end of the session, Mayor Manyoh expressed satisfaction with the budget which he describes as realistic. He equally sounded optimistic as concerns the government of Cameroon from whom he has received certificates freeing the Nkambe Council from some debts. The Mayor however lamented the fact that the former S.D.O for Donga Mantung Nzeki Theophile before going on transfer had sold a parcel of land that belonged to the Nkambe council. At the same time, he swore that in the days ahead he will be meeting the S.D.O, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard whom he describes as level – headed to seek ways of getting back the said piece of land.

The S.D. O. for Donga Mantung in his capacity as supervisory authority commented the spirit in which the deliberations were conducted and called on councilors present to continue to sensitize and educate the population while at the same time cultivate in them the spirit of patriotism. He also used the opportunity to call on councilors to do everything in their respective spheres to encourage their populations to register massively on the biometric voters list.

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Environment Activists Detained in Cameroon

Press Release: Greenpeace
Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Africa call for the immediate release of environmental activists detained in Cameroon
Amsterdam, November 16, 2012 – Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Africa are appalled at the arbitrary arrest of prominent local NGO workers in the southwest of Cameroon and are calling for their immediate release.
Nasako Besingi, the director of Struggle to Economise Future Environment (SEFE), was detained without charge on November 14 with three of his colleagues in the town of Mundemba.
Besingi has been a vocal and peaceful critic of the plans and working practices of US-based company Herakles Farms, whose large-scale palm oil plantation project in the region would cause widespread environmental destruction and threaten the livelihoods of residents in an area home to vital biodiversity.
The activities of SEFE have always been based on legal court actions and peaceful social dialogue around the only real tangible asset of people in the region – land.
“The proposed plantation by Herakles Farms is the wrong project in the wrong place and residents and individuals opposed to it should be free to voice their concerns in a peaceful manner,” said Michael Obrien-Onyeka, Greenpeace Africa’s Executive Director.
“The detention of Mr. Besingi and his colleagues is in violation of Cameroonian law and of the internationally protected rights to freedom of expression and liberty and security of person.”
Greenpeace is calling for the release of the four people being detained and for the Cameroonian authorities to respect the rule of law and individuals’ human rights.
© Scoop Media




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From Humble Beginning, NACDA Celebrates 50 Years of Sustainable Development

 

Ntumfor presents jubilee monument to British High Commissioner and Swiss Ambassador

Historic moments as they say are often lived in extraordinary ways; this statement testifies why over fifteen thousand people joined the fon of Awing village in Santa Sub Division- Mezam Division of the North West Region last November 17, 2012 to commemorate fifty years of self reliant development under the umbrella of the Ndong Awing Cultural and Development Association-NACDA. To the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Golden Jubilee, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, for fifty years, Awing people have through self-reliance performed various feasts by doing extraordinary things using extraordinary ways which is worth celebrating. He said the 50 years was marked by peace, concord, harmony and self-help sustainable initiatives. Having been schooled by the surrounding and natural factors, the Awing people believe that Heaven helps only those who help themselves, the Awing people from a humble and modest beginning finally succeeded in putting in place one of the most vibrant village cultural and development association. As Prof. Mbangwana Paul puts in the Golden Jubilee Message that: it was not long they began realizing the veracity of that adage which started giving dividends. When Awing people started constructing the road from Santa Coffee estate to the village and the progress of the work got hindered by the steep hills and heavy, large stones, the government showed great concern and brought in the World Bank in 1975 to bulldoze it; when the village did the road from the village to Awing Lake, government saw it was good and stepped in 1992 through the French Development Agency and Ministry of Tourism; when NACDA brought in pipe-borne water to the village and villagers drank water for the first time in 1988, assistance started flowing in from the department of Community Development, African Development Fund and recently GP Derudep to the rest of the village; when NACDA struggled and brought electricity from Matazem right to Awing Palace the government got interested and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources came into the extension phase and started supplying light to the rest of the fondom. Today you can do your banking and money transfer here without much ado. You can spend a night or two in Awing in a quiet private facility. Awing Fondom has been transformed into a developed rural area” in 50 years he confirmed.

Ntumfor hands Gift from NACDA USA to Awing Fon

On his part, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Golden Jubilee, Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle expressed gratitude to all development partners and friends of Awing, government agencies as well as those who in one way of the other supported their efforts. Ntumfor exploded with optimism in one of his comments that Awing people are incredibly grateful that so many people have joined them on their journey for the last 50 years and some for the entire time.

He thanked the World Bank, the American Embassy, the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, the Royal Dutch Embassy, the French Development Agency, Helvetas, African Development Fund, British VSO, the American Peace Corps, German Embassy, Swiss Embassy, CERAC, the Nigeria Consular, Nigerian Community in Bamneda as well as the government of Cameroon. The chairman of the organizing committee also poured showers of praises to some distinguished personalities who traveled to Awing. He thanked the British High Commissioner and Wife, Swiss Ambassador, Representative of the Nigeria Consular General, the Nigeria Consular for South West Region, Consular for Littoral, SDF National Chairman, The Divisional Officer for Santa, the Mayor of Santa, Former Governor Fai Yengo Francis, Dr. Dorothy Njeuma and daughter, the Press and thousand others who were buried in the crowd for the timely support. Ntumfor Nico Halle used the occasion to frown at some misguided fellows who want to steer trouble between the village of Awing and Baligham. To the fon of Awing, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle congratulated him and the other dynamic traditional rulers who came to commune with them and concluded that “ by their truth, we shall know them”.

Ntumfor receives NACDA Recognition from hands of SDF Nat. Chairman

NACDA it should be noted in its policy speech which was read by Prof. Mbangwana Paul had signaled it nine neigbours that “we are condemn to live in peace for our welfare, our economy, growth and development” which indicates that peace and mutual co-existence should prevail. Quoting what President Kennedy told his neigbour, Canada, Awing in the same vein reminded her neigbours that : Geography has made us neigbours; History has made us friends, brothers and sisters; Economics has made us partners; and necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath joined together; Let no man put asunder”. To detractors, NACDA was categorical that for the association to reach where it she is today, it is thanks to the peace the Head of State, Paul Biya has made as his credo in the nation’s governance and that the way forward for NACDA is peace, harmony and concord.

However, NACDA pleaded with government that if an enabling environment is set up at the Awing Lake, it will create a large beautiful layout for estate developers in Cameroon. Accordingly, NACDA noted that Awing Lake can transform the whole of Santa Sub Division and the rest of the region for a better tomorrow. Besides, NACDA also reminded government of their general cry for Awing Fondom to be granted an administrative unit.

Cross section of fons

Flanked by 25 other colleagues fons, the Fon of Awing HRH Fozoh II said he was short of words because what he had in mind has been exhibited on banners and while the Chairman of the Organizing has said it all. He however thanked friends of Awing, especially government and diplomatic missions as well as development agencies for their continuous assistance in transforming his community.

On his part, the British High Commissioner applauded the self-help sustainable efforts of the Awing people. He observed that in all the places he had gone, people always ask for help without showing any efforts but in Awing, he found a new dynamism that the forge for what they need. He applauded NACDA for changing lives in a very significant and sustainable way.

There was fanfare and ecstasy with cultural display and dancing. The merrymaking was total as the people past and present Presidents of NACDA as well as NACDA branches were rewarded for hard work. Furthermore, NACDA Diaspora donated a giant picture to the fon which was handed by Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle.

It should be noted that Awing village is one of those villages that the Almighty God has blessed with several university dons, ambassadors, medical and para-medical doctors, seasoned engineers, professional teachers, journalists, renowned lawyers with some enjoying reputable international standing, administrators, magistrates, chartered accountants, financial experts, business women and men, senior army and police officers, active prosperous farmers, mayors and MPs who are serving humanity. 

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Former Captain of the Indomitable Lions, Théophile Abega is No More

Abega Theophile

 The Mayor of Yaoundé IV Council and former captain of the Indomitable Lions, Théophile Abega is no more. Théophile Abega according to information gathered died today morning in Yaounde at the General Hospital. In his capacity as the captain of the Indomitable Lions, he won the African Cup of Nations in 1984, and he is one of those who laid the foundation of Cameroon Football
Théophile Abega who was born on 9 July 1954 at Nkomo, Yaounde in the Center Region, it should be noted was voted the best African player in 1984, he was part of the Indomitable Lions who finished unbeaten World Cup 1982 in Spain. Two years later, he was the captain of the Lions winners of the African Cup of Nations. Théophile Abega started his football career with Canon Yaoundé and moved to Toulouse in France during the 1984-1985 season. When left politics he returned to Canon where he was team manager. The fame he gained in football later landed him into politics and he was voted Mayor of Yaounde IV

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Eyong E Eyong Declares Aspirations for Mayoral Position in Mamfe Central

Eyong E Eyong looking to the stars as limit

 As biometric registration kick-starts nationwide, more and more young Cameroonians continue to declare their political intentions. Eyong E Eyong has joined the bandwagon of young political aspirants to declare his vision for a New and Transformed Mamfe “where Rural Communities and all Inhabitants of Mamfe Central will prosper and Live happily”. In his declaration note, Eyong E Eyong further amplifies that “when I take over leadership in Mamfe Municipal Council as Mayor, come 2013, my administration will embark on the EXECUTION OF MY MANIFESTO TITLE (Project Transformation of Mamfe Central”. In his declaration the young dynamic politician also outlined his political roadmap noting that his intention is to foster development efforts thus changing lives. Being a result-oriented development luminary, Eyong E Eyong says “this will include the provision of Portable Drinking Water in the Rural Communities of MAMFE CENTRAL, Creating Access Roads to their Farms by the Construction of Bridges across Streams and Opening of Motor-able Roads for the Transportation of the peoples' farm produce to the town, Installation of Street Lights powered by Solar Energy in all the villages in Mamfe Central including Mamfe town, opening of vast Mechanized Jathropha Farmlands for the production of Biofuel and Aviation fuel both for Local use and for Exportation and other cash crops. The construction of processing plants for these cash crops will be embarked upon by my administration through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) which my administration will go on a worldwide search of Investors both at Home and Abroad for the rapid industrialization of Mamfe Central and the entire Manyu Division. This will boast the Economy of Mamfe central and Manyu in terms of empowering the people and providing employments for our teeming unemployed youths. Also, the creation of Manyu Community Development Agency (MACODA) which is already under registration process will be a vehicle to drive the development of Manyu, and also the creation of a MICROFINACE BANK to be headquartered in Mamfe for the provision of subsidy to Manyu people as a means to alleviate poverty amongst our people and to empower them to embark on large scales Commercial Agriculture where our processing plants will source their raw materials from.
Through networking and business speculation in the area of capacity and sustainable development, my administration will work in partnership with international organizations whose activities are focused in the areas of Health care delivery, Education, sports, etc in the execution of various projects within the municipality for the benefit of our people.
I have been in serious discussions with an international organization for a possible grant funding for the establishment of a heritage ecovillage which shall be created during my administration to preserve, promote and market Mamfe to the international tourism market. My administration will institute the organization of an annual carnival in Mamfe to bring back home the Sons and Daughters of Manyu, National and International Tourist to participate and witness the “ANNUAL MAMFE CARNIVAL” which will sell and promote the Manyu culture and improve cultural tourism in Manyu.
For the actualization of this vision comes 2013, go ye now from Neighbour2Neighbour and proclaim to one another that Barrister Eyong Elvis Eyong is the man to wipe our tears and to bring Transformation of Mamfe Central Come 2013 !!!”

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Burying Prince Jacob Lekunze; The Population Of Lebialem Must Not Perish

 

By Aminateh Nkemngu   

All roads in Lebialem Division early this month led to Bamumbu, Wabane sub division in Lebialem Division for the burial of the former Special Adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office,  Jacob Ketuma Lekunze who died about two months ago in Yaounde. Far from what many expected would be a “high profile burial” ,with a state decoration for the man popularly known as ”Mr Bakassi” for his relentless effort to ensure that priority projects for the Bakakssi peninsula were realized in the supreme interest of the population there, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Committee in charge of special projects in the area, it turned out to be the opposite.

The death and subsequent burial of Prince Jacob Ketuma Lekunze has once more demonstrated that the body politics of Lebialem division needs to be properly reviewed and people centred options taken in order to avoid future embarrassments of the ego of ordinarys Lebialem people.

That a prophet is never known in his own homeland may be  true except in the particular case of Prince Jacob Ketuma Lekunze who,  it would appear was neither a prophet at home or anywhere else he sojourned when he walked the face of the earth. For fear of blistering treks to the very much enclaved Bamumbu in the northern part of Lebialem, the remains of Prince Jacob   Lekunze were left in a Yaounde hospital for two months while waiting for the rains to go. Many a person who have travelled to that part of this country hold that a bridge linking the sub division to Batibo in the North West Region has collapsed and movement of any form of locomotives is not possible. So the two months abandonment of the corpse, it would appear was to give way for minor improvements on the terrible road. And behold the day of burial finally came. Newspaper reports hold that the remains of Prince Jacob Lekunze were abandoned to his family members and a few colleagues from the Prime Minister’s Office .The DO Misaje ,Nkweti Simon who hails from Wabane suffered a ghastly car accident while returning from the burial and we speak,his car is beyond repairs.Thank God for sparing his life.So where was Prince Lekunze a prophet? At home where he could not reach and nobody knew where he was coming from or in Yaounde and Bakassi where nobody knew where he was going to? There are some recondite things that push us to mull over the strange absence of man’s kindness towards man , or better put of man’s wickedness to man.

Curiously enough, on the same evening that Prince Lekunze was buried, Lebialem CPDM Elite  were seen in Bamenda floating a CPDM Magazine produced for the burial ceremony. The curious question this writer asked the spin doctor carrying the magazines was “how many Lebialem denizens resident at home or better put, local people spoke in the magazine ?The obvious answer was non. Rather it was a bunch of CPDM elite with insignificant positions in Yaounde who had planted their photographs in the magazine as if to say “we are fighting for this man’s job”. This same bunch of zealots who absconded from their own homeland shortly after the burial of their kinsman were seen that same evening hanging out in the corridors of a prominent Bamenda hotel after a merry-go round journey to Wabane.

In all fairness ,this was a second slap on the face of the ordinary Lebialem man in less than three months after the humiliating sack of Paul Tasong as Secretary General in the Ministry of the Economy ,Planning and Regional Development.

The question that comes to mind is whether the CPDM in Lebialem is a “dance of the vampires”. In 2011,Lebialem division ended up with over 80 percent score for the CPDM, the best in the South West Region, so to say. Whether these results were manufactured in a laboratory or were the wish of the people is a question to be answered. But retributive justice has led to the division losing two key positions from the same party they so much love in less than one year. So was it a prayer of the people?

As a division that owes all its good things to Christendom, there is no gainsaying the fact that the population of Lebialem undeniably turned to God to hear their prayers and deliver them from the evils  of all season bad roads, information hoarding , influence trafficking, eye for eye politics and above all sidelining of local people from the “dog eat dog” sharing of the crumbs of CPDM loyalty.

In an election year like 2013,the population of Lebialem needs adequate information and knowledge especially on a key issue like voting. The local people must be allowed to speak freely, chose their local leaders freely and above all drive and sustain their own development. In so doing, they will cast out the spell of believing that only a particular party can bring development to the very much enclaved area.

As we speak, the masses of Lebialem are still to hook up to the train of biometric voter registration. Is this a ploy to declare another 80 percent victory or more for the “great national party” in upcoming elections? In the past, the masses of Lebialem have been hoodwinked to believing that the magic wand for their worries is in the CPDM. The question remains ”where is it”?.The people of Lebialem must not perish because of the vampires. Please, let my people go.

                                       Aminateh Nkemngu is a Development Journalist,

Founder, Executive Director, The Community Initiative For Development Communication, CODEC,BP 78,Menji,Fontem,Lebialem Division

Email aminfuanya@yahoo.com

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