GBHS Nkambe Deteriorating (1)

 By Cassimando

GBHS Nkambe Going (1)

Government Bilingual High School Nkambe, a one-time citadel of standards is reported wallowing in the gutter and desperately in need of divine intervention. In fact according to what we gathered, GBHS Nkambe may have been sacrificed to those who are at their worst because the vision that institution as the window of education in Donga Mantung Division is on its last legs. The one-time most admirable institution which in the early 80s stood the taste if time and was the pride of the entire division has been sparked by an irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all looms as precarious indication predicts. According to information gathered, GBHS has been transformed into a sink hole that puts to question the present state of nature of the school. It is unbelievable that some newly transferred teachers are threatening to go on strike because the school administration could not afford to provide them little allowances. Public opinion in Nkambe is aghast that these newly transferred teachers were lodged at the school dormitory just because the school administration didn’t want to provide them the little allowances yet, they are said to have taken the school administration to the Senior Divisional Officer-Nzekie Theophile for an immediate solution or go to the street. The issue according to what we gathered exploded today October 16, as the teachers stormed the SDO’ office threatening. Eyewitness indicated that the mayhem is a hot potato in the hands of the administration that could take the school to slumber any moment.  

More so, there is a lot of controversy surrounding computers that we stolen from the school laboratory. Even though the said thieves were slammed a five years suspended jail term and punished to paid 1.2 million FCFA comment emitting from “sha houses” drinking spots in Nkambe, indicates that parents (PTA) are wondering whether the school Principal Madame Lucia Ngwe Mbogson used 1.2 million FCFA to obtain one iron door.

This judgment that was passed last month on the culprits who were caught appears to be a bit of a joke in Nkambe. But yet, it is alleged that for the case to even appear in Court, it was thanks to the pressure of councilors of the Nkambe council who stormed police charge office and requested that matter of breaking into GBHS Computer Laboratory should be sent to court. Whether the parents of the thieves’ maneuvers as it is alleged remains another mystery giving that one of the accused (relative to a Divisional delegate) was discharged and acquitted. Since money can do and undo, the population of Nkambe is not leaving out the third option in its predictions, since people take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness, that court decision created a lot of sensation. Just because they were not in the street it doesn't mean they've gotten lost.

“We have been requesting for a PTA meeting to know how that money was used but it is difficult” one parent told this reporter. Besides, parents are also questioning why they should pay 5.000 FCFA as computer fees to the school whereas the school has no computer teacher. Furthermore, it is also alleged that the school administration also spent 1.5 million FCFA to repair the school fence made of wood. Some parents are also questioning the whereabout of  the punishment of 10.000 paid by each student caught jumping over the fence and unconfirmed sources say over 50 students paid the money, yet uncertainty looms in the air as to whether the funds were being paid into the school treasurer or state treasury with receipts. At the time of writing confidential sources hinted that the school bus was spotted around Bamenda at Mile II Nkwen boarded by unknown people and why the services of a mechanics in Nkambe could not be hired to repair the car. Allegations are also rife at that the school is in an iron fist and that some teachers are threatening to seek for transfers. However, rumours are abounding that a certain (VP) was asked by another colleague to clean the table in the office. It should however be noted that last year, GBHS Nkambe had no Geology teacher, and the performance of the school has been the subject of debate in all the quarters in Mbum land. Donga Mantung elites in Yaounde we gathered held a meeting recently and frowned at the manner at which the school administration is handling issues. Some say, it is because some of these administrators claim they have their God-fathers at the Presidency of the Republic and they could do and undo. (up next part II)

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

The Nightmare on the Bamenda Ring Road

 

Ring Road in Tears (what about rain gates?)

The dilemma of horrific roads in this country has become a painful shame. In Donga Mantung Division for example, normal interaction has been frustrated by bad roads. Vehicle owners are in distress as their vehicles are not used optimally. In a border Division with hardly any railway, no air service and now no roads, the citizens of Donga Mantung Division feel trapped with nowhere to turn. The nightmare I underwent yesterday on this road angered me to loose my knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads.

The road to Nkambe commonly known as the Ring Road is a big shame to the Biya regime. It is so bad that traveling from Kumbo to Nkambe on the Ring Road needs two days whereas it is less than 60 kilometers. Even vehicles using that road invariably retire to a mechanics workshop at the end of every journey. Transporters are hurting and are bewildered that despite their payment of all road taxes to Government and the various rates to the state and local governments, little is being done to repair the roads upon which their livelihood depends. It is not just a nightmare but a therapeutic theater of trauma for anyone pregnant woman and children below the ages of two. From Kumbo to Nkambe, there are trucks that have sunk into the mud and have remained on the spot for the past two weeks.  Besides, the very many potholes and detours mean that vehicles keep breaking down and sometimes with disastrous consequences.  

It is common for thieves, rapists and other miscreants to ensconce themselves in bad portions of the roads where all vehicles virtually come to a halt. Traveling on the Kumbo-Nkambe stretch of the ring road represents a perpetual danger to the population. Instead, the present state of nature of the Ring Road makes it impossible to plan a journey or predict arrival time. Commercial activity is suffering as goods and services are now in short supply leading to price increases in practically all consumer items.

Why Divisional Delegate of Public Works for Donga Mantung Should be Interrogated

When I made a comment on one social media on the nightmare on the Bamenda Ring Road, a friend asked me whether we have a department in my country that oversees road maintenances. I said, well all this is happening in a country where there are several agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works which is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads.

Enjoyment on the ring road

Imagine that yesterday, I spent the night on this road, I discovered that strange aspect of the road that government seems to ignore. In fact, the general cry is the poor nature of the rain gates. The Divisional Delegates of Public Works for Donga Mantung Division manages this section as if it is his personal shop. This year even though 8 million FCFA was disbursed by the state to construction new rain-gates, indicators are rife at that nothing has been done to that effect. Even the old ones that were to be repaired in order to control the movement of heavy trucks during this time of the year have not been repaired at all. It is even alleged that the rain-gate controllers have also not been paid for the past months reasons why they would prefer to collect a 1.000 FCFA note from a truck driver and allow him to pass.  The most embarrassing is that the poor population suffers from such obnoxious corrupt practices.

The Yaounde government at least on paper has voted billions of FCFA for the rehabilitation of our road network. And the maintenance contract on this stretch of the road was awarded to Joe Corner Water but nothing concrete ever happens on the ground except for the few potholes that were filled. It time for CONAC to look into what happened to the billions allocated for road works and whilst at it, to investigate well especially all the decentralized structures that have to provide other control mechanism like rain-gates. They should even be arrested and detained if found guilty. In fact I was so annoyed that by the time of putting down this piece I completely forgot the name of the Delegate of Public Works for Donga Mantung Division. This matter is important because our country cannot develop with rickety office gansterism.

There is the problem of erosion impacting on the road network. Whole sections of our roads are being washed away by erosion and poorly planned or non-existent drainage system. The case of the Bamenda Ring Road is very pathetic.   

A Corrupt Government that doesn’t Care

From Kumbo-Nkambe, the road in it entirety is now a dangerous pothole. I mean potholes everywhere and all the directions. It is practically impossible to avoid all of them as quite often one preventive manoeuvre often leads the driver into yet another pothole. That s what exactly happened to us yesterday at Tatum and we were forced to spent the night along the road. Trailers and tankers are quite vulnerable. Trailers as usual often do not secure the containers they carry, relying on their weight for stability. As a result of a combination of circumstances, the Ring Road is littered with overturned trailers, tankers and containers. At the Seminary Hill Tatum (another celebrated hill) three trailers have been stuck in the mud for two days. How they managed to pass the ring gate when there was a heavy down pour is another misery.   Traveling along the ring road doesn’t require any stranger to look for signposts, because the nature of the road is always a topic of conversation and most celebrated areas are always key topics. This is so because after each 1km or even less, the driver will always ask passengers to jump down and push the car. Here one of them “we are at Kitshong, please everybody should move out of the car because we have to push”.

Transporters are lamenting the loss of revenue. They can only operate skeletal services during the day and cannot operate at night because of the menace of armed robbers. Their revenue is down by 70% and unless the roads are repaired, the transporters may well abandon their trade. Already bad roads have led to a reduction in travel.

It will soon be Christmastime when Donga Mantung experiences an upsurge in commuter traffic as everyone will be rushing home to celebrate. With the roads being in such poor state it is doubtful whether individuals would be prepared to put themselves through the rigours of a punishing journey merely for the sake of celebrating the yuletide with their kith and kin and friends.  

Another problem besetting the ring road is that government cares little about the people of Donga Mantung Division.  

The lack of maintenance of roads in Cameroon has become a public issue as Cameroonians are daily lamenting this failure of leadership. Good roads are a basic component of good governance. Cameroonians are routinely being put at risk everyday as a result of the failure of the state to provide adequate amenities for its citizens. All the authorities involved in road construction and maintenance should buckle down and do something to remove this blot on Cameroon’s image. We are even made to understand that this road is tarred on papers.

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

Biodiversity Conservation can Improve Human Health in World’s Growing Cities, says UN assessment

 PRESS RELEASE

Biodiversity Conservation can Improve Human Health in World’s Growing Cities, says UN assessment
Integrating Ecosystems into Urban Planning Can Deliver Major Economic Benefits and Reduce Environmental Damage

Hyderabad (India), 16 October 2012 – Global urbanization will have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystems if current trends continue, with knock-on effects for human health and development, according to a new assessment by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The assessment, which draws on contributions from more than 123 scientists worldwide, states that over 60 percent of the land projected to become urban by 2030 has yet to be built. This presents a major opportunity to greatly improve global sustainability by promoting low-carbon, resource-efficient urban development that can reduce adverse effects on biodiversity and improve quality of life, it says.  
The Cities and Biodiversity Outlook is the world’s first global analysis of how projected patterns of urban land expansion will impact biodiversity and crucial ecosystems.
The world’s total urban area is expected to triple between 2000 and 2030, with urban populations set to double to around 4.9 billion in the same period. This urban expansion will draw heavily on water and other natural resources and will consume prime agricultural land.
"The way our cities are designed, the way people live in them and the policy decisions of local authorities will define, to a large extent, future global sustainability,” said Braulio Dias, Executive Secretary of the CBD.
"The innovation lies not so much in developing new infrastructural technologies and approaches but to work with what we already have. The results often require fewer economic resources and are more sustainable," he added.
The report states that urban expansion is occurring fast in areas close to biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and coastal zones. In rapidly urbanizing regions, such as large and mid-size settlements in sub-Saharan Africa, India and China, resources to implement sustainable urban planning are often lacking.
“More than half the global population already resides in cities. This number is projected to increase, with 60 percent of the population living in urban areas by 2030,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. “This report makes a strong argument for greater attention to be paid by urban planners and managers to the nature-based assets within city boundaries. Sustainable urban development that supports valuable ecosystems presents a major opportunity for improving lives and livelihoods, and accelerating the transition to an inclusive green economy,” he added.
Cities are also increasingly recognized for their role in supporting plant and animal species and diverse ecosystems. For example, over 50 percent of Belgium’s floral species can be found in Brussels, while 65 percent of Poland’s bird species occur in Warsaw.
Urban green spaces perform important ecosystem services, such as filtering dust, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and improving air quality. Data from the United Kingdom shows that a 10 percent increase in tree canopy cover in cities may result in a 3-4°C decrease in ambient temperature, thus reducing energy used in air conditioning.
Urban biodiversity also delivers important health benefits. Studies have shown that proximity to trees can reduce the prevalence of childhood asthma and allergies. Sustainable urban planning, which addresses biodiversity issues along with other priorities such as poverty alleviation, employment, and housing, can bring positive effects for health and the environment.
“Cities need to learn how to better protect and enhance biodiversity, because rich biodiversity can exist in cities and is extremely critical to people’s health and well-being," said Professor Thomas Elmqvist of the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Scientific Editor of the report.
The Cities and Biodiversity Outlook highlights a wide range of successful initiatives by cities, local authorities and sub-national governments in both developed and developing countries.
In Bogotá, Colombia, measures such as closing roads on weekends, improving the bus transit system and creating bicycle paths resulted in increased physical activity among residents, and a reduction in greenhouse gases emissions.  
The report also provides detailed analyses of regional urbanization trends and their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Asia:
-        The region will be home to almost half the world’s increase in urban land over the next 20 years. The most extensive changes will occur in India and China.
-        India’s growing urban clusters (such as the Mumbai-Delhi industrial corridor) are likely to transform entire regions, with significant impacts on habitat and biodiversity.
-        Loss of agricultural land to urbanization, combined with insufficient planning for food supply lines, places a severe constraint on future food security for India’s growing population.
-        Lifestyle changes in India due to urbanization may decrease pressures on forests due to less use of fuelwood and charcoal.
-        In China, urban areas are increasingly encroaching on protected areas.
Africa:
-        Africa is urbanizing faster than any other continent, and most population growth will occur in cities of less than 1 million people. These cities often have weak governance structures, high levels of poverty and low scientific capacity regarding biodiversity.
-        Low levels of formal employment in cities places high dependency on the provision of ecosystem services (e.g. water and food production) from areas either within or close to city limits.
Latin America and the Caribbean
-        The number of cities in the region has grown sixfold in the past 50 years.
-        Urban sprawl caused by housing for low-income residents often occurs in important areas for biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as wetland or floodplains. These are mistakenly considered to be of marginal value by planners.
Europe and North America
-        In Europe, the current urbanization level is 70-80 percent, and urban growth in recent decades has mostly been in the form of land expansion rather than population growth.
-        Many European and North American cities have exhibited trends  of shrinking and/or shifting patterns of population in central parts of the cities, coupled with sprawl in outer suburbs and exurban areas.
The Cities and Biodiversity Outlook demonstrates how urban areas can play a central role in achieving 20 key biodiversity goals (known as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets) which were agreed upon in 2010 by parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
For example, the restoration or ‘greening’ of ex-industrial sites or brownfield land by city authorities can support efforts to achieve Aichi Target 15, whereby 15 percent of degraded ecosystems are restored by 2020.
Cities can also help prevent extinction of known species (Aichi Target 12) through research and investment by zoos, aquaria and museums, many of which are managed by city authorities.
The Cities and Biodiversity Outlook was produced by the Secretariat of the CBD in partnership with the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI). The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity operates under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The full report can be downloaded atwww.cbd.int/subnational/partners-and-initiatives/cbo.

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For more information, please contact:
David Ainsworth, Information Officer, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Phone +1 514 561 2720 (mobile), Email: David.ainsworth@cbd.int
Sturle Hauge Simonsen, Deputy Head of Communications, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Phone: +46 8 6747428, Email: sturle@stockholmresilience.su.se
Bryan Coll, Newsdesk, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), on Tel. +254 731 666 214, E-mail: bryan.coll@unep.org / unepnewsdesk@unep.org
Notes to Editors
About the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
Opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and entering into force in December 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. With 193 Parties, the Convention has near universal participation among countries. The Convention seeks to address all threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, including threats from climate change, through scientific assessments, the development of tools, incentives and processes, the transfer of technologies and good practices and the full and active involvement of relevant stakeholders including indigenous and local communities, youth, NGOs, women and the business community. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a subsidiary agreement to the Convention. It seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. To date, 162 countries plus the European Union have ratified the Cartagena Protocol. The Secretariat of the Convention and its Cartagena Protocol is located in Montreal. For more information visit: www.cbd.int.
About the Stockholm Resilience Centre
Stockholm Resilience Centre is an international research partner which provides scientific insights on the interactions between humans and nature. It departs from an ambition to better understand the profound imprint humans have on nature and ideas on how to deal with the resulting challenges through enhancing social-ecological resilience. One strategic area of research is urban social-ecological systems, looking at how cities can better integrate biodiversity and ecosystem services into their planning and management.

The centre also helps facilitate dialogues with policymakers and practitioners from all over the world, and contribute with innovative ideas to improve collaboration and learning between stakeholders at local, regional and national level. It has a particularly respected role as a facilitator for dialogue in the areas of governance and sustainable use of biodiversity in both a rural and urban context.
About Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI)
Established in 1990, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is the world's leading association of cities and local governments dedicated to sustainable development. This powerful movement of 12 mega-cities, 100 super-cities and urban regions, 450 large cities as well as 450 small and medium-sized cities and towns in 84 countries promotes local action for global sustainability and supports cities to become sustainable, resilient, resource-efficient, biodiverse, low-carbon; to build a smart infrastructure; and to develop an inclusive, green urban economy. The ultimate aim is to achieve healthy and happy communities.
ICLEI’s international Cities Biodiversity Center, located in the middle of a global biodiversity hotspot in Cape Town, South Africa, has since 2006 been working with local governments worldwide in efforts to improve biodiversity management and to share their successes and lessons. This has led to a strong partnership with the Secretariat of the CBD, to strengthen advocacy for biodiversity at, and by, the levels of local and subnational government in support of the implementation of the Convention.
About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Established in 1972, UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.
UNEP work encompasses assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends; developing international and national environmental instruments; strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment; facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development; and encouraging new partnerships and mind-sets within civil society and the private sector. For more information, visit: www.unep.org

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

At SDF Convention Fru Ndi Succeeds Self, Collapse Feared as NW Loses Grip

By Fai Cassian

Ni John Fru Ndi

Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman has been voted to pilot the affairs of the Social Democratic Front-SF for the next four years. He was reconfirmed the position of chairman with an overwhelming majority of 12 19 votes out of the 1431, scoring 87%. While Osih Joshua was also voted as the 1^st Vice President while Mrs Elizabeth Tamanjong was appointed as the Secretary General of the SDF as prescribed by the constitution, but due to electoral lapses, the position of Organizing Secretary was handed to NEC for a final decision. Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi whose candidature was unchallenged has beaten record in the SDF for reaffirming his commitment to conquer power before he quits politics.

Barely above 71 years old, Ni John Fru Ndi who pundits were of the opinion that age was overtaking him reassured delegates that he is still vibrant and energetic enough to take the SDF to a safer shore. Having toured Cameroon 17 times in 23 years, Ni John Fru Ndi seems more determined and committed to the struggle he started with the launching of the SDF on May 26, 1990.   Whether it was out of fear or not, the fact that SDF Chairman’s candidature was unchallenged continue to attract a lot of criticism yet another school of thought holds that SDF chairman like his colleague Paul Biya, and dozen others have been granted the status of being natural candidates. “Challenging the chairman in an elective position to me is like firing oneself on the leg” one SDF militant exclaimed. But a greater proportion of SDF delegates are of the opinion that Fru Ndi for now is the only person who can guarantee the sustainability of the party more than anyone else.

However, there is no gainsaying that many are still considered as black legs in the party today because they had challenged SDF natural candidate. Some of them voluntarily 8:2ed themselves from the party while others disappeared into the wilderness after such attempts. Such has been the case of Ben Muna, Hon. Ngwasiri, Hon. Paulinus Jua, Hon. Fobi Nchinda, just to name these few. “Gunning for the chairmanship of the SDF is like writing satanic verses that automatically leads to a divine sentence” one of the prominent militants of the SDF who preferred not to be named exclaimed. To others, the fear of the position of the chairman of the Social Democratic Front is the beginning of wisdom just like Paul Biya is doing to his die-heart supporters who are eyeing his position. Notwithstanding, the glaring example is that of Hon. Fobi Nchinda, who was crushed during primaries into the National Executive Committee-NEC as Communication Secretary. Not because he was considered incompetent but rather because to pay him in his coin for daring, Ni John Fru Ndi openly campaigned for Annembom Munjo(who during the convention was unable to present a simple report of her activities). Nonetheless, most delegates still consider her as a Lilliputian though vibrant in the yesteryears, nemesis have caught her with changing time.

But as many would think and say without fear or favour, the SDF is safer in the hands of Ni John Fru Ndi any school boy or girl who may auction the party overnight for a few banknotes. The fact that Osih Joshua has moved from the position of 2^nd Vice National Chairman to the position of 1^st Vice, there is optimism that the necessary strategies are being put in place to groom someone who could safeguard the aspirations of the Cameroonian people. For that, inside sources see Osih as a Fru Ndi in the making. Another perpetual threat which Fru Ndi himself denounced is multiple intrigues and strategies of the ruling CPDM to infiltrate the party ranks by using some SDF militants. “If the SDF has survived up to date, it is thanks to the steadfastness of the national chairman”, one militant from Bertoua remarked. But the fact that majority of parties officials in Cameroon have been at the helm of their respective party continue to spark a lot of debate.

SDF 8^th Convention and Transfer of Power from the People

When the SDF was launched in 1990, one of the slogans that captured the admiration of Cameroonians was “Power to the People and Equal Opportunities”. What those who took the pains to attend the 8^th National Convention of the SDF went back home with was that the SDF has adopted a new unsung slogan “Power to the NEC” meaning power which was once in the hands of the people has moved to the National Executive Council-NEC. According to what was adopted during the convention, the final say on who is suppose to be the mayor or Parliamentarian lies in the hands of the Investiture Committee (NEC). This measure which delegates saw as a means of taking away power from the hands of the people has been highly criticized by political analysts as well as party militants. The innovation which comes at the heel of the numerous challenged faced by the SDF during the last Municipal and Legislative election is being described as a slab on the jaws of democracy. Yet Samuel Minla says he is optimistic that such a disciplinary measure will eradicate obnoxious plans to challenge the Investiture and go free like was he case with Tikanjo Stephen of Babessi, Mangoh Jones Tanko of Nkambe, DK Nfor of Ndu, Ngong Thiato of Njinikom, and Bafoussam II, who succeeded in violating a decision of the investiture to impose selves as mayors. Even though some party officials say the modification is to check scammers from buying their way to the position of mayor, the ordinary militant on the other hand is of the opinion that it is golden opportunity for investiture committee members to trade positions for money to the detriment of the grassroot. “Where then is the slogan of power to the people”, another delegate of the South West Region says. “Of what use is the article 8(2) in the party if we cannot use it to ensue discipline” Nobert Soumme wonders.

Fru Ndi overpowered

One of the things that Suffer Don Finish’s 8^th Convention would likely be remembered for is that it overdosed Chairman Ni John Fru with power. Apart from the fact that he is the chairman of the Investiture Committee, chairman of the National Advisory Council and chairman of the National Executive Committee, Fru Ndi was also catapulted to the commander of the Vanguard Corps.  John like Paul the leading opposing Cameroonians have been drunk in the accumulation of positions. This public opinion say is a syndrome that takes roots as age and the necessity to have grip of power increases .

Democratic Lesson

The SDF of Ni John Fru Ndi can heat the chest for one thing, that atleast the party was able to demonstrate it has a national dimension and can be able to mobilize over 2000 delegates, sympathizers and other stakeholders. That in 23 years, the party can price self of organizing 8 conventions, a national record yet to be beaten even by the ruling CPDM. The introduction of a single ballot paper and system of voting is one of the attractions of the SDF. However, democratic principle even though stringed were at it peak as even delegates would challenge the decision of Ni John Fru Ndi as was the case of the mayor of Kumba Asapngu Ferdinand, who voted on Fru Ndi’s face that the appointment of members of the electoral commission did not respect geopolitical balance. Indirectly, the message was that the notion of tribalism. Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi was obliged to move to the rostrum twice to defend why he took this or that other decision. It was indeed the spirit of free-speech though that characterized the convention. The SDF has proven beyind reasonable doubts that every time it dishes out lessons. By introducing the single ballot paper during the Bamenda convention, Fru Ndi and Co are sending a message to the regime that it could also be possible in Cameroon just like in other places. The fact that Fru Ndi announced that as unique candidate if he does not obtain above 51% in the elections he would turn down the position was another lesson. The notion of acclamation was effectively discarded as a democratic principle.

North West Loses Grip

 Since the creation of the SDF, North West Region has always had a grip of playing the frontline role but unfortunately, the 8^th National Convention turned tables. Delegates of the North West Region who did not have the leniency of the investiture as unique candidates were all flushed out. It is feared that the National Executive Council may collapse with the present dispensation. Besides, majority of the elective positions were won by people who may likely not take the challenge to attend NEC meetings. This political pundits say it could likely lead to the collapse of the SDF party as adventurers emerged from the wilderness to take over command. Fru Ndi the philosopher was right again in his predictions like Nostradamus that paid CPDM agents were infiltrating the party. In fact judging from that point he was “right indeed”.  Yet, allegations are bound that SDF Chairman who for the past years has been fighting the few committed soldiers around him based on gossips and backstabbing has finally fallen prey in his own trap. “I am afraid that the next four years may be dramatic for us” one SDF militant told this reporter. In fact the truth is that a leader who passes time listening to gossips ends up wrap in dirt, whether Fru Ndi could finally understand that apart of the North West, other delegates came to the Convention as a block to express their grievances is an indisputable fact. Not Vaneganse Mochiggle, Mangoh Jones Tanko, Fon Yembe Martin, Tosam Bernard and others who were crushed by a block built years ago by some dark hidden hands right inside the party. Even though SDF Chairman would still have to appoint the Secretary General of the party as well as some few others, Pa Atekwana Joseph and Annembom Munjo escaped narrowly thanks to the clemency of the Investiture. Whether the NEC meeting will be able to form a quorum is another mystery. Whether it is a masquerade or not, the SDF party, a one time vibrant leading opposition party has been transformed into a sinkhole for character assassination, where politicians play like apes for nuts. Whether money did changed hands during elections is another mystery but yet, we gathered that candidates who were able to provide lodging as well as transport fares to some delegates were the favorites for votes. Those who knew that money can buy everything including votes were catapulted while those who relied on their abilities were down to naught. 

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