Fon Chafah Declares for Senate

By FC Junior

HRH Fon Chafah of Bangolang

HRH Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolang cum Secretary General of Cameroo n Traditional Rulers Forum has declared his candidature for the upcoming senatorial elections in Cameroon. Fon Chafah who hails from Babessi Sub Division in the North West Region has confirmed he will contest for senate on CPDM ticket. Fon Chafah’s leadership qualities have without doubt attracted a lot of admirations from Cameroon and beyond. When he was President of the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU, he entered into history books for defying all the odds to take traditional rulers from the doldrums to lime-light. Yet, he is celebrated for initiating a multi-million secretariat project for NOWEFU. His lobbying skill placed NOWEFU at the door-steps of Orange Cameroon and the Ministry of Public Health. During fon Chafah’s reign at the helm of NOWEFU, he transformed the fons union into a vibrant development instrument. He initiated and lobbied funds for North West traditional rulers to join the fight against HIV/AIDS. Fon Chafah before leaving NOWEFU constructed a Roman arch that continues to attract admiration. Fon Chafah showed he was a philanthropist of the highest order when he mobilized Northwesterns to stage one of the humanitarian gestures ever. He supported Babessi flood victims and his gesture created awareness to the point that President Biya sent millions to the victim. “I think Fon Chafah is the right candidate for Ngoketunjia” one CPDM candidate for Ndop Council told this reporter on phone. If we go by the popular saying that those who give do the work of God, then Fon Chafah is ripe for senate because obviously he will have the opportunity to continue God’s work in a wider scope.  

Furthermore, Fon Chafah’s leadership skills and mobilization spirit pushed him to initiate the Cameroon Traditional rulers’ forum. His being at the senate will certainly give him the opportunity to defend the interest of the rural poor. Being a 3^rd Grade Magistrate is not only an asset but also an impetus for him to make authentic contribution on bills. Senate as echoed is not a place for retired civil servants or old people; it is a place where brain weaves. It should be recalled that in 2007, Fon Chafah worked relentlessly for the CPDM to win in Ngoketunjia South. Reasons why it is now time for Fon Chafah to be part of the pioneer senate in Cameroon.  Fon Chafah Isaac is a household name in Cameroon and a dynamo in Ngoketunjia. He is development oriented and this could be seen through the lens of the numerous development projects in his village. He knows very well the realities in rural areas and would be one of the defenders of the ordinary man if elected into senate. What makes Fon Chafah a good senator is his intellectual ability, his devotion for work and his sense of patriotism.

When contacted on phone, Fon Chafah said the request for him to contest for senate was a popular demand of the people. “My people want me to represent them and I cannot but accept”. Being a traditional ruler who was enthroned when he was still very young has gathered a lot of experience to the point that he could also make a dynamic and exemplary senator for Ngoketunjia people. The fact that he is celebrated for his stand for the truth and meaningful development as well makes him a good senator. It should be recalled that in 2012, Fon Chafah was voted by The Watchdog Tribune as Man of the Year, besides he was also voted by readers of The Eye Newspaper as Traditional Ruler of the Year. Beside, the above mentioned award, he also received from The Guardian Post another distinction for his devotion for work.

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

Senatorial Challenges: Senatorial Hopeful Nick Ngwanyam Writes to Donga Mantung Electorates

Mbangfon Dr. Nick Ngwanyam: The Early bird

Dr. Nick Ngwanyam, one of the early birds who declared his candidature for the April 14, 2013 senatorial elections in Cameroon has written to the people of Donga Mantung Division. Dr. Nick Ngwanyam in his message pleaded on the councilors of the five council areas that make up Donga Mantung Division to vote wisely, for the future and not for people who would give them “money, meat or rice”. He reminded councilors that senate is not a place for retired parliamentarians and or civil servants.

Full message below:

I wish to sincerely congratulate all of you for the good job that you have been doing in our council areas all these years. You have been development oriented, educating the public and above all making a lot of sacrifices.

As you would have noticed, there is a lot of work to be done. You cannot do everything single handedly. We also need to be working at different levels in our communities and country to be effective. The senate has come to be part of the development exercise. It has come to stay.

If senate is necessary, it is because parliament was important but not effective and efficient in everything. Senate is not a replica of parliament. It is not a place either to which retired parliamentarians and civil servants graduate to. It is a place where a spade is called a spade. For that you need men and women of character who know what the common man feels.

It should be people of honor and truth where the guiding principle is the desire to see the truth prevail and also to fight that common good take precedence over greed and selfishness. People with strong personal interest have no place in the senate.

It would not be good for you to vote someone into senate because he gave you money, beer and rice. Vote because you are convinced the person can help the nation, the youths, the women, our agriculture, our health, and educational systems, our Ring Road and so on. Vote for someone who has demonstrated the capacity to lead and to have things done. Someone who has achieved something in his or her personal life will also do well for others if he has a giving spirit.

We shall have only one or two senators for Donga Mantung Division. He shall be either SDF or CPDM. As you see, it does not matter the party he or she comes from. What is important is the capacity to deliver on the expectations of the people. It is about the people and their aspirations. Let us forget about our party positions and party discipline and vote for progress. Let us vote for our future by voting in the right senatorial candidates. We are voting for the development of Donga and Mantung Division. Let us all vote together as one to show the world that Donga Mantung sons and daughters understand what is at stake and know progress, peace and development when they see it. Let us be the first and not the last. Let us show the world that we are mature.

As you know, H.E Christian Cardinal Tumi has been teaching me and watching me grow since 1993 when I left from Bertoua. You also know that he is a man of few words who does not praise people. He only states what he knows and what is good for his flock. He has state without any doubts that he thinks I am a good leader, a good senator and a good citizen. He knows that I will bring God’s light to shine in our politics, country, development and management. He knows that what we need in this country is for the truth to prevail over darkness. That is why he has recommended and backed me as a senator. He has not done so for any other person yet. If there are other candidates who match my criteria, he would certainly do the same for them. As you see I am the number one senator coming from Donga Mantung Division and we aught to be proud that our own son shines in the crowd.

The fons of the North West also stated the same facts on the 14^th of November in no mistakable terms. We also have many associations in France, Belgium, America and Germany who have been supportive to your son all these years and they hold the same opinions. The readership of The Guardian Post News Paper has voted me three times as someone who cares about other human beings. They say I am a winner when it comes to service to humanity. The last one came about because of the scholarships that I have given to your sons and daughters in Donga Mantung and beyond. These amount to close to 85.2 million frs in the last five years. I want Donga and Manyung to come first in this country when it comes to the trained health personnel working in Cameroon and abroad. This is your own gift that God has given us through your very son Ngwanyam.

What else can I tell you? I could go on and on. I would just have to say that when it comes to the next parliamentary and council elections, we should also vote with our heads and not with our stomachs. If you want rapid development and progress, vote Ngwanyam for senate. Remember I will fight for the “Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry” to be sent to Nkambe, Ako, Misaje and Mbaw Plain. Remember I have been fighting tooth and nail for our Ring Road. The fight would be more intensified with your senator.

God Bless Donga Mantung Division.

Your son and senatorial hopeful,

Nick Ngwanyam, MD

CEO St. Louis University of Health and Biomedical Science

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

Senatorial Challenges: Biya Succumbs to SDF Menace

 By FC Junior

Fru-Biya

SDF National Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi is expected to meet President Biya before weekend in what has been described as a panacea for the looming political deadlock in Cameroon. According to classified sources Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi was spotted today March 5, 2013 in Yaounde. A hint which indicates that at last Popoul has finally succumbed to the proposed dialogue by John Ntarinkon.

The Popoul-John Ntarikon encounter it should be recalled has been provoked by the fact that the SDF earlier declared that if Biya doesn’t sit and discuss with its chieftain on modalities of participation in the upcoming senatorial elections, chaos will be inevitable. As usual, the unpredictable Paul Biya summoned the Electoral College yet the heat from the SDF was too much to the Biya regime to resist.

However, the National Executive Council of the SDF on February 16, 2013 wrote to Biya, Elections Cameroon threatening to boycott senatorial elections. Worried about field reports, SDF wrote to Elections Cameroon and the German Company that manufactured the kits emphasizing that the so-called recompilation of voters’ registers using the biometric system is a sham. A similar letter our source hinted was addressed to President Biya asking him (Biya) to publish the electoral calendar stressing that “the SDF wants municipal and legislative elections to hold before senatorial elections”. The SDF argued that the mandate of the present councilors had expired and so they are enjoying bonus times. While wrapping his sensitization tour of the country at the Bamenda Municipal stadium which it is alleged Biya disbursed 750 million to SDF National chairman to mobilize Cameroonians to register massively, SDF chieftain said “no election will take place in Cameroon this year if he does not sit and talk with Biya on the acceptable modalities”. I should be noted that SDF chairman started by hammering on ELECAM and the biometric registration but so suddenly he swallowed his own words. This is so because rumours as hinted were rife that Fru Ndi had a secret meeting with Biya before the later left for France. Political analysts have been wondering the modalities Fru Ndi is talking about or elections are pre-arranged? To cut the story short, Ni John Fru Ndi told SDF militants that if he does not meet Biya personally, no elections will take place in Cameroon. This is so because President Biya’s ear listens only to one sound, threats and menaces, an authoritative voice hinted.

According information filtering into our office, the Biya regime has already settled on a one point agenda discussion with Fru Ndi. It is alleged that to comfort the SDF, Biya consulted Elecam officials and instructed that the only viable list from the North West should be that of the SDF. But if it were to happen then Ni John Fru Ndi who declared his candidature for the senate will emerge senator. Sources hinted that CPDM list from the Northwest Region risk being disqualified.

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

Pedigree of Donga Mantung CPDM Bigwigs Ripe for Senate

On February 27, 2013, President Paul Biya signed a decree announcing the first ever Senatorial elections in Cameroon for April 14, 2013. According to the Constitutional provisions of the 1996 Constitution of Cameroon, which were later amended in 2008 the Senate has 100 members. The same provisions also gives the President of the Republic the prerogative to appoint 30 Senators while 70 others shall be elected by an electoral college made up of Municipal and Regional Councils. Since the convening of the electoral college on February 27, 2013, they have been varying and undercurrent positioning nationwide especially by militants of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement-CPDM. The positioning has shifted to a higher gear especially as Ni John Fru Ndi, leader of the main opposition in Cameroon is threatening to help President Biya spoil the country if (he) Biya cannot talk with his party. Fru Ndi's declaration has given some politicians hopes that they could also grasp the most essential by lobbying to go to senate. Northerners for example are already positioning themselves to grap the Presidency of the yet to be established senate. North West Fons Union a week ago shamelessly issued a motion of support urging President Biya to appoint one of them into the senate, certainly Fon Teche Njei (NOWEFU General President). This is certainly so because with the senate in place, the line of succession will move from the Speaker of the National Assembly to the President of the would-be senate.

Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region has not be left out in this mad rush into the senate. Even though the local SDF party has been silent over the issue within the CPDM, nocturnal meetings have taken to the stage. It is expected that if the worst comes to the worst, Donga Mantung Division will have one Senator yet CPDM militants are also sure to grap an additional position through appointment.

Who are the Potential Personalities 

Mbangfon Dr. Nick Ngwanyam:

Mbangfon Dr. Nick Ngwanyam has been described by bookmakers as the earliest bird in the country to have landed on the ground seeking for senatorial worms and since it is the earliest bird that eats the fattest worms, he is likely a sure bet. Since some people just made up their minds after President Biya announced senatorial elections for April 14, 2013 and more so some are still to, Dr. Nick Ngwanyam declared his intentions since 2008 when he had a discussion with Christian Cardinal Tumi. Since then, he has never given up a minute. It is apparently clear that he did not get up from sleep to declare his intentions. Though of the CPDM party, his critical views have always made some CPDM bigwigs of the Northwest Region very uncomfortable. Yet North West Fons endorsed his senatorial bid by crowning him Mbangfon. However, if appointed or elected, he is surely going to be a good senator for Donga Mantung Division. He hails from Ndu Sub Division and he is the Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis University Institute in Bamenda.

 Shey Jones Yembe

 Shey Jones Yembe is a Member of the Central Committee of the CPDM and former Secretary of State for Public Works, and then Planning and Regional Development. He served these two Ministries for 11 years and he is actually the Board Chairman of the Douala Port Authority. Since the senate is not a house for half baked intellectuals, Shey Jones fits to be one because he is wise, educated, has a wide range of experiences in different fields. Eventhough he has not declared his intentions, public opinion in Donga Mantung Division holds that if appointed or if he decides to go in for elections, he will make a good senator. Popular opinion says if not Shey Jones, who else can make a good senator for Donga Mantung Division. Because being a senator will better place him to make significant contribution towards nation building. He is another sure bet. Shey Jones hails from Binka village in Nkambe Central and he is also the CEO of Societe MAG

Prof. Jikong Stephen Yeriwa

HRH Prof. Jikong Stephen Yeriwa is a Member of the Central Committee of the CPDM. He is a traditional ruler (Fon of Jato village in Nwa Sub Division). He is a senior citizen who has served the country in various capacities. Started as a Primary school teacher, to a University don and Special Adviser in the Prime Minister's office. He is widely read, calm and soft-spoken too. It is perhaps for this reason that Nwa sub Division looks up to him as a visionary leader yet he has not declared his aspirations for senate. His political abilities are also an added value. If he declares his candidature he is likely to win giving that Nwa councilors who are of the CPDM could vote him and Ako/Misaje could sympathize with him as way for reasons of balance. 

Jean Rene Ngala

Jean Rene Ngala hails from Fuh in Ndu Sub Division. He is a militant of the CPDM and falls under the range of people with extraordinary abilities. Jean Rene Ngala has other advantages militating in his favour, he is widely known in the administrative cycle and as hinted he is having the backing of Rt. Hon. Simon Achidi Achu. Giving that the senate is the power house, there is no doubt that he will likely fit into it.

Adamu Musa

Adamu Musa is a household name in Cameroon. He enjoys alot of popularity as a journalist. He served at Cameroon Radio Television and made a name through Radio programmes like Cameroon Report, Cameroon Calling, Minute by Minute etc... Besides, he has also distinguished himself as a political strategist of the CPDM in Donga Mantung Division. He is a futurist politician and has the qualities of a senator. Adamu Musa hails from Binshua (Baraki) in Nkambe Central. His professional skills as a journalist puts him on the doorsteps of the senate. Since senate is not like Parliament where MPs pass much of their time sleeping and just get up to clap hands, Adamu Musa's alert nature makes him a favourite for the senate giving that he is able to make sound contributions. He is another sure bet that could easily be appointed.

 

Patience Tamfu 

Patience Tamfu is a devoted militant of the CPDM. She is the President of the Women Wing of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement in the United States of America. Besides, she is also a Member of the National Bureau of the CPDM in Cameroon. Considering the fact that she is a woman in active politics, she is also a sure bet for appointment. There is no gainsaying that if there is any woman in Donga Mantung whose abilities to act, construct and contribute towards nation building after the Beijing Conference, it would certainly on what she has done and has been doing. Patience Tamfu is a household name in Cameroon not because she is the daughter of former Statesman late HON. SN Tamfu but because she has proven beyond reasonable doubts that she can die and fight for the truth especially for the interest of the common man. The fact that she is based in the Diasporas is also an added advantage. If she could not be appointed from Donga Mantung, she could equally be appointed to represent the Diasporas in the Senate giving that the Diasporas have been clamouring for the creation of a Ministry that can serve their interest. In the Diasporas, her leadership qualities outmatches that of her peers and contemporaries. She practices th politics of inclusion, meaning that she makes sure that everyone is closer to her. She is therefore a sure bet. 

Dr. Mpouche Kisito

Dr. Mpouche Kisito hails from Misaje Sub Division. He is energetic and embedded with character and conscience. A strong militant of the CPDM that presents the aspirations of the majority of Misaje people. Being in the senate will certainly give Dr. Kisito that opportunity to make a sound contribution towards nation building. Even though it is alleged he declared his candidature for senate, it has not yet been made public. He has been described as a young politician who is one in and never out of season. He is always present in his constituency to dish out support to the needy from his hard earnings. He knows too well that is perfect to give than to receive knowing fully well that whatsoever one does to the least of God's children, one does it to God. Dr. Kisito is a likeable character and is admired by many young Cameroonians. He is another sure bet. 

Musa Shey Nfor

 History, especially of the Credit Union Movement in Cameroon will never be completed if the name of Musa Shey Nfor is written in golden letters. He hails from Ngwangri village in Nkambe Central. Musa Shey Nfor is a diehard supporter of the CPDM and he always part of the Central Committee delegation to Donga Mantung Division. Giving that the heart of every emerging nation depends on the micro finance sector, Musa Shey Nfor in his capacities as the President of the Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League-CamCCUL made that position enviable. He is also the President of the Bamenda Police Cooperative Credit Union-BAPCCUL. Unlike most politicians that uses top bottom approaches, Musa Shey Nfor represents the aspirations of the people in the villages, the poorest of the poor and the man on the street. He is a genuine intellectual and if appointed into senate, he will ensure that bills passed into law reflect, protects and the poorest of the poor. Besides, he is the National President of ANEMCAM and the delegate of the Chambers of Agriculture for North West Region. His agglomeration of skills in various fields makes him a sure bet for the senate. 

Ngafeeson Emmanuel Bantar

 Ngafeeson Emmanuel Bantar is a Member of the Central Committee of the CPDM. He has served the Biya government as Secretary of State in two Ministries. First as Secretary of State for National Education and then Secretary of State for Penitentiary Services. After serving ten years as a member of Government, Ngafeeson Emmanuel gathered alot of experience in varied domains. Being of the old school of thought in politics and since senate is a place for knowledgeable people, his appointment into the senate will not be a surprise o anyone. Ngafeeson Emmanuel Bantar hails from Sob village in Ndu Sub Division. The truth about this political dynamo is that for close to seven years, he nurtured the CPDM party in Mbumland alongside Shey Jones Yembe. If the CPDM has registered new impetus in the Division it is thanks to them. Ngafeeson has the aptitudes of being a senator. He is another sure bet.

Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry

 He is the Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development. Appointed into government since September 2007, he has been described by many as the most formidable man of all men in action. Dr. Fuh Calistus is a certified miner and an expert in politics of inclusion. He is the new breed of politician with moral fibres. He hails from Chunghe village in Misaje Sub Division. He won elections in 2007 municipal and legislative in the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency before being appointed member of government. If members of government were to be appointed among the 30, his name featuring wouldn't be by a struck of luck. It will be by merit. He is a man who has been able to combine philanthropy and politics to sell the ideologies of the CPDM in Donga Mantung Division. The Gen Fund, African Model village project and MASTIF (scholarship fund) are some of his initiatives that continue to make him a man of the people. He is another sure bet.

HRH Nfor Benchep 

He is the fon of Binka village and a graduate in journalism. He served as 1st Deputy Mayor for Nkambe Council from 2007 up to 2012 when he dumped the SDF for the CPDM party. He is an experience councilor and has all the characteristics of a good politician. HRH Nfor Benchep is also a sure bet because he reads widely and he is also a learned man. He has a good mastery of the political landscape of Donga Mantung.

Mongusi Francis

 Mongusi Francis hails from Nwa sub Division. He is a militant of the CPDM and a councilor of Nwa Council. He has been militating in the CPDM since he was young. If he is nominated by his councilors as it is alleged, he would surely be elected. He enjoys the support of the Mayor of Nwa, Dr. Ngomfe Loma David and also that of Hon. JK Ntoi, CPDM Member of Parliament for Ako/Misaje Special Constituency. He is a rising politician whose abilities cannot be neglected. He may likely emerge from the madding crowd of rising politicians.

Ngi Christopher Ntoh
 He hails from Ako sub division and he is a militant of the CPDM party. Ngi Christopher is a former Divisional Delegate of Planning and Regional Development. His experience in this ministry is an added impetus if he becomes senator. Ngi Christopher it should also be noted is CPDM Central Committee Charge de Mission for Ako and has been working for the party for a long time. He is likely to be a good senator. He is also a good public speaker.

Ngwanyi Pius
 He is cadre in the Ministry of Basic Education. Ngwayi Pius is also a committed militant of the CPDM. He has served and continue to serve the CPDM in various capacities. Pa Ngwayi Pius is CPDM Central Committee Charge de mission to Donga Mantung Division for biometric registration. He could be a good senator and his candidature would not be a surprise. He hails from Binshua in Nkambe Central.

Joe Chebongkeng 
Joe Chebongkeng is the President of the CBC and an elite of Nwa. His trappings as the President of Nwa Cultural and Development Association are unbeaten. He is another emblematic candiate from Nwa. He is likely to be another candidate for Nwa and public opinion in Nwa holds so.

Backbuin David
Backbuin David is cadre at the Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development, North West, a one-time Divisional Delegate of Agriculture for Donga Mantung Division. He is a councilor of Nwa Council. He has alot of experience in development issues. He is an asset.

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

10.000 Commercial Motorbike Riders March to The Presidency

Okada riders marching to the Presidency

 For over three hours, movement in the capital city Yaounde came to a standstill. It was preferable to trek than by car. Friday March 1, 2013 entered into the annals of history as the day thousands of commercial motorbike riders from the national territory staged a march in support of President Paul Biya. The “okada” riders as they are commonly known expressed their gratitude to the head of state for mentioning them in his last February speech to the youths. The 20th May Avenue in Yaounde to Carrefour du palaise (entrance to the Presidency) were received upon arrival by the Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. Their messages to President could be seen on some of the placards they carried along with them. The most interesting thing is that the messages were written in some local dialects from the ten regions of Cameroon. The national President of commercial motorbike riders in Cameroon René Ntonefor K. Nguimo read a motion of support to President Biya in which the riders expressed their support to Biya for recognizing their efforts in facilitating the movement of people from one destination to another especially in enclaved areas with no roads. The commercial motorbike sector it should be recalled employs millions of Cameroonian youths ranging from university graduates to secondary and primary school drop-outs. These young men quite often are victimized by corrupted traffic police and Gendarmes. Notwithstanding, the commercial motorbike sector is also floated by thieves who snatch women handbags during late hours, aggresses passengers and some of them are suspected to have been involved in ritual killings in Yaounde.  However, as the sector is gradually giving attention, and the riders are grouping themselves into professional groups, they will help the police to fish out the bad grains among them. Especially as President Biya in his speech instructed the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Vocational training to submit proposals to inprove the welfare of commercial motorbike riders, prospects are high.

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