Southern West Cameroon Revisited, 1950-1972: Unveiling Inescapable Traps

Dr. Anthony Ndi, the famous historian has published another history book which covers the period from 1950-1961 when Southern Cameroons was administered by Britain as an integral part of the Eastern Region of its Nigeria colony and 1961 to 1972, when it became part of the Federal Republic of Cameroon, hence the appellation, “Southern West Cameroon”.

In a Press briefing at the Ideal Park Hotel in Bamenda on November 14, 2013, Dr. Anthony Ndi told journalists that history does not stand for or against, history he emphasized is neutral. According to Dr. Anthony Ndi, must be authentic and truthful because what society needs is not historian but history. Harping on the inescapable traps and the importance of united and indivisible Cameroon, Dr. Anthony Ndi reiterated that “I am not one who would advocate that we take matchets for what I do not know, you have to learn the lessons of history or history will not forgive you”.

The book which pundits say is a masterpiece, stresses how Britain which administered this United Trust Territory as its colonial master intended that at independence it would remain part of its Nigerian colony. It did not for any moment envisage a separate existence of Southern Cameroons.

Towards this objective, especially from 1958 to 1961 as the territory gathered momentum towards independence, Britain working in complicity with international organs such as the UN and the Afro-Asian Bloc of Nations and individual nations like the US and France, laid a series of “inescapable traps” for the Southern Cameroons political leadership who demanded for extended trusteeship followed by independence and negotiated reunification with the Republic of Cameroon. These were steadfastly rejected by Britain which instead manipulated the powers involved to ensure that for the impending Plebiscite on 11 February 1961, the options were limited for Southern Cameroons to attain independence either by joining an independent Federal Republic of Nigria or the independent Republic of Cameroon totally blocking out the third option of independence which the majority of Southern Cameroons craved for. They did this by throwing in their support for the opposition covertly and overtly in a sordid manner which created “a dense atmosphere” that tore the territory into ideological camps marked by regional, sectional and tribal factions sowing seeds of hatred, and enmity not experienced in the territory before. Till today, the vestiges of these feelings continue to linger, he continued. However,  the electorate rather than Nigeria, voted overwhelmingly for reunification with their “Francophone Brothers” even though it was then engaged in a most ferocious fratricidal conflict. The book further enters into the political old days of the Southern Cameroons, and opens another episode and debate on the role played by some political parties like KNDP, CPNC, OK as well as some traditional rulers and British officials who attended the Bamenda All Party Conference, which met in June 1961 during which they all agreed on the terms of reunification with the Republic of  Cameroon, resolutions which were taken to Foumban and discussed at the Foumban Constitutional Conference from July 16-21 1961 which like the Bamenda All Party Conference concluded in seamless and consensus and uniformity. All these Dr. Anthony said were put in legal form at the Yaounde Tripatite Conference which became the substance of the famous Foumban Constitution on the basis of which Reunification and Independence were constructed on October 1, 1961.

The book also cast a glimpse on the deeply entrenched colonial cultures which constituted the challenges that the Federal Republic of Cameroon faced during it brief existence from 1961-1972 under President Ahamdou Ahidjo’s dictatorial and authoritarian style.

To Dr. Anthony Ndi, the 50^th anniversary or golden jubilee authorized by President Paul Biya, certainly whet Cameroonian appetites especially those of the people of the North West and South West Regions, who naturally would like to know more about their rich and checkered historical past. That is the task this book according to Dr. Anthony Ndi set to accomplish in creating the awareness of the historical adage that “those who do not know what happened before they were born remain forever children”.

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

CATTU Elects New SG

By Ignatius Nji

Tasang Wilfred into Simon Nkwenti's shoes

Delegates of the Cameroon Teachers Trade Union-CATTU on Saturday November 2, 2013 voted a new bureau to manage the affairs of this venerated trade union. Tassang Wilfred was voted to wear the big shoes of Late Nkwenti Simon as Executive Secretary General with 55 votes against 41 for Simamu Clement.

The new leader of CATTU says the task ahead is not new and that he shares so much in common with the late Nkwenti Simon including spiritual radicalism. CATTU he declared shall continue with the fight to better the educational sector by pushing government to enact reforms such as the education forum. Every endeavor he said shall be pursued through advocacy which has worked in the past except otherwise. Under the resilient leadership of Nkwenti Simon, CATTU was able to push forth the creation of a technical higher teachers training college at ENS Bambili and the creation of the University of Bamenda. These strides according to Bunai Christopher Atanga outgone interim Executive Secretary General are in line with the Union’s reflections of 2009. Delegates also reflected on some five key points aimed at improving the Anglo-Saxon Sub System of education which are: re-orientating the educational options, propose ways to finance education, improve service delivery and living conditions of Teachers, Building a greater self esteem in Teachers and to renew the national organs of the union.

The outgoing Interim Secretary also applauded the partnership the union has with Friedrich Herbert Stiftung and other educationists through training in workshops that the advocacy approach did yield some fruits given that the demand for a forum on education is in an advanced state. The unfortunate aspect is that the Head of government had announced the holding of that forum this year and up to now nothing is being said about it though at CATTU level proposals have been prepared. He raised more worries by saying “I hope our authorities are not playing cynical as Voltaire, the renowned French philosopher intimates: ‘the arts of medicine are to amuse the patient while nature cures the disease’.” In a bitter tone Bunai Christopher lamented that teachers have put in their best to better the corps through reflection committees and have shown good faith and maturity to work selflessly for the nation which unfortunately the vote holders toy with their legitimate rights. All their endeavors have remained paper works for close to ten months now.

In a key note Bunai Christopher Atanga did assure the authorities present that CATTU is an institution built on very strong republican values such as moral, intellectual, professional, cultural and social ethos. He reiterated that their commitment to Teaching can not be compromised. The secret behind the many successes is, on his dying bed, the one we now fondly refer to as “father of the Union” enjoined the teachers to stay focused. Among the many resolutions of the convention is for the Union to work with government and not against or for the government. Strengthen and sustain partnership with all meaningful development oriented stakeholders. Pursue advocacy for the improvement of living and working conditions of the Cameroonian teacher and the wellbeing of the school system. And to rekindle and get back the sacred fire of teachers which the Head of State made mention of on 10 February 2013.

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

Hon. Genesis Mbucksek Unveils His Development Agenda for the Constituency

 By FAI Cassian Ndi

Hon. Genesis Mbucksek: The MP for Nwa who is Making the Difference

As the mandates of the 180 elected Members of Parliament for the 9^th Legislature have been validated, the CPDM Member of Parliament for Nwa Special Constituency in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region has expressed thanks and appreciation to his people for giving him the trust and for voting massively for the CPDM party during the last September 30, 2013 Twin Elections. Talking to this reporter from his Hotel room at Hotel des Deputes in Yaounde, Hon Genesis Mbucksek who is on his second mandate in an appreciative note to the people of Nwa said that the percentage the CPDM scored during the September 30, Municipal/Legislative elections was indicative of the fact that they massively voted for development and his leadership skills “I can only be very appreciative of it, and I promise do my best to make sure that I will play my role as a development catalyst and representative of the population by God willing”, Hon Genesis Mbucksek continued. In appreciation to this unflinching support as well as the trust and confidence the people bestowed in him, Hon. Mbucksek revealed that Nwa which has demonstrated to be the bastion of the CPDM party in Donga Mantung and North West as a whole will stage a grandiose celebration to that effect during the upcoming celebrations marking President Biya’s ascension to power “we will on November 6, 2013 celebrate this victory with the people in grand style”, he reiterated.

Being a devoted Christian and a pragmatic politician whose trappings and management of micro project grants have attracted a lot of applause from the populace he called on the population of Nwa to put all their desires in prayers “I want people to pray for me and my collaborators”. Harping on the internal political wrangling that once rocked the CPDM in Nwa, Hon. Genesis Mbucksek said “even though we disagreed,  before elections we reconciled our little differences to work as a team for the interest of the people we are called to serve. And I am also calling on the people to pray for unity to uphold amongst us”. “Nwa” he said “supports the CPDM religiously” reasons why he cannot falter in his strive to foster development efforts in the Nwa Special Constituency. He said the disenclavement of Nwa is top on his agenda, “my major challenge is the disenclavment of Nwa which is paramount. I am confident that the Sabongari-Nwa road will have a lasting solution”. He also talked elaborately on the electrification of Nwa. Hon Mbucksek also revealed that one of his major concerns is to make sure that the Adere Fall which has the potential to harness electricity is also included in the development agenda of the country. He added that he will surely meet the Minister of Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, “in addition to the Menchum Fall, the Adere Fall can solve electricity problems and at the same time reinforce our potentials in term of energy. This is one of my major reoccupations given that electricity harnessed from there could equally serve the population of Donga Mantung Division and even part of Nigeria” adding that “Our development needs ranges from access to potable water, health facilities, classrooms for schools, and the development of farms to market roads etc”

On his expectations, Hon. Genesis also said that the creation of the Savannah Region is also primordial as well as the creation of the Mantung Division with headquarters in Nwa. To Hon. Mbucksek, the creation of the Mantung Division will also lead to the creation of administrative units in areas like Mfumte, Mabella (Yang), Sabongari etc. “These major zones” he said “are getting prepared for it” as a special gift from President Paul Biya to the people of Nwa who have always given him the necessary support. All these put together, Hon. Mbucksek said the people will have every reason to support the ruling party.  

Hon. Genesis Mbucksek who doubles as CPDM Section President for Donga Mantung V, revealed that the CPDM in Nwa has beaten records in the North West for giving victory to the CPDM as well as in supporting its National Chairman, President Paul Biya. He described Nwa as the bastion of the CPDM in Donga Mantung Division.  

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

Here is the New Configuration of the Cameroon Rubber Stamp National Assembly as Proclaimed by the Kangaroo Court

 By Devoe Nih

 The Supreme Court sitting in lieu of the Constitutional Council has proclaimed the results of the September 30, 2013 Legislative elections. As predicted by political pundits, the hands of the judges were not tied but yet to majority of Cameroonians, the fact that all the petitions submitted by political parties were rejected has been seen as a kangaroo decision. However, the event was attended by government ministers, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Cameroon, civil society organizations and host of national and international journalists. This solemn ceremony which took place on Thursday October 17 was presided over by Supreme Court Chief Justice, Alexis Dipanda Mouelle.
 In all, 29 political parties participated in the legislative elections and the total number of registered voters stood at 5,481, 226. Out this number, 4,208, 796 participated while 1, 272, 430 abstained giving a general participation rate of 76.79 %. Notwithstanding, 185, 503 null ballots were casted while 4,023, 293 valid ballots were casted at the polls.
A closer look at the new dispensation of the Lower House paints a picturesque of CPDM having an obese majority with 148 Parliamentarians out of 180. If the ruling party has lost five seats (due mainly to muscular comeback of UPC party) as compared to the previous legislature, the CPDM benefits greatly from the majority which allows the party to govern the country without making alliances as was the case in 1997. However, the CPDM party won all the seats in the South and East regions but managed to grasp some few seats in the Northwest, West and Littoral region which traditionally were SDF fief. In the same vein, NUDP, UDC, MRC and MDR parties also grasped one seat each. It should be noted that NUDP also emerged by showing it strength in the Far north Region while UDC of Adamu Ndamu Njoya carved it traditional niche in the Noun Division. Maurice Kamto's party which is barely a year old also won one seat which is indicative while the party of Cmeroon government vuvuzela Issa Tchiroma could not win a seat, as will as 289 others. However, political observers are of the opinion that the rigging mechanism of the ruling CPDM is so vast and powerful that even a hundred opposition parties put together can’t overpower it. Here below is the new political landscape in the Lower House.

Adamawa Region:
 Djerem
Dahirou Ahmadou(NUDP)
Faro et Deo
Aboubakar Ibrahim (CPDM)
Mayo Banyo
1- Ibrahim Dewa (CPDM)
2-Mme Vedjou Esther (CPDM)
Mbere
1-Baoro Theophile (CPDM)
2-Yaya Doumba Marius (CPDM)
3-Mme Halia Moussa Moufta(CPDM)
Vina
1-Ali Bachir(CPDM)
2-Mme Zoubainatou Salihou(CPDM)
3-Koulagna Abdou(CPDM)
Total
CPDM =9
NUDP= 1
Centre Region
Haute Sanaga
1-Etong Hilarion(CPDM)
2-Mme Abomo Fama Marguerite Aline (CPDM)
Lékié East
1-Ndongo Essomba Jean Bernard (CPDM)
2-Mme Epondo Fouda Cecile Marie (CPDM)
3-Koa Luc (CPDM)
Lékié West
1-Eloundou Barnabe(CPDM)
2-Nyassa Epse Bekolo Ebe Julienne (CPDM)
Mbam et Inoubou
1-N’nolo Epse Onobiono Marie Suzanne(CPDM)
2-Matsang Seyi Mama(CPDM)
3-Mandio William Peter(CPDM)
Mbam et Kim
1-Mgbatou Pierre(CPDM)
Mefou et Afamba
1-Melingui Roger(CPDM)
2-Koa Mfegue Laurentine Epse Mbede(CPDM)
Mefou et Akono
1- Ada Owono Epse Nguini Effa Marie (CPDM)
Mfoundi
1-Ntsama Belinga Jeanne Epse Ottou(CPDM)
2-Djomgoue Paul Eric(CPDM)
3-Emah Etoundi Vincent De Paul(CPDM)
4-Ongola Omgba Jean Simon(CPDM)
5-Nanga Epse Menana(CPDM)
6-Ahanda Assiga Yves Martin(CPDM)
7-Pangmashi Roland Fue(CPDM)
Nyong et Kelle
1-Sende Pierre (Upc)
2-Bapooh Lipot Rober (Upc)
3-Ngo Nyaga Epse Djon Ii (Upc)
Nyong et Mfoumou
1-Nkodo Dang Roger(CPDM)  
2-Mballa Ngodo Catherine Epse Mfoula(CPDM)
Nyong et Soo
Mbarga Assembe Luc Roger(CPDM)
Mekongo Helene Epse Atangana(CPDM)
Total
CPDM= 25
UPC= 3
East Region
Boumba et Ngoko
1-Gbayanga Robert(CPDM)
2-Dope Honorine Epse Assognolebot(CPDM)
Haut Nyong
1-Mebande Brigitte(CPDM)
2-Ekanga Abate Joachim(CPDM)
3-Za’abe Janvier Sulver(CPDM)
Kadey
1-Dimbele Boui(CPDM)
2-Mme Man Jacqueline Christiane(CPDM)
3-Danata Paul(CPDM)
Lom et Djerem
1-Kombo Gberi(CPDM)
2-Tak Bienvenu(CPDM)
3-Mme Ngbanbaye Antoinette(CPDM)
Bilan :
CPDM= 11
Far North
Diamaré Centre
1-Sali Dairou(CPDM)
2-Amadou Adji (NUDP)
Diamare North
1-Hamadou Sali(CPDM)
Diamare West
1-Zondol Herssesse(CPDM)
Diamare South
1-Sali Boubadjan(CPDM)
Logone et Chari
1-Kamssouloum Abba Kabir(CPDM)
2-Ali Adjit(CPDM)
3-Mme Mariam Goni(CPDM)
4-Sassouan Hirihiri(CPDM)
Mayo Danay East
1-Manamourou Epse Silikam(CPDM)
2-Nikina Pierre(CPDM)
3-Bouba Jean Taida(CPDM)
Mayo Danay North
1-Bara Julien(CPDM)
Mayo Danay South
1-Laoussou Pierre (MDR)
Mayo Kani North
1-Haman Tchiouto(CPDM)
2-Boulou Nguizi Joseph(CPDM)
3-Mme Madjele(CPDM)
Mayo Kani South
1-Temwa(CPDM)
2-Mme Aminatou(CPDM)
Mayo Sava
1-Cavaye Yeguie Djibril(CPDM)
2-Abba Malla(CPDM)
3-Adama Epse Djibrine(CPDM)
4-Salomon(CPDM)
Mayo Tsanaga North
1-Gonondo Jean(CDPM)
2-Gondji Elias(CPDM)
3-Viche Taga(CPDM)
4-Mme Kwarmba Solange(CPDM)
Mayo Tsanaga South
1-Djibrilla(CPDM)
Mayo Tsanaga Sud East
1-Dougouf Djonkio Ali(CPDM)
Total :
CPDM= 27
NUDP= 1
MDR= 1
Littoral Region
Moungo North
1-Sime Pierre(CPDM)
2-Eyoum Minono Epse Epoube Lydienne(CPDM)
3-Essame Joseph Ernest Pierre(CPDM)
Moungo South
1-Mpacko Kotto Jean Claude(CPDM)
2-Mbapte Jean Baptiste(CPDM)
3-Mme Dissake Nee Ekoka Marguerite Helene(CPDM)
Nkam
1-Komba Gaston(CPDM)
Sanaga Maritime
1-Moutymbo Epse Ayayi Rosette Juliette(CPDM)
2-Mboui Joseph(CPDM)
3-Banlog Polycarpe(CPDM)
Wouri East
1-Ngahane (CPDM)
2-Elise Ndongo Moutome Epse Pokossy Ndoumbe(CPDM)
3-Nintcheu Jean Michel (SDF)
4-Souob Lazare (MRC)
Wouri Centre
1-Dooh Collins Albert Kouoh(CPDM)
2-Mme Marlyse Rose Douala Bell Nee Dimodi Tongo(CPDM)
3-Joshua Nambangi Osih (SDF)
Wouri  West
1-Edimo Ndoumbe Oscar(SDF)
Wouri South
1-Owona Kono Joseph Hyacinthe(CPDM)
Total:
CPDM= 15
SDF= 3
MRC= 1
North Region
 Bénoué East
1-Aliyoum Fadil(CPDM)
2-Mme Mai Rachel(CPDM)
Bénoué West
1-Ali Mamouda(CPDM)
2-Mme Oumoul Koultchoumi Epse Ahidjo Mohamadou (NUDP)
Faro
1-Maounde Leonard(CPDM)
Mayo Louti
1-Amadou Mohaman (NUDP)
2-Mme Douvaouissa Aissa Hamadi(NUDP)
3-Harouna Nyako(CPDM)
4-Todou(CPDM)
Mayo Rey
1-Bello Limane (CPDM)
2-Mme Fadimatou Sambo(CPDM)
3-Yaouba Abdel Aziz(CPDM)
Total :
CPDM=  9
NUDP= 3
North West Region
Boyo
1-Njong Evaritus Ndim (SDF)
2-Wainachi Nentoh Honourine (SDF)
Bui Centre
1-Banadzem Joseph Lukong (SDF)
2-Mbiye Caroline (SDF)
 Bui West
1-Kwei Andrew Mngo(CPDM)
Bui South
1-Wirba Joseph Mbiydzenyuy (SDF)
Donga Mantung Centre
1-Awudu Mbaya Cyprian (SDF)
2-Ngala Esther Ntala (SDF)
Donga Mantung East
1-Genesis Mbucksek(CPDM)
Donga Mantung West
1-Abe Michael Ndra(CPDM)
Menchum North
1-Ndong Larry Hills (SDF)
Menchum South
1-Wallang Richard Ebua(CPDM)
Mezam Centre
1- Fobi Nchinda Simon (SDF)
Mezam North
1-Fusi Naamukong Wilfred Aziya (SDF)
Mezam South
1-Nji Tumasang Paul (SDF)
Momo East
1-Mbah Ndam Joseph Njang (SDF)
2- Edema Enih Mbah (SDF)
Momo West
1-Enwe Francis Abi(CPDM)
Ngoketunjia North
1-Njingum Musa Mbutoh(CPDM)
Ngoketunjia South
1-Banmi Emmanuel Dingha(CPDM)
Total
SDF= 13
CPDM= 6
West Region
Bamboutos
1-Wa Mathurin Martial(CPDM)
2-Nzougnou Dit Fotsa Ngong(CPDM)
3-Manfouo David(CPDM)
4-Kegne Mafong Josephine Epse Fotso(CPDM)
Haut Nkam
1- Juimo Siewe Claude(CPDM)
2-Mme Ndengue Nya Bernadette (CPDM)
3-Wantou Siantou Lucien (CPDM)
Hauts Plateaux
1-Datouo Theodore(CPDM)
2-Mme Fotso Nee Chebou Kamdem Faustine Villanneau(CPDM)
Koung-Khi
1-Kouinche Albert(CPDM)
2-Mme Fotso Laure Pauline(CPDM)
Menoua
1-Fossi Jacob(CPDM)
2-Madio Gnitidem Odette Louise Epse Melaga(CPDM)
3-Youwo Bernard(CPDM)
4-Mme Emabot Brigitte(CPDM)
5-Nguefack Placide(CPDM)
Mifi
1-Kankeu Joseph(CPDM)
2-Deffo Oumbe Sangong (Sdf)
Nde
1-Feutheu Jean Claude (CPDM)
2-Dzite Epse Ngassam Therese (CPDM)
Noun -Centre
1-Mme Tomaino Ndam Njoya Hermine Patricia (UDC)
2-Mfouapon Alassa(UDC)
3-Mme Samba Mariama(UDC)
4-Mbouombouo Mama(UDC)
Noun -Nord
1-Nsa Moussa (CPDM)
Total :
CPDM= 20
UDC= 4
SDF=1
South Region
Dja et Lobo
1-Mvondo Assam Bonaventure (CPDM)
2-Nnama Marie Therese Epse Essame(CPDM)
3-Monessel Prosper-Merime Theodore Alexandre(CPDM)
4-Mbe Assae Mendomo Theodore(CPDM)
5-Bekono Ebah Pauline Epse Ndoumou(CPDM)
Ocean
1-Mme Biloa Tsilla Zitha Marie Esabelle(CPDM)
2-Oyono Martin(CPDM)
Mvila
1-Atangana Aligui Cecile Catherine Epse Mendouga(CPDM)
2-Zam Jean Jeacques Noël(CPDM)
3-Nlang Martine Epse Ngbwa(CPDM)
Valée du Ntem
1-Mbiam Emmanuel(CPDM)
Total :
CPDM=11
South West
Buea Centre
1-Lisinge Arthur Ekeke (CPDM)
Fako East
1- Fritz Ngeka Etoke(CPDM)
2-Mme Etombi Ikome Gladys(CPDM)
Fako West
1-Emilia Mojowa Lifaka(CPDM)
Koupe Manengouba
1-Ngujede Ngole Robert(CPDM)
2-Aleh Eyabi Clarah(CPDM)
Kumba Centre
1-Mbanya Bolevie Petnga (SDF)
Lebialem
1-Ateawung Foju Bernard (CPDM)
Manyu
1-Nsosie Ebah Susana Epse Opku(CPDM)
2-Enow Tanjong(CPDM)
3-Igelle Elias Terhemen(CPDM)
Meme West
1- Martin Atinda Mboni(CPDM)
Ndian(CPDM)
1-Mary Muyali Boya Epse Meboka(CPDM)
2-Njume Peter Ambang(CPDM)
3-Ngalle Daniel Etongo(CPDM)
Total :
CPDM=15
SDF=1
Grand total
CPDM=148
SDF:=18
NUDP=5
UDC= 4
UPC=3
MDR= 1
MRC=1

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

Mbgata Sammy Nforkemba: Self Motivated Sparkling Mayor Elect of Misaje

Mbgata Sammy: Mayor of Misaje Council

 By Fai Cassian Ndi
The question critics would ask is surely when was it ever the case that any electoral system provided the kind of resolution the worries of the masses especially when majority of those running for public offices are being dictated by their parties?
In a quirk of fate, Mbgata Sammy Nforkemba in the afternoon hours of September 16 demystified the political myth surrounding the former mayor of Misaje, Nkenda Simon, his closest rival for mayorship. Mbgata Sammy had shown proofs of demystifying the power of incumbency  at the polls if he was to be challenged, but fate reserved it the other way that he won unchallenged. Some mayors are imposed by party; others are elected democratically while others fight their way to the mayoral throne through hard work and dedication. But Sammy Mbgata was born with the gigs of it. He is a charismatic and pragmatic leader. During the last municipal elections, Sammy was the head of the CPDM council list and since in local elections, people vote persons and not political parties, he was massively voted.
The truth is that Sammy mustered enough votes from Bebekette to consolidate his ambitions for mayorship. Sammy’s overwhelming victory was made possible as a result of his actions as Section President and his lobbying skills in fostering development efforts. Early this year, he lobbied and obtained EU funding for the construction of the bridge linking Sabongida to Dumbu. This former municipal treasurer of the Nkambe council has proven his worth when he took over the Bebekette Cultural and Development Association and revamped it to meet present day challenges. More so, Mbgata Sammy is a gifted mobiliser and he clutches with the God given charm that every time he takes a direction, his true followers are many.   
The Man
Mbgata Sammy is pleasantrily an attractive man, down to earth and soft-spoken too.  He is also a good public speaker yet very strict and firm in his decisions. This former municipal treasurer of Belo council and Nkambe council is a bulk of talent when it comes to management of resources.
As great men will always have great ideas, he rallied the elite(s) of Bebekette to revamp the ailing development association. He also donated computers to GSS Dumbu and for more than three years now has been at the forefront as a catalyst of development. No one would deny the fact that Sammy Mbgatta is greatly loved by his people. Some years back, Sammy Mbgata embraced politics wholeheartedly when he gave his rival a bashing defeat to take over the position of CPDM section President of Misaje. But before that at a very tender age, he was elected deputy mayor of Misaje council, a position he later dumped when he passed the entrance into CEFAM . At CEFAM he graduated in flying colours as a council technician. He is also a traditionalist given that he was given a red feather for his contribution to village development. Besides, Sammy is very perfect in organizational proficiency, he has shown is worth as a politician by humble working for the interest of the party reasons why he enjoys alot of support from Minister Fuh Calistus and other local party colleagues.
Some mayors when elected transform themselves into demi-gods and instead of serving the population, it is the reverse. But on the contrary, Mbgatta is full of character, wisdom and conscience. People who frequent him are shock to see the good manners he exhibits when he communes with others. What makes Sammy Mbgatta a great politician and a mayor with a difference is his versatile nature. He can put on many caps without mistaking any. This is to say that he can perform all his functions without allowing one to influence another. After being elected as mayor of Misaje, he accepted the confidence bestowed in him by the councilors and convincingly said he will make sure that all the contours development are respected and applied to the latter so that it becomes sustainable.  

Political scientists say a career politician begins his rise to power as a self-motivated, captivating, insightful and a visionary leader yet ends up to astound the world with the cleverness of his solutions to peoples’ problems. In many cases, such a politician always appears to be the savior of the masses. This is out of the ordinary because electoral politics is nearly always about voting for someone with whom one disagrees on some issues. It hardly takes a new configuration of political belief for people to vote for someone with whom they disagree on some policies but agree on others. Indeed, holding such different views is in no way a form of fetishistic denial but an acknowledgment and an acceptance of the fact that in the system we have we will have to hold views that are different to make good choices.

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

How Dr. Fuh Calistus Worked for CPDM Victory in the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency

By Haruna Mohammadou

Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry presenting the candidates and Ballot paper

 In no point in time in olden times has an election swayed so much enthusiasm and scheming than the September 30, 2013 Municipal/Legislative elections in the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency even though history had it recorded that Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry surmounted all to give CPDM victory. Ako/Misaje was the center of attraction with two political parties challenging the CPDM both in the parliamentary and municipal elections. 
Yet Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry who headed the CPDM campaign team to Ako/Misaje defied all the odds to retain the parliamentary seat for the CPDM and the Misaje Council. In the municipal elections in Misaje, the SDF managed not to lost deposit while NUDP lost its deposite both in the municipal and legislative. CPDM by crushing majority the Misaje counci and the votes from Misaje turned tables in Ako in favour of CPDM. From Ako to Misaje, Dr. Fuh Calistus campaign messages were pregnant with feasible actions. He used the opportunity to show how much the people of Ako/Misaje will gain by confirming their unflinching support to President Biya. He enumerated numerous projects that the people have benefitted in the past seven years ranging from good road infrastructures, creation of secondary schools, health centers etc. Everyone knows that the big take away of 2007 twin elections in the Ako/Misaje Special Constituency was that the CPDM outsmarted the SDF with the coming into the scene of Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry in both races to win the lone Parliamentary seat and the two councils of Ako and Misaje but with the coming into play of lantern forces, especially the Kuta Factor, the CPDM had to lose the Ako Council to the CPDM. Yet in Misaje the CPDM scored crushing win with 4,350 votes as against 2,327 votes for the SDF and 281 votes for NUDP.
It should be recalled that Minister Fuh Calistus in his capacity as the leader of the CPDM to Donga Mantung also reconciled CPDM disgruntled militants in Nwa, Ndu and Ako after the publication of the selected candidates. If Nwa won, it is thanks to the fact that Minister Fuh Calitus reconciled the Nyanganji Job, Hon. Genesis Mbucksek and Dr. Ngomfe. He also reconcile Abdou Borno with the party given that his candidature was dropped for a female candidate.
How Kuta Factor Dashed CPDM Hopes in Ako Council
Greed is said to be the only virus that ends up destroying the carrier and itself. This statement is not only true to itself from the greediness demonstrated by the people of Kuta zone, but above all betrayed and destroyed the CPDM in Ako. In fact, those who understand the rule of life teaches us that any momentary triumph you think gained through argument is really a pyrrhic victory:  The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion.  It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word.  Demonstrate, do not explicate. Yet Kuta wanted every elective position through argument. The tussle led to the population giving the CPDM a sanction vote. It should be noted that (Hon. JK Ntoi) the former Member of Parliament cum Section President of the CPDM hails from Kuta area, (Abe Michael) the Member of Parliament elect also comes from Kuta area, (Ngi Christopher), the Alternate Senator for Donga Mantung Division is from the same Kuta area and yet out of greed, the Kuta people also wanted the son of the Section President to be the mayor. According to what we gathered, this act of taking all and giving nothing to the others pushed the people of Lower Mbembe to rebel against the CPDM. The unexpected happened anyway. The truth is that when Dr. Fuh Calistus won the Parliamentary ticket in 2007 and was later appointed as cabinet minister, Hon. JK Ntoi stepped into his shoes given that he was his alternate. Matters started arising when Abe Michael was endorsed to step into Hon. Ntoi’s shoes while Ntoi Victor was eyeing the mayorship. Even with the overwhelming votes from Abafum at the polls, Akwaja and Berabe swallowed Kuta and the CPDM for SDF.

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

Wasum Augustine: The Mayor With a Vision for Balikumbat

By Fai Cassian Ndi

Wasum Augustine: Mayor of Balikumbat council

 On September 16, 2013, history repeated itself in Balikumbat council with the incumbent mayor, Wasum
 Harping on why he was elected for a second mandate, Wasum Augustine said that “ this is due to the projects realized within the first mandate”. He continued that in his acceptance speech, he told the population that his being elected is one thing and the collaboration the population will give him is another prerequisite that will make them succeed. “For those hurt me or thus whom I hurt ignorantly, I have forgiven them and I also ask for forgiveness if I did hurt any, so that together we join hands to develop the municipality” he pleaded.  When quizzed whether this mandate would be the last one, Wasum said he is not the one deciding. “It is the will of the people. First and foremost, I did not know I was to be elected but the people gave me the trust due to my achievements”. He appreciated the people of Balikumbat for voting the CPDM and concluded that though a politician he will work as a mayor for all without any political leniency. 

Augustine being catapulted as mayor. From all indications, Wasum Augustine has moved up the ladder to the hall of fame and has mastered the game of keeping himself at the top through the provision of basic needs. But what are his development challenges? The first thing people say of him is that Wasum Augustine has the maturity and experience needed to face the challenges of this important position. The second thing is that he inspires those around him to be the best they can be and, as mayor, he has the trusted to provide the strong leadership required for Balikumbat Council to make the best decisions on matters concerning its inhabitants. In a chat with this reporter, Wasum Augustine said the mayor is not an administrator but someone whose job is to look into the problems of his people and provide long lasting solutions. According to Wasum Augustine, the overriding importance of education, health facilities, roads and access to potable water in the municipality is primordial and need to be given special attention for development to be sustainable. An action which according to the mayor elect, he started with the support of PNDP and GP DERUDEP given that Balikumbat council already has strategic development plan for the municipality. Wasum Augustine acknowledges that “I was elected mayor in 2007 when it was important for me to be there and I am back again because it is important for me to be there for the betterment of the people”.  He however observed that for him to succeed in this task of transforming the municipality, he would need the collaboration of the population and the administration. “The people of this municipality renewed their trust in me by electing me to continue to champion the development of the council again. You need to know that I brought in development experts who came up with a blue-print of the entire council area and I have been working with these guide lines. This second mandate will permit me to continue where I last ended”.

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

Choh Isah Buba: Development Luminary Elected Mayor of Babessi

By Fai Cassian Ndi

Choh Isah Buba: Mayor of Babessi

The best thing that ever appened to Babessi council was the fact that Choh Isah Buba the pioneer mayor of this municipality was on September 16, 2013 elected as mayor. If we go by the popular saying that a good player never lacks a team, Choh Isah is therefore a good player who would never lack a team as the former SDF mayor bounces back as CPDM mayor.
Even though he left the SDF party because he was not happy with the policy, his endeavours at the helm of the Babessi coupled with his natural touch in politics have had reason over his detractors. He has been seen as the silent locomotive in the development and progress march of Babessi sub division. When he staged a spectacular come back in CPDM colours as mayor of Babessi council, the euphoria that saluted his election was so eventful that everybody is sure that he will continue where he ended in his strive to foster development. Being a great politician and a perfect one for that matter, his charming and beguiling strategies as far as development issues are concern have been the very epicenter of his political strives. Talking to this reporter barely a day after he was elected mayor of Babessi, Isah Buba said he is not coming into the council as a fortune-hunter given that he knows the problems of the people and he already has an agenda of priorities for the municipality. “ I know the problems of this municipality, it will not be a one man-show because I will work with all the councilors, the population and the administration to make sure that we get basic health facilities, construct classrooms for schools, provide the villages with potable water and above all, that more farms to market roads are constructed to reduce post-harvest waste”. He says if these priorities are achieve, the population will move from a state of gloom to productive and by it, the council will also witness an increase in revenue.
When asked what he left behind as the pioneer mayor of the Babessi council, he said “I constructed this council edifice from revenue collected locally and it is pathetic after several years nothing significant has been added to it”. It should be noted that the Babessi council chamber was constructed in the late 90s at the time FEICOM was not disbursing funds for the construction of council chambers yet Choh was able to raise money locally to provide the municipality with a nice looking structure. “I need to work in total collaboration with the staff of the council, my deputies, councilors and the local population as well as  the administration to succeed in this task. I know it is a great challenge to head the council but I am certain that we will succeed in giving a new orientation to development in this municipality”, he confirmed.
Harping on the legacy he would like to leave to the people of Babessi as he bounces back in a new political colour, Choh said that “I think what i will leave as a legacy will be the long term projects. For the first two years, i would like to meet uo with the social amenities of the people. The structure you see behind me, i constructed it and with the present day challenges, I think I will have to put up a more befitting strcuture for the council”. Choh said he was mayor from 1996 to 2002 but later resigned from the SDF to join the CPDM. When quizzed why he left the SDF for the CPDM, Choh Isah said he was not satisfy with the policy and that the development he was for could not come from the SDF. Yet sounds very optimistic with the policy of the CPDM. When asked by this reporter whether he falls in the rank of those who join the CPDM because they have things to hide, Choh Isah said he is not one of them and would never be one.

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