Marafa Fires Another Unguided Missile in Sixth Letter, Criticizes 2016 Budget

Marafa Hamidou Yaya has fired what commentators say is his sixth letter. The letter makes a critical

judgment analysis of the 2016 state budget. In the letter, Marafa criticizes Cameroon’s plan to allocate 13% of the 2016 budget, FCFA 550 billion to finance football infrastructure to host AFCON 2019 while a meager FCFA 499 billion has been earmarked for education. This he said is happening when the Cameroon is facing serious security crisis and a drastic drop in the prices of oil. He observed that the construction of the Douala and Yaounde is expected to cost about FCFA 150 billion while the rehabilitation of the Onmisport stadium in Yaounde, Douala, Garoua and Bafoussam stadia will consume FCFA 158 billion. On the other hand, he also made mentioned of the rehabilitation of the outer parts of the Limbe and Bafoussam stadia estimated at FCFA 28 billion. He wondered why such huge luxury investments when the benefactors will be external structures and the end results will be that Cameroon will soon solicit aid from China.  “No, it’s more than 1 billion dollars that we shall spent to host the prestigious event”. Marafa also observed that this will lead to over 4.5% deficit on the state budget. He questioned whether Cameroon cannot renounce its intention to host AFCON like was the case with Morocco. In the letter, Marafa goes further to propose that Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad should jointly host AFCON given that these countries already have the adapted infrastructures, stadia, hotels etc.

(Details analysis soon)

 



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

COP 21: What President Paul BIYA Told the World in Paris (Full Speech)

The President of the Conference,

Heads of State and Government,

The Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I would like to first of all thank the French authorities and, especially, President François Hollande for the quality of their welcome. I also wish to congratulate them for the excellent organization of COP21 and their commitment to ensuring its success.

I would also like to congratulate the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his contribution to preparing this meeting which, undoubtedly, is one of the most important at this beginning of the millennium. 

In fact, our Conference addresses the urgent need to contain the adverse effects of climate change. It is our responsibility. It is our duty. And here, we have the opportunity.

To be credible, our conclusions and compromises must be binding. It is not an impossible task. Let us be guided simply by the requirement of human solidarity and proper appraisal of the urgency of the situation.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FAIL.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although a low greenhouse gas-emitting country, Cameroon will continue to contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction through the following:

- firstly, the plan to reduce carbon footprint by 32% by 2035 compared with 2010;

-secondly, desertification control, preparation of a clean development mechanism, sustainable forest management and an action for the concerted management of the Congo Basin forests within the framework of the Central African Forests Commission;

- thirdly, sustainable water resource management in conjunction with the countries of the sub-region, members of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Niger Basin Authority.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

COP21 is expected to address two issues.

The first is the steady degradation of forests in Central Africa. Such degradation will decrease the contribution of these forests to greenhouse gas reduction.

WE MUST SAVE THE CONGO BASIN FORESTS. WE MUST SAVE THE SECOND LUNG OF THE PLANET.

Our second concern is desertification, which is affecting the neighbouring countries of Lake Chad.

That vast expanse of water, which is absolutely indispensable to the life of the population and biodiversity, is gradually drying up. It has already lost 90% of its initial surface area.

LET US SAVE LAKE CHAD.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are here to seek ways to meet the expectations and hopes of our peoples. Therefore, let us show determination and political courage. Yes, let us demonstrate audacity and wisdom.

If we succeed, the Paris Conference will go down in history as the decisive moment which the world, in its quest for the survival of mankind, has been clamouring for.

Thank you.

Paris-Le Bourget, 30 November 2015

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

COP 21: Hon. Awudu Mbaya Addresses French Senate

 Hon. Awudu Mbaya, Executive President of Pan African Parliamentarians Network on Climate Change Addresses French Senate, on the dangers Climate change does in Africa. Says over 35.000 people die every year around the globe due to climate change and that 75% are in Africa. Concludes that Action is needed Now to Rescue lives and Preserve the Planet. Hon Awudu was head of the group of African MPs  who have been advocating for action now and a binding agreement and the creation of of an international criminal court of climate justice for violators. 

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

Ngebi Jones Tanko Wins Big to Emerge President of Nkambe Drivers Union, Ngregeh Emmanuel Bows Out

Ngebi Jones Tanko

 Ngebi Jones Tanko alias Senator is the new President of the Nkambe drivers union. Tanko crushed the incumbent Ngregeh Emmanuel and Christopher Vernyuy in a highly contested election to emerge winner. Ngebi Jones Tanko won by 49 votes beating the incumbent in his own game who managed a meager 16 votes and 14 for Christopher. Tanko who is also popularly known in Nkambe as master small and medium seize, declared his intention to take over the leadership just four months ago. The fact that he crushed Councilor Ngregeh Emmanuel is indicative of the fact that he (Tanko) is not a man to pigeon-hole with. It should be recalled that the out-gone President was hook-winked into politics which earned him the prestigious post of councilor at the Nkambe council. As to why and how he maintain his position is another story on it own. It is not yet clear whether Ngergeh Emmanuel was vomited due to his political leniency. This commentators say has emitted warning signals to those who have always seen that the easiest way to fame is to go political. The crash as observed is so violent that it could easily lead to high blood pressure. 

Ngebi Jones is expected to provide immediate solutions to the numerous problems at the Nkambe park especially the stupefied dusty as well as reinstate some order. Loaders and drivers have complained bitterly on the state of nature of the park. He is also looked upon as the panacea to the problems faced by retired drivers and loaders. It is however believed that the newly elected President will make sure that drivers and loaders are registered with the voluntary insurance scheme of the National Social Insurance Fund. More so, he is also expected to enroll union members into the mutual health scheme given that the Nkambe park generates alot of money but it ends in private pockets. The Eye is aware that park activities are very lucrative yet will not get into the nitty gritty of resources management.

    

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

Latest Gossips from Cameroon: Court Spits on NOWEFU-Kaduna Mafia

Country people, happy Sunday to y’all. At last your writtam-pen is back with latest gossips after several months wallowing in the gutter like the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU. Have you heard that the Bamenda High Court has finally passed a ruling on the matter between the kingpins of the Kaduna mafia (HRH Fon Chafah and HRH Fon Teche)? Commentators say the court ruling has axed Fon Teche Njei’s ambitions to hijack and spin-doctor his stay at the helm of NOWEFU till 2018. Since your writtam-pen doesn’t comment on commentaries, it is highly believed HRH Senator Teche will organize an extraordinary General Assembly to adopt a new constitution for NOWEFU and then organize elective assembly to hand power. Remember NOWEFU constitution disappeared mysteriously at the Mezam SDO’s office. Now that the court has passed its verdict and charged the administration to make sure that the ruling is implemented, Fon Chafah camp has been showering itself praises for having won the court case.

 Donga Mantung Division which is expected to produce the next President of NOWEFU has been caught in a mad rush. With the union divided into factions, Fon Ibrahim Jabfu Nfor of Nkambe is popular candidate for the post of President. He has served the union in various capacities. He served as treasurer under Fon Anneng, and currently vice President under Teche. His candidature was recently endorsed by all the fons of Nwa, Ako, Misaje and Ndu.

NOWEFU has functioned under Fon Teche like an Island. The only legacy has been the prostitution of titles, gifts and the in-housing wrestling. NOWEFU has served as a beseeching tool to satisfy the ego of the few.

Last November 26, expectations were dampened in Nkambe. The Chief executive of the region we gathered slammed a ban on the elective general assembly that was billed for Nkambe when preparation had reached fever level. Losses incurred are estimated in tens of millions as the population had prepared to celebrate the election of the fon of Nkambe.  

 Did you listen to Popol wobbling in Paris? He said he has even created a climate change observatory. Popol is really smarter than a Smartphone. The man outsmarted Eyibos, and Baaam, just zeroed-in Vision 2035 in his speech. After Popol, only Hon. Mbaya can dance climate change in Camer here. Who doubt? I am sure that as Popol is back in Ngola, he will surely instruct Parliament to revisit the Private Members Bill on the protection of water catchements submitted by Awudu before creating the climate change observatory.  

Oh University of Bamenda. I told you sometimes ago that the HiTL saga must swallow somebody. Now Prof. Edukat will meet the 20 students he ejected from HiTL against the minister’s instruction in the quarters. Oh lala. (to be continued)  

 


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

Nigerian Soldiers Hit Hard On Boko Haram In Sambisa Forest

 

The authorities of the Nigerian Army have confirmed that its men “have advanced deep” into the Sambisa forest in Borno State in the bid to deliver the final blow on killer squad – Boko Haram.

Gallant soldiers are now “clearing most of the camps therein, rescuing persons held captive, arresting some terrorists and destroying most of their weapons and equipment.

“Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.

“Additionally, the Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorists’ camps

at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa, as well as several other camps. “The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorists’ tunnels, weapons and equipment.
“The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.
“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated. However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

“Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorists camp, troops discovered and cleared 3 IEDs laid along the route. The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.
“Unfortunately during another encounter with the terrorists along the axis of advance, three soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while an officer and two soldiers were wounded in action.
“It is instructive to note that the troops’ morale is very high and being conscious of their set objective, they are unrelenting in their determination to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists,” acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement.
The soldiers are now in the process of advancing into the ticker parts of the forest. We wish them well!


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

2015 Budgetary Session: Stalemate in Ako Council

 By Cass NN

Akio Augustine

An atmosphere of uncertainty looms in Ako council after the 2015 budgetary session which was planned for November 24, 2015 flopped. Sources say after the reading of the agenda of the day, councilors immediately transformed the session into a Portuguese Parliament, complaining for the nonpayment sitting allowances. The infuriated councilors also accused the mayor and council treasurer to have transformed them to beggars. Some councilors also said that council financial resources were being managed as if it were a provision store while others were on their toes complaining that the mayor, Akio Augustine has refused to organize an evaluation session.  All attempts by the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung to calm down flaring tempers met stiff resistance from the councilors. Matters came to a head when the councilors raised another motion that they are not even sure that arrangements have been made for their allowances.”We want our allowances to be paid on the spot. We cannot continue to admit to be treated like beggars. It is common meal that every time we come for a session our allowances are paid after one or at times after three months”, one councilor hammered.

When the SDO for Donga Mantung Division, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard asked the mayor and treasurer whether the sitting allowances for councilors was available, it become clear that council coffers were empty. Tension almost escalidated when the Municipal treasurer revealed that the council had received FCFA 30 million from FEICOM and she had used everything without informing the mayor.  Councilor Toka Thomas described the drama as an unfortunate situation, “We have realized that the mayor and the municipal treasurer are not working hand in hand. That is why we have come to this mess”. On her part, Councilor Lizette said the municipal treasurer is a problem. She said when the councilors suggested to that the mayor that they should ask for a treasurer, the mayor rejected it. “We cannot hold a budgetary session without having evaluated how the budget of the previous year was used”, she questioned.

Accusation and Counter-accusations

On his part the mayor of Ako, Akio Augustine said he was fully prepared for the council session believing that the council treasurer went and collected money from the bank. “Since the treasurer has not been here for weeks, I believed she must have gone to the bank to bring money to pay councilors. In addition to this, the mayor is not a signatory to the council bank account. It is only the municipal treasurer. That is a clear case. Last week I was in Bamenda and I tried to go with her to the bank just to stand by because I am not the signatory but she said there is nothing in the account. She came back two days ago and I did not come to present any situation to me. She is now talking of FCFA 30 million that came in and has been spent”. The mayor further lamented that the treasurer has not shown him any receipt nor any document on how she spent the money. “It means she is using this money all alone. I cannot believe it. For now the mayor is going to send a delegation to the bank to find out the last time she withdrew money”. Reacting on allegations that the council took an overdraft, the mayor of Ako said “believing that the council took an overdraft, we should have a balance and even receipts of payment”.

On her part the municipal treasurer Madame Mei Nee Stella Seimasih said that the council was relying of “centime” from FEICOM to pay allowances to given that the account was in red. “we were highly waiting on the centime but when I went to the bank, it hadn’t come. The mayor would have looked for a contractor to sponsor the session as is always the case with the agric show and the money be reimbursed latter”. She however lamented that the mayor and councilors are always suspicious of her given that she is the lone signatory to the account and one other council staff. “They feel that the mayor or one of his deputies should be a signatory. So whatever I go to the bank and tell them, they always think it is not true. It seems as if I am taking the money and putting in my private pocket. In conclusion I want to add that my life is at stake in this place because I am dealing with a very whimsical mayor. At times the man signs a document and refuses it. It seems as if his senses of reasoning are very low. Whenever I am from the bank I always give him the photocopy of the check”. What is however intriguing is the fact that the same treasurer who said nothing came from FEICOM later revealed that FCFA 30 million came and FCFA 10 million was deducted as overdraft and the remaining FCFA 10 million she used in paying taxes. “When that check was issued, the region took it. When I will be in Bamenda next week I will bring the photocopy of the check”. Some councilors are pointing an accusing finger at the Divisional Chief of Taxation for Donga Mantung for being an accomplice. The treasurer is even accused of perpetual absenteeism but she refuted the allegations.

Enter Shewa David (MP attempted)

It is alleged that before any council session holds, Shewa David always sets the agenda for councilors in the name of party discipline. This observer’s say has also contributed enormously to the cacophony during council sessions. Akio Augustine says “the problem councilors have here is that the man who attempted to be the MP overcomes them. Whatever he says, they stand behind him. They think that when someone is highly educated, that person knows everything. The attempted MP doesn’t know anything”. It is alleged Shewa during that session even sat amongst councilors whereas he is not supposed to. More so, severally he was trying to make a statement when matters came to a head whereas only the councilors have the right to speak during council sessions.

(Coming up: Who Runs the Ako Council, Mayor, Attempted MP or Treasurer?)

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

How Nigeria's Baby Farmers Sell Babies $4000-$5000 Shocking Report

 It is understandable why a desperate childless couple might do anything to have a baby, but those who exploit their unhappiness for profit are not so easy to forgive. Al Jazeerah investigates Nigeria's notorious baby farms and the criminals who abuse and exploit women for profit.

Some pregnant teenage girls being rescued by the police at an illegal baby farm in Nigeria

 

International news organization, Al Jazeera has exposed how far a Nigerian go to get a baby by airing an episode on its "Africa Investigates" programme focusing on what it tagged "Nigeria’s Baby Farmers."

 The Al Jazeera journalists who went undercover for this report posed as a couple who have been trying to have children for 12 years. Armed with hidden cameras, they visited orphanages trying to find out how easy it is to buy a child illegally, with no questions asked. 

 They are offered a baby at Destiny’s Child orphanage in Ulakwo by Ada Ezeoyi, for $4000 for a girl or $5000 for a male child.

 They are also offered a baby by Basic Clinic and Maternity Home in Imo State, owned by Doctor Ohaeri. They are asked for a similar figure.

 Please read an excerpt of the report below:

In this deeply disturbing episode of Africa Investigates, Ghana’s undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and investigative reporter Rosemary Nwaebuni team up to identify and expose some of those those behind Nigeria’s heart-breaking baby trade.It is a scam that exploits couples desperate for a baby and young pregnant single mothers – often stigmatised in a country where abortion is illegal except in the most dire medical emergency. Filming undercover, the team find bogus doctors and clinics offering spurious fertility treatments in return for large amounts of money. In their guise as a childless couple, Anas and Rosemary are falsely diagnosed by one dodgy clinician as being unable to conceive children.When the footage is reviewed by an official from Nigeria’s Ministry of Health, he is appalled at the way vulnerable people are being conned. "You should not allow these people access to the public," he says.But worse is to come. The team go on to uncover orphanages and clinics that act as brokers for illegal baby sales, by which naive, greedy or simply desperate young mothers are persuaded to hand over their newborn children for cash.

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

Why I Quit Nollywood - Saint Obi

Former Nollywood actor, Saint Obi is a recent interview has revealed the sole reason why he took a break from acting despite being prominent.

Saint Obi

Obinna Nwafor, best known by his stage name Saint Obi is one of the best actors Nollywood can boast of. When he came into the industry many years ago, there was virtually no blockbuster movie that didn’t feature him. From Candle Light to Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow to Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire to Executive Crime and his own production, Take Me to Mama.
Some years back, when he stopped featuring in Nollywood movies his numerous fans felt his absence and wondered why he withdrew.
In an interview with Daily Sun, he revealed the reason why he left the acting world;

He said:
"As one grows older, you realize that you do not need to be in all the movies. If you have been following my career, as years went by, from doing 10 movies in a year, I reduced it to six. I later reduced to one per year, because I felt that it’s not how many times you appear in a movie but how well you act. People call me all the time to come and feature in their movies, but I always decline.
"My reasons are that, as you move around you have other aspirations and other opportunities appear. In Igbo parlance, you don’t watch a masquerade display in one spot; you have to move around to get the total view. Any smart person will take advantage of any opportunity that comes, there are a million and one businesses out there that align with what one’s profession.
"The Dangotes of this world do a million businesses; they don’t stick to one business and become who they are today. I didn’t stop acting because jobs stopped coming but because I needed to do other things. However, I am still involved in the industry even though it is mostly behind the camera"

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

RE: FALSEHOOD AND UNINVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM SHOULD BE DESISTED IN THE SOUTHERN CAMEROONS, WEST AFRICA

FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE SOUTHERN CAMEROONIANS.

          The Government of the Southern Cameroons, West Africa has observed very critically that from the 1^st of October 2015; when the Nationhood and the Government of the Southern Cameroons from 1954 to 1961 without any external interference such as that of La Republique du Cameroun, Central Africa was restored Legally and constitutionally and  also in line with her Motto “THE FORCE OF REASON, NOT THE USE OF FORCE AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF NON-VIOLENCE”and peacefully for the Greater Honour and the Glory of God; yet some Southern Cameroonian Journalists with the enticing financial support of the Annexationist Government of La Republique du Camerounstill go on publishing very false and uninvestigated information about the Independent Territory of the Southern Cameroons and the people.

          It is crystal clear; that is very easy to understand or completely obvious that La Republique du Cameroun has annexed and subjugated us for fifty four years (54) from 1961 to 2015 and made some Southern Cameroonians such as the journalists feel that La Republique du Cameroun is their semi god without which they cannot exist or manage to sustain their life which is absolutely false and unfounded belief of such God created Image of the Southern Cameroons.

          Hence, The Government of the Southern Cameroons, through her Ministry of Communication and specificallythrough “The Department of Southern Cameroons Information Service Buea” calls upon all the Southern Cameroonian Journalists to desist from misinforming the population of the Southern Cameroons and the International Community. They should work with the Scientific Principle of Journalistic Investigation about the Territory and the People of the Southern Cameroons, West Africa before anything or information is said and published about the people and their Territory which was granted Independence unconditionally by the United Nations General Assembly 15^th Session of 1961 (U N G A 15^TH Session 1961) and the Final Decision on the Issue by the U N Fourth Political Committee at 3:15.p.m New York, U.S.A. 19^th of April, 1961 and First October, 1961 was declared “Independence Day of the Southern Cameroons.”

          The Government of the Southern Cameroons exhorts the Southern Cameroonian Journalists to work with Fidelity in God and publish The Truth of what they investigate to be the case. In reality, History is based on Facts which could be derailed, delayed to be reactivated and lived but Can never be altered. Indeed, Falsehood has never produced anything beneficial and productive for any Rational Community. Falsehood destroys completely but the Veritas that is the Truth builds up the Community and gives real meaning to human Existence, Human and Economic Development; as this in-born capacity to conquer the earth (Genesis 1:26-27) is given to the total human family, that is Mankind by the Supreme Creator to make the earth an enjoyable Habitat for His rational creatures.

          Finally, Let all of us join hands and work with the United Nations – The International Community to embrace the Restoration of the Nationhood and the Government of Our Beloved Nation: Southern Cameroons, West Africa of 1954 to 1961; on Thursday, the First of October, 2015 with the Spirit of hard work, telling the Truth at all times and working to develop our Nation, now and posterity.

          In fact, The Southern Cameroonian Journalistic Corps remember and keep this in mind, your children now and tomorrow will ask you, you were there during the Struggle to Restore the Nationhood of our Country: The Southern Cameroons; what contribution did you make towards its realization as a Journalist. Indeed you Journalists, some of the intellectuals and some of the so-called book publishers and launchers who write about the History of Southern Cameroons know the True History but deliberately refuse and pretend not to know the True History because of the soft money they get from the  Annexationist Government; La Republiqe du Cameroun. What a pity?

          Let us remember what Our Lord, Jesus Christ, The Greatest Teacher and Sustainer of all Peoples who teaches His Apostles and the Rest of Mankind: “That You will learn the Truth, and the Truth will set you Free” (John 8:32). This should be our Rule of Life and Activities.

          May God Bless All of Us.

          Rev. Fr. Andrew Ambeazieh (Ph.D)


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

FIFA Considers Expanding World Cup to 40 Teams in 2026

 The world football governing body, FIFA, has begun considering the expansion of the World Cup tournament to 40 countries.

FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup from 32 teams to 40 in 2026 with support particularly strong among Asian and African representatives.
No formal agreement on the matter was reached at FIFA’s Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, but ExCo member Wolfgang Niersbach said it will be discussed at a later date.
In a written statement, Wolfgang Niersbach, the German Fifa executive committee member, said: “No decision was taken on expanding the World Cup to 40 teams from 2026. The Asian and African representatives on the executive committee were in favour of it. This matter has been put off until a future meeting.”

 The debate on extending the World Cup came as a corruption scandal engulfing the organisation widened with fresh arrests.
The World Cup had been a 16-team competition before being expanded to 24 nations in 1982 and then to 32 for the first time in France in 1998. The bidding process for the 2026 World Cup was postponed in June due to the corruption scandal which has centred around the attribution of the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 finals to Qatar.

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