Biya Scared as Fru Ndi Rejects Appointment into Senate, Belinga Ebouto Again

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

SDF National chairman met again with Martin Belinga Eboutou in Yaounde, a presidential insider hinted The Eye on grounds of anonymity last weekend. The secret talk is coming at the heels of the unofficial trip to Ntarinkon last month by the Vice Secretary General of the Cenral Committee of the CPDM, Gregorie Owona. Gregoire Owona, who was in Bamenda to official launch Labour Day activities storm Ni John Fru’s residence.

These secret meetings are coming after all 70 elected Senators had been made known by the Supreme Court acting in place of the constitutional council last week. Presently focus has been on the 30 personalities to be appointed by the Head of Sate. Yet, sources say the meeting with Martin Belinga Eboutou will center on the appointment of SDF militants into the senate. An SDF authoritative voice hinted that SDF chieftain is expected to submit a list of 20 names. Speculations as to whether Fru Ndi’s name is on the proposed SDF list cast doubts given that shortly after the proclamation of the senatorial results, Ni John Fru Ndi, told newsmen at his Ntarinkon Residence that his hopes of becoming a senator had finally been dashed. “I will not accept to be appointed”, the SDF Chairman is quoted to have opined. Accordingly, he vouched how he had submitted a list to President Biya with his name not included, to be appointed. Presidential sources hinted that the President Biya has not been comfortable with Fru Ndi’s declarations reason why he was summoned to Yaounde last weekend. Fru Ndi left for Yaounde a day after Achi Achu was spotted at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Although details of Fru Ndi’s latest encounter with the Director of Civil cabinet at the Presidency still remains covert, Chronicle gathered that it could not have been complicated: that the presidency had been crest fallen over the issue that having met with its bargain, Fru Ndi was still proving to be tough. Accordingly, the presidency had been uncomfortable with the SDF chairman’s press declaration that he will not accept to be appointed as senator, contrary to the deal he stroke.

It is alleged that President Biya has been grappling to meet up with what Fru Ndi actually requested that the SDF Chairman has presently vouched to be recognized as the main opposition leader in Cameroon and granted a status. Classified sources confirmed that the putting in place of the senate is first an avenue for Fru Ndi’s trappings to be acknowledged. That with first two (2) political parties to govern the Upper House (Senate) there would thus be two senatorial groups. More so, SDF chairman would be elected 1^st Vice President of the Senate and then his much requested status would come to see the light of the day. The fact that Fru Ndi has rejected Biya’s Plan “B”, is creating a lot of havoc given that President Biya is leaning on the Grand West (North West and West) regions to sustain his greater realization programme.  

What Fru Ndi has actually been discussing with Belinga Eboutou since 2010 has been the question on many lips.

The Eye is aware that Biya opened up to Fru Ndi during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Cameroon Armed Forces in Bamenda in December 2010. Thanks to Governor Abakar Ahamat. This new found relationship has been tussling CPDM bigwigs in the North West Region who use to paint the SDF black in order to excel. Yet when both Biya and Fru Ndi shook hands for the first time in 20 years, CPDM political hawks were shocked. Biya invited Fru Ndi at Etoudi for New Year wishes presentation and there after for the Agro-pastoral show in Ebolowa. The SDF chairman respected and even attended May 20 manifestations at May 20th Avenue in Yaounde and the reception at the Unity palace thereafter in same year, 2011.

This new phase of politicking had since ushered varied interpretations. Fru Ndi even told newsmen that Biya has assigned Belinga Eboutou to be the liaison between them. This, The Eye is aware, accounts why when Fru Ndi threatened matchets (cutlasses) not to participate in the last senate elections, he was immediately invited to Yaounde where he allegedly stroke a deal. The outcome of the secret pact, The Eye has been alerted, being the 14 senatorial seats, whereas SDF was not to have a single. Yet Fru Ndi told The Eye in Bamenda shortly after the official proclamation of the senatorial results that he negotiated for a free, fair and transparent election.

The other part of the deal is yet to be fulfilled with the appointment of SDF officials into Senate. Yet, Fru Ndi told newsmen that he would not be one of the SDF officials appointed, yet admitted that SDF officials should be appointed.

Who actually would be those Fru Ndi wants to be appointed into the Senate under the SDF ticket. Speculations are rife that Barrister Francis Sama, the Bar council President, National Legal Adviser of SDF and Fru Ndi’s cousin’s name can not be outside those shortlisted. Another school of thought holds that Fru Ndi would have submitted the name of Gladys Cheka Ntala for appointment to respect that democratic prowess of the SDF even though she could not make it through elections.

More recently at a press conference in Yaounde, Battonier Sama declared that it would be amiss for the Senate to exist without a representation of the Bar council. It is believed that even if he is not appointed under the ticket of the bar, he could just come in under Fru Ndi’s proposal

Yet Biya wants Fru Ndi in the Senate. Reason why the SDF chairman was hastily summoned to Yaounde last weekend. It is however unclear whether Fru Ndi will crouch down or stick to the fact that his other apostles pick up the gauntlet while he steps aside waiting to be elected President.

Tipped for Senate Appointment

Constitutionally, President Biya has until thursday to appoint 30 senators to complete 100-member senate, that is by law, at most 10 days after proclamation of election results last April 29. Speculations abound that amongst the names shortlisted are Joseph Owona, Mbombo Njoya, Fon Teche, Nkwain Francis and Fon Ghayongha III of Bali etc. The CPDM haven won the seven seats in the North West again a Presidential insider hinted that all the three senators will be CPDM. (a suivre)

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

Appointment of 30 Senators: Biya Compensates CPDM Old Guards

 Fai Cassian Ndi

As predicted by bookmakers, the head of state has compensated CPDM old guards in the appointment of the 30 senators so as to have a comfortable majority in the senate. The fact the Fru Ndi, SDF chieftain declined that he would not accept any appointment as been confirmed. In the North West Region, Paul Biya decreed Bochong Francis Nkwain, Fon Teche Njei and Fon Doh Gahyongha III as the three senators from the regions. Regina Mundi, Fon Chafah were also decreed as alternate senators.

 From the South West Region, President Biya also appointed former Prime Minister Peter Mafany Musongue, Chief Mukete and another chief.

A smart rush over the names of the appointed some key CPDM bigwigs like Wilfred Etame Masoma, Njiat Njifenji Marcel, Dakole Daissala, Mbombo Njoya, Yaou Isatou, Matta Roland, Joseph Edo etc were also appointed.  Speculations as to whether Paul Biya would appoint key SDF militants as senators has come to null.Francis Nkwain is a member of the central committee, Fon Teche is also a member of the Central Committee as well as Fon Doh Gahyongha III of Bali. Implicitly, Paul Biya has given preference to CPDM militants to secure a crushing majority. 

It is alleged that Biya while in Bamenda promised that he would appoint a member of NOWEFU, and it has been confirmed with the appointment of Fon Teche (NOWEFU President). Besides, allegations are also rife at that in order to convince Bali councilors to vote CPDM list after their fon's candidature was rejected by the Central Committee, a deal was struck for the appointment of Fon Gahyongha III. More so, it is also aired that Francis Nkwain threatened to resigned as head of the central committee in the South West Region to return to Bamenda to submit his candidature, yet was promised an appointment into the senate. All the vibes have been confirmed today May 8, 2013 with their appointment. 

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

Mayhem at GBHS Nkambe as Students Go on Strike

 NGEH Lorater

An atmosphere of uncertainties, fears and stale familiarity looms high at Government Bilingual High School Nkambe in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region. While secondary and high school students nationwide are preparing for the practical part of the General Certificate of Education that kick-start this week, the students of GBHS Nkambe abandoned classes to move into the street today May 6, 2013. The students are reported to have stormed the offices of the Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education and the Senior Divisional Officer to express their worries. Sources confirmed that the students stormed the Divisional Delegation of Secondary Education and later the office of the Senior Divisional officer demanding for the reimbursement of Computer fees of FCFA 3000 each reasons being that they paid the money for computer classes but as the year is ending; some of them have never had an effective computer class. According to what we gathered the students stormed the SDO’s office claiming that they have no Geology teacher, yet had each disbursed a sum of FCFA 5000 each for laboratory tests. Besides, students of the Upper Sixth, we learnt are also crying that as the days approaches for the practical GCE, they have not been able to enter into the lab for lack of gas and chemicals whereas each of them is alleged to have paid FCFA 5000 each to the school administration. They also told the SDO that some of them contributed a widow’s mite for a condolence visit to one of their mates who kicked the pocket, yet the administration has been adamant to carryout the visit.  

Even though the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, Ngone Ndodemesape tried to clam down flaring tempters, the students we gathered have vowed that if the administration doesn’t take stringent measures, there is going to be a rundown. However, the SDO, we gathered told them to go back to school and their worries will be looked into as soon as possible. Notwithstanding, all attempts to get the Principal of GBHS Nkambe could not yield any fruits. When contacted on phone, the Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education, Njobe Cletus confirmed that truly there was uproar at GBHS Nkambe. He also confirmed the claims tabled by the striking students and added that the hierarchy is aware. The Eye is aware as well that there’s the sparkling spark that has ignited the long accumulated grievances of the students. However, suspicions and alerts abound that GBHS Nkambe may sink into the doldrums any moment, anytime as one of the striking students is alleged to have commented. The most serious threat, we learnt is that if measures are not taken, the school could easily be transformed into a sinkhole for character assassination where teachers pay like Apes for Nuts.

It is aired that the students after the assembly started singing and shouting that the want their money back. Some students we gathered removed the flag that was hoisted. The school administration we gathered was helpless and only begged for the flag to be handed back. This act by students of the Upper Sixth caught the attention of some students of the lower classes who also joined them in the strike. It is alleged some students who were writing the end of year examination were caught by the web and had to miss their examination papers today. Yet, it is alleged that the students have vowed that if the money is not reimbursed, no GCE practical would take place at GBHS Nkambe this year.


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

An Honest Journalist is Rich-Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle

 By Fai Cassian

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle Talking to the Press

Speaking to journalists at the Bamenda Congress Hall, Ntumfor Nico Halle, CAMASEJ Patron cum CMF National President applauded journalists for the role the Press has played in the fight against corruption and embezzlement of public funds, the advancement of democracy and in controlling election riggers. Ntumfor Nico Halle in his talk to journalists also outlined that a free Press should also be responsible. He added that the Press should help in building a nation and not vice-versa.  Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle cautioned that “if you seek the Kingdom of money, nothing will come” given that “an honest journalist will always be rich”. Harping on the importance of social communication and responsibility Ntumfor Nico Halle said that “peace” should be the “watch-word” of every journalist. To student journalists, he emphasized that they should make the difference tomorrow.

In his conclusion, he reiterated that journalists should not make themselves vulnerable to the political hawk who intend will destroy them with ill-gotten wealth. He said the Press is not just the fourth estate, but the first estate. To this, he re-echoed that the budget for the Press should normally be voted in Parliament so much so that journalists should not be vulnerable to politicians. 

Other speakers included Tafin Tchitchi, the Regional Delegate of Communication for the North West Region and North West CAMASEJ Chapter President, Comfort Mussa. It should be recalled that even though journalism is quite a risky profession, students of some school journalism clubs in Bamenda as well as student journalists of the National Polytechique in Bamenda were also present to demonstrate their love to contribute in the sector.

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

Celebrating the Hard-won and Fragile Press Freedom

 

Fai Cassian  in black, Donat Suffo (Le Messager on my right, Motomu Eric back seat 

Free the press! It is a familiar refrain, one that grows louder year-on-year yet never loses relevancy. Why should a free press even be up for discussion? Are we failing to get the message across?

The simple answer is that the press equals power, and wherever power lies there are those who seek to control or influence it. By nature, a free press is untamed; capable of speaking unfiltered to public opinion, it has always been a vital conduit for free expression.

It has therefore been a constant target.

As we increasingly embrace our digital citizenship, the tyrants who oppose free speech are quickly learning how to act as digital oppressors. Targets are more numerous, attacks more complicated and diverse. Our awareness and vigilance must adjust with similar voracity.

Impunity for the killers of journalists extends also to those who murder bloggers. Censorship does not discriminate between editorial platforms. Prisons are built for those who “offend”, regardless of media.

It is impossible to prevent the oppressors of free speech from eroding our basic freedoms. And they do, as the press freedom indexes show, frequently and without heed for the consequences.

Our right to seek, receive or impart information through any media may be enshrined in international human rights law, yet the media must fight daily to remain a bulwark against intrusions on free speech. As a check on power, an independent press acts as society’s window through which the abuses, digressions, untruths and self-interests of the powerful are revealed for public scrutiny.

According to corrupt governments, violent criminals, and fundamentalists of every description, this window would be better permanently bricked-up.

In Africa as we are commemorating this day, 41 African journalists are in prison, Committee for the Protection of journalists say. In fact, it is stressful that the world continues to see journalism as a threat, I do not know why.

They are detained for telling the truth. It is nothing but that truth that we continue to be good customers of the prison yards.

In Cameroon, the death of Bibi Ngota remains one of those shocking moments of journalism. Yet, and again here comes the National Communication Council whose ax lies on our fore-head waiting for anyone to mimic and learn the worse. The worse is that you are either banned or sealed. Bamenda journalists would always live to remember how the door of Foundation Radio was sealed by the Senior Divisional Officer. It is strange that journalism offers the best opportunity for a job and in the next minute you can find yourself looking for a job because the media outfit has been sealed or closed. It is not only about job security but also it is about the threats of life. Death and more so untimely death.

Wherever you live, whatever you do, pause for a moment and reflect on what kind of a society would be in front of you, were it not for the presence of an inquisitive media.

Who makes decisions on your behalf, and just how transparent is the process?

This, ultimately, is why we defend journalists and a free press worldwide.

Yet the Internet is undeniably raising the stakes. Checks and balances that provide the counterweight to power, of which traditional media were for so long custodians, are shifting rapidly beyond media-defined parameters.

The Internet invites censors into our homes, often unwittingly, and in the process has made freedom of expression a concern for anyone who signs on to social networks, communicates via email, and owns a smartphone or tablet device.

Or at least it should be of concern. Paradoxically, the great digital revolution that has introduced a truly globally connected age provides yet another mechanism for control, an opportunity for speech to be curtailed. Online news media, forewarned by the experiences of the written press, may be better prepared to combat this. But are we as individuals?

Online and off, new challenges or familiar threats are no less shocking. Each year heralds a roll call of journalist casualties, imprisoned media professionals or publications threatened, intimidated or financially strangled to the point of closure.

Above all, with a sense of solemn reflection, 3 May is an occasion to remember colleagues targeted for their work, especially those killed in the line of duty.

That ‘duty’ was not simply to bring us the news. Their work – by nature risky, sometimes dangerous, yet always outspoken – went beyond the headlines that became unintentional obituaries. Their work signifies a belief in a principle, exhorted by democracy and made tangible with every article, picture or broadcast.

It is that principle behind which we stand proud. It is upon that principle that our industry is founded, and that journalism thrives.

 But when impunity pockmarks the environment, the independence of the judicial system is questioned, and security services and political authorities are mired in corruption there is no level playing field for anyone, least of all journalists. Corruption maintains a rotten system, whether it is financially, ideologically or power driven. In such contexts, the powerful see journalism as an inconvenience. The easiest solution is to eradicate the journalist.

It sends a potent message to the media, who will inevitably self-censor or remain silent over contentious issues, as well as out into wider society; this is how things are, do not question them. The quality and depth of information available diminishes, checks and balances vested upon our media become meaningless, its public service role impossible to perform.

Any individual, organisation or institution connected to the murder of a journalist, and that remains at liberty today, reinforces this.

The notion of ‘getting away with murder’, in whatever context, challenges our perceptions of just what kind of a society we live in. We are far less comfortable when a journalist operating within a democracy is murdered with impunity, as it brings the idea of chaos too close for comfort.

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