Killing the Press in Cameroon: Communication Council Suspends Media Outlets Again

A release from the National Communication read yesterday over the national station-CRTV has taken media practitioners in Cameroon aback. Two Authoritative English language Newspaper have been suspended while one has been called to order. The Guardian Post Newspaper and its Publisher Ngah Christian Mbipgo were slammed a two months suspension while Chronicle Newspaper and its Publisher Eric Motumo were also slammed a three months suspension. The Watch Dog Newspaper and its Publisher, Dotta Ezikiel were warned. Public opinion in Aglophone towns are diversified over the issue. A school of thought holds that the suspensions are the handiwork of politicians while other fear that it is a plan to kill the English Language Newspapers in Cameroon. Even though the Communique specifies that the decisions were due to unorthodox practices, fears abound that it is a camouflage given that in order to hang a dog, it is always given a bad name. This is so because the politicians who felt that their plans to rig elections could be frustrated by these newspaper launched the action. The politicians we gathered are ministers and even some people who always claim they brought freedom of speech to Cameroon (more details next)

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

Newspaper Editor Detained for Investigating Election Irregularities

 By Kidie Devoe

Gwain Colbert Fulai: Paying the price of investigative journalism

A Bamenda based journalist and promoter of the Bamenda Human Rights Films and Arts Festival was picked up by police for investigating into elections irregularities. Colbert Gwain, Editor of the Colbert Factor was illegally arrested while on the field investigating allegations that some politicians were buying voters’ cards in Bamenda. Talking to this reporter from police custody, Colbert Gwain said he was picked up without a warrant of arrest from the State Counsel for Mezam or the Attorney General of the North West Region. He said he was out to investigate allegations that some people were collecting cards for others and that they were guys moving around with more than 25 cards distributing them in violation of the law. He said that he personally witnessed some people collecting voters’ cards for other. “When I saw it I immediately drew the attention of the ELECAM agent”, adding that he felt so embarrassed that the agents was acting against the instruction of ELECAM boss Fonkam Azu’u. The SDF it should be noted had earlier warned that anyone carrying voters’ cards that does not belong to him/her would be dealt with accordingly. SDF Communication Officer Anembom Munjo is quoted to have said that some politicians were promising 2000 FCFA each to buy SDF ballots. Journalists in Bamenda are scared as ELECAM and police are intimidating journalists. The said journalist who has been investigating a story entitled:’ Claims of Voter’s Card Buying Stirs New Controversy Ahead of September 30 Twin Elections’ as part of his research paper in fulfillment of an online course on ‘Data-Driven Journalism from the University of Americas is still in police custody and many already fear for his life as many have suffered the same fate in the past years. The arrest of the Editor Colbert Gwain has re-kindled interest in journalists across the country who have witnessed similar patterns in election malpractices.   The issue of voters’ cards being handed to individuals to share is not new as allegations abound. A similar case of voters’ cards handed to individuals to share surfaced in Nkambe where dozens of voters’ cards were handed to Dr. Fonkam as proof in a meeting at the community hall.  It should be recalled that the story of Bibi Ngota is still fresh in the minds of journalists. An atmosphere of uncertainty now looms in the North West Region ahead of the September 30 Municipal/Legislative Elections.

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

Did over 2000 Militants Decamp into the CPDM?

Kargong Eric Tabah alias Titanic

It is alleged that over 2000 SDF militants decamped in Ndu to join the ruling CPDM party. According to the statistics voiced out, the following figures were registered: Jirt-158, Fuh-180, Mbipgo-350, Kakar-303, Ndu Central (comprising of drivers union, achabas’ union where their presidents are on the list of CPDM councilors)-520, Njimkang (Naomi Nfor’s village)-85, Njipluh (Naomi Nfor’s residential area)-320, Ngarum-296, Mbah-215, Nseh-45, Mbiyeh-95 and finally Luh 300. Whether these figures are true or fabricated remains another mystery but since these carpets are meant to be cross, a school of thought holds that carpet crossing is also legendary in politics and a way to fight poverty. Yet sources from ELECAM office indicates that at Mbah only 155 voters registered for the upcoming elections, meaning that something is being done unfairly somewhere. Our investigation further revealed that Luh has only 300 registered voters etc etc. More so, bookmakers say crossing the carpet is public while casting a vote is secret, implicitly the unexpected usually triumphs. In a related story, the District Chairman for Ndu, Eric Ngabah has issued a release calling on the population to shy away from those moving around in search of votes to buy. He further warned that anyone doing so is doing it at his or her own risk and act which he says is punishable by law. (More in our net edition)

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

DO Bars SDF, CPDM Campaign Launching at the Grandstand

Haruna Mohammadou

 It is now set that neither the Social Democratic Front-SDF nor the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement-CPDM will launch its campaigns for the September 30, 2013 Twin Elections at the Nkambe Grandstand. The decision to bar the two political parties was taken by the Divisional Officer for Nkambe, Abba Abdouram on September 2, 2013 in a crisis meeting with local party officials. The DO for Nkambe allegedly took the decision after both political parties had chosen September 14  to launch their campaigns at the Nkambe Grandstand. According to classified sources, the decision by DO to bar the two political parties from using the Grandstand on September 14 is intended to avoid another clash. It should be recalled that during the last Presidential Elections, CPDM and SDF militants clashed at the Nkambe Grandstand. The clash almost generated into a general fight as tempers flared and hands went above the shoulders. Of late, another incident took place at Wat market square whereby Mary Awudu and Ngwayi Ivo were assaulted. With political gangsterism gaining grounds in Nkambe, the administration for Donga Mantung Division we gathered is aware of the stakes and has always been smart a avoid an uncomfortable scenario. Hints as to Prime Minister Yang Philemon would address CPDM militants at the Fon Jabfu Ibrahim Nfor Grandstand have come to null. More, Hon. Awudu Mbaya and Co. may only wait for the last day to stage another political propaganda. At Press time, information as to whether the two political parties have selected different sites for the launching has not reached us yet. However, the unknown yet not hidden fact is that no political party shall launch it campaign on September 14 at the Nkambe Grandstand.  Talking to this reporter, Mangoh Jones Tanko said that since the SDF submitted the first declaration, they (SDF) should be considered. He added that in as much as the SDF is the ruling party in Nkambe and they are the ones controlling the grandstand, it is out of question for the SDF to be barred from using a grandstand they manage.

Courtesy of Donga Mantung Eye No 30

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Aborted Election Splits WISU

* Political Peddlers Accused 

* Adhoc Committee Formed Amidst boycott

* SDO Recommends extraordinary General Assembly by December

The Wimbum Students Union, a one-time vibrant student body is wallowing in the gutter and in self-skirmishes. It has become a sinkhole for character assassination and fertile ground for political propaganda. Those who took the pains to attend the 34th Annual Convention of WISU at Taku village went home more confused than when they were going. This is so because expectations that a new executive was to be put in place came to null. It is alleged that the body put in place to manage elections was incompetent to the point that elections were postponed. Even though a communiqué by the Interim General President indicates that the reason to postpone elections was due to the fact that the constitution has to be amended, another school of thought holds that there were flimsy excuses. However, the Interim President sources say the outgoing President was also ready to hand over power yet was handicapped by the fact that the 2/3 majority as stipulated in the constitution be met up given that majority of those who raised hell were conspicuously absent. Another school of thought holds that they simply boycotted the elections. The question which abound is on the whereabouts of the 350 delegates who allegedly attended the convention. It is alleged that WISU is already in factions. This is confirmed by the fact that the Divisional Officer for Ndu stepped in to concert with them before an ad hoc Committee was put in place while waiting for the 2014 Elective Convention in Bongom. The question as to whether Nfor Dieudonne Nkeh, outgoing General President now Interim General President masterminded the saga remains another mystery. Yet, rumours were circulated that he (Nfor Dieudonne) had absconded but were faulty. Apart from the fact that plans are underway to ax the constitution for a list system to be functional from next year, in-house sources hinted Donga Mantung Eye that Nfor Dieudonne’s trappings are laudable but could be erased by the obnoxious plans to manipulate the constitution.  He is quoted to have lobbied and obtained support to fund WISU activities given that during the convention WISU  dished out three generators to GHS Taku, GSS Njilah and GSS Binka apart from the trophies and prizes handed out to teams.
One of the things that recently sparked controversy is the manner at which Mbum politicians want to penetrate the student body for votes. The Taku Convention is a case in point as political peddlers invaded the convention. The CPDM bigwigs are reported to have stormed the convention in party outfit in defiance to President Biya’s advice that politics should be for politicians and schools for pupils and studens. The SDO for Donga Mantung Division is quoted to have proposed that elections should be organized by December this year to rescue WISU from collapsing.

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

Senator Jikong’s Homecoming Sparks Controversy

 A forth night ago, HRH Senator Jikong Stephen Yeriwa who doubles as the fon of Jato village staged his homecoming in Nwa and not Nkambe, the Divisional headquarters as it has being the case with other senators. Senator Jikong, it is alleged smuggled himself to Nwa. This is so because like in other places where other Senators have always accompanied their colleagues at homecoming, the Senator for Donga Mantung tiptoed into Nwa where he was received by a tiny group of people. Implicitly, sources say the event was heavily boycotted and that even the god’s of Nwa were seemingly aghast with the senator.  Donga Mantung councilors we gathered are wondering whether they made the right choice. Many continue to question whether his alternate Ngi Christopher wasn’t the better choice, yet Senator Jikong unexpectedly replaced Ngi Christopher at the last minutes. It is even alleged that the boycott is link to the in-house wrangling that is rocking the CPDM in Nwa. Talking to this reporter on ground of animosity, one CPDM bigwig acknowledged that the heavy downpour can never be interpreted as a blessing. ‘Showers of blessings are very different from the heavy downpour we witnessed in Nwa on this day”, he concluded.  The heavy downpour of the rain was indicative to the fact that there was anger in the wilderness. CPDM militants of Nkambe, Ndu, Misaje and Ako are also aghast with their Senator given that he also ignored them during his homecoming. However, unconfirmed sources say HRHR Senator Jikong is planning to stage a separate homecoming in Ako/Misaje. The question as to whether Nkambe and Ndu CPDM have been barred from seeing him abound high. 

Courtesy of Donga Mantung Eye No 30

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Kumbo-Nkambe Stretch of the Ring Road: Calamity, Calamity, Calamity!!

 Fai Cassian

 I have often heard people say that it is forbidden to make a critical judgment analysis on the neglect of the stretch of the Ring Road from Kumbo-Misaje via Nkambe and that making such a critical judgment is like writing satanic verses that lead to divine sentence. But let the word go forth from this time and medium to friends and enemies of progress alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation that will talk than die in silence.
The transport fare Ndu-Nkambe sky-rocketed this week from 2000 FCFA to 4000, Nkambe-Bamenda from 5000 FCFA to 7000 FCFA. Yet cars are now moving anti-clock wise, that is from Bamenda through Bafut, down to Wum passing through Nyos to Misaje before getting to Nkambe... Strange Indeed!!
Traveling from Kumbo to any part of Donga Mantung Division is not just a nightmare but demands a week of serious fasting and prayer because you never know when you will get to your destination. However, anyone who would maladroitly sit on the fence to declare that the stretch of road from Kumbo to Donga Mantung is not a necessity or a priority should be considered as being in a state of sin. Even though there is a statement in the Bible which states that people should not pass round for judges on others, I believe it is often quoted out of context because the Bible still tells us that people should be judged if their acts are injurious. I am aware that this critical judgment analysis is badly needed. It is imperative because the people of Donga Mantung are in tears again and the bells of anguish are being heard signaling that Donga Mantung Division may cease to exist in the map of this country. I am also aware that this bit will offset many people but it is a fact. Even so, who is even going to twist my arm for speaking the truth? Is it not a right for the people of Donga Mantung to have a good access road and even enjoy more as a border Division? It pains and kills my imagination as well as the picture post-card I got from my father that they decided to unite with La Republique because of what was happening up the road. 52 years after reunification the situation of this road is more pathetic than before. When I look across the river and see the road network, I cry for my Division. I wish I could put down on paper the picture that comes to me from the restrained of anger. I need not dwell upon the authenticated horrors of the Nazi internment camps and death chambers for Jews. That is tragic but a kind of insane horror like our ring road. The essence of tragedy is not the doing of evil by evil men but the doing of evil by good men, out of weakness, indecision, sloth, inability to act in accordance with what they know to be right. The ring road, until its termination, presents the classic existential argument about the existence of God or a higher power: if he did and does exist, then the only natural choice is to become a disciple; but if he did not, and there is no afterlife, then life is meaningless outside the present moment for the people of Donga Mantung given that wise people have often said and proven that where the road passes, development follows. Hence, there is nothing to be done except to live every moment without a thought to the next but look only to God Almighty for Divine Intervention. The state of nature of the Ring Road has made Donga Mantung an Island on land. Today, thoughts and feelings are more and more separated from each other, and this separation leads either to an almost schizophrenic intellectualism or to a neurotic, irrational emotionalism. Only if emotions and reason are brought together can man function in a way which makes life interesting and hence creates the possibility of a productive life. To put it briefly, what Donga Mantung people need is not good speeches, not UFO councilors, not politics of hatred but politicians with character and conscience. In fact, a breed of politicians who would sit on one table to create the Donga Mantung Intelligensia (forgetting about “C” or “S” dogma to make life more meaningful and bring back humanity from the wilderness closer to the people. God bless Donga Mantung Div.

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

Pre polls-day electoral injustice of Cameroon

 Democrats now have to grapple with the sour fact that ahead of the 30 September 2013 polls for the twin parliament and council elections in Cameroon, incumbent president Biya’s party, CPDM, is assured already of running uncontested in just so many constituencies despite circa 300 political parties in existence.

            Of the 360 councils in the country, the CPDM is running alone in 120 - sanctioned by the Supreme Court perpetually acting in place of the constitutional council. Of the 180 parliament seats, CPDM has already 31 before the vote. The main opposition - my party the SDF and others are besieged with myriad intrigues targeted to give CPDM a crushing advantage.  The ruling party in Cameroon is not noticeably different from government – she has free access to the public coffers in running her affairs to the detriment of not only adversaries but the entire nation’s economy: When state ministers, directors, vice chancellors of public universities,  and other civil servants abandon their assignments, driven in public vehicles, for CPDM campaigns and meetings - it is undue exploitation of the commons by one political party; near monopoly of state owned press - radio, TV, and newspapers by CPDM is unwarranted exploitation which embarrasses other Cameroonians . In a timid financial system like ours, it is quite difficult for ordinary opposition citizens to individually raise fifty thousand and one million CFA francs for the council and parliamentary elections respectively as caution fees. Further, the greatest system stumbling block here is the arbitrary disqualification of opposition candidates’ documents for indicated faults by CPDM partisan court judges and elections body. Hence the ruling party unjust pre election victories!

The powers that be, in their characteristic assumed-panacea of quelling eventual cheating-orchestrated anger and explosion-likelihood, are currently in the field preaching “Peace before, during and after the elections”. They quote sections of the electoral code which emphasize orderly campaigns and other electoral chores.  Its no secrete that electoral code like other governance instruments including the constitution of this country has been controversially tailored to benefit the ruling party (CPDM - formerly CNU which has been ruling since independence for over 50 years now) in violation of the wishes of majority Cameroonians – the supposed supreme law of the state, the constitution was drawn giving too much authority to the president (the executive) – no separation of powers in governance exist here! Cameroonians in their generality have always expressed total disgust for this to no avail, yet many times has the constitution been amended at the instance of the executive. The presidential tenure was recently extended from five to seven years. It was again made limitless from the hitherto maximum of two terms for an individual. In the modification of the electoral code, deaf ears were paid to popular calls for introduction of the second round of voting where no clear winner emerges in the first round. The shunning of the single ballot paper which amongst other advantages prevents vote buying by unscrupulous politicians from luring voters to present the ballot papers of their opponents after Voting them  (the unscrupulous politicians) for financial rewards which negatively affect democracy. The CPDM ruling government’s regular downplay of popular concerns in her governance style prerequisites clearly deadly-uprising! In 2007 for example, the Biya regime used various manipulative methods including the CPDM orientated elections body to secure for her, a victory of above 70 percent in that years twin legislative and municipal elections. The rest of the opposition including the truly grass root nation-wide SDF was made to share the remnants. The seeming tranquility there after was to be short-lived when just in February 2008, a violent hunger, fuel-hike and bad governance strike erupted. Death toll and devastation to the national economy was high, betraying the huge popularity the regime had just feigned in the crushing polls win. It is thus distinctly clear that it is the CPDM that has inbuilt violations to the present laws of Cameroon - her intransigence to advice in formulating national regulations – so any call for peace by the powers that be now without realistic changes on present laws and governance is stupid and serves no practical purpose. Justice, transparent fair and acceptable elections and good governance, history shows is a necessity for peace and progress.

            However, one thing is universally certain – there is no bad or ugly situation which can not be corrected. Bill Clinton in his US-president years said of our country: “There is nothing wrong with Cameroon that can not be corrected”. If only we start before this 30 September 2013 polls and be iconoclastically fair transparent and introduce in-depth generally accepted reforms and humane rational governance, then Cameroon will be on the right path to emancipation from want and underdevelopment. Anything short of this will be an open invitation to continuous stagnation and trouble.

                                                            God guide Cameroon

                        Felix Teche Nyamusa, 2018 Cameroon Presidential Hopeful

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

UN Expert on Minority Issues to Visit Cameroon

United Nations Independent Expert on minority issues, Rita Izsák, will visit Cameroon from 2 to 11 September 2013 to examine the human rights situation of different ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities and travel to different localities to meet directly with minority communities. She is also scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Government officials.

“I want to learn about the legislation, policies and practices that Cameroon has in place to protect minority rights and ensure equality and non-discrimination for all of its peoples in all aspects of society,” Ms. Izsák said.

“Cameroon has a rich diversity of ethnic, religious and linguistic groups throughout the country and this visit provides a unique opportunity for me to learn about their situations from a variety of actors on the ground, including Government representatives and, importantly, members of different communities themselves,” the human rights expert noted.

Ms. Izsák, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government, will begin her visit in the national capital, Yaoundé, before travelling to different regions, including the North West, South and Far North regions. She will meet with senior Government officials at the national and regional levels, representatives of non-governmental organizations, community members, academics, and others working in the field of minority issues, social inclusion and promotion of equality and non-discrimination.

This is the first information-gathering visit to Cameroon by an independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to consider minority issues. Under her UN mandate, Ms. Izsák is required to promote implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities* and to identify challenges as well as positive practices with regard to minority issues.

Following her visit, the Independent Expert will present a report containing her findings and recommendations to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Ms. Izsák will issue a statement to the media and hold a press conference in Yaoundé upon conclusion of her visit on Wednesday 11 September 2013.

Rita Izsák was appointed as Independent Expert on minority issues by the Human Rights Council in June 2011 and took up her functions on 01 August 2011. As Independent Expert, she is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Learn more:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/IExpert/Pages/IEminorityissuesIndex.aspx

(*) Check the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Minorities.aspx

UN Human Rights, Country page – Cameroon: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/CMIndex.aspx

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
In Yaoundé (during the visit): Kiven Timothy Franklin Fonyuy (+237 22 50 58 03 / 79 71 05 94 / tfonyuy@ohchr.org).
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to minorityissues@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts: dong
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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

September 30 Twin Election: Opinion Puts SDF 26 Councils, CPDM 6

By Cassiamandou
CPDM on the Bumpy Road in NW
As September 30, 2013 approaches, a latest opinion poll in the North West Region puts the Social Democratic Front-SDF ahead of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement-CPDM. Political analysts on the other hand have opined that the CPDM will register a serious crash in Wum, Zhoa, Njikwa, Andek, Santa, Bali, Nwa, Ndop, Jakiri, Mbiame, Mbengwi, Nkor and Balikumbat council areas. This is so because of the poor output of the mayors as well as the party wrangling that has divided CPDM militants after the publication of the final list of aspiring councilors. Implicitly, the SDF will retain the Nkambe, Ndu, Belo, Njinikom, Fundong, Bamenda I, II & III, Bafut, Tubah, Nkum, Kumbo, Babessi council areas while the CPDM will triumph in, Bum, Misaje, Ako, Furu-awa, Widikum and Benakuma council areas.
Wum(Dinghabong Anthony versus Buh Sule)
The case of Wum council is so glaring given the poor output of Mayor Njukwe Charles and besides that he has been a perpetual absentee mayor. Popular opinion in Wum puts the SDF on a crushing win. Young and dynamic Dinghabong Anthony heads the CPDM list of 25 councilors while on the other side, it is Buh Sule who is heading SDF list. Yet Njukwe Charles doesn’t feature among the 25 selected CPDM councilors.
Zhoa (Embih Mathilda versus Geh Cyprian Ngum)
Zhoa Council on the other hand is also expected to sink with Hon. Nji Fidelis. More so, the uncompleted Bafmen water project further complicates things for the CPDM party. The CPDM list headed by Embih Mathilda will face SDF list headed by Geh Cyprian Ngum, yet popular opinion in Zhoa favours the SDF list. It should be noted that Zhoa Council has 35 councilors.
Njikwa (Wandum Bernard versus Abianji Lucas)
The mayor of Njikwa for example is little known and his results at the helm of the council have not been cheering. It is alleged that the mayor’s signature was suspended before the decision from MINATD suspending mayor’s signatures. Njikwa council for the past months was managed by the Divisional Officer. The former mayor not featuring on the list of 25 councilors is indicative. Popular opinion in Njikwa puts the SDF on the side of victory.
Andek( Awetua Samuel versus Amboufei Dianna)
Aghogho Johnny has been CPDM mayor for Andek for the past 6 years or so but yet his trappings have been doubted. He has been described as an absentee mayor and more so he was wrapped in the communal stamps scandal. Arrested, detained and later released public opinion indicates that the SDF will bank on these lapses to grab the 25 seats. The fact that the former mayor’s name doesn’t feature on the list of 25 councilors is indicative of an end of reign for the CPDM. 
Santa (Clement Wankie versus Kan Elroy, versus Achu Mandi)
In 2007, the CPDM partook in the sharing of the Santa Council. This was thanks to the efforts of Zachuess Forjindam and JB Ndeh. Forjindam it should be noted bankrolled all the campaigns for the CPDM in 2007. With his arrest and detention, the chips are down for the CPDM. JB Ndeh alone cannot stand the weight of the SDF even though Kan Elroy is CPDM council list. Three political parties, SDF, CPDM and NUDP will be contesting for the 41 available seats. Whether the Santa council would be shared as was the case in 2007 has been aborted by popular opinion.
Bali (Wandum Bunga versus Galiba Joseph, versus Atsaa Godlove)
 Raymond Nwayalla is the mayor of Bali Council, he was elected on July 27, 2007 given that SDF list was disqualified. With the SDF list accepted for the upcoming elections, three political parties will be competing for the 35 seats in Bali Council. Raymond Nwayalla has been up to the task even though his name doesn’t feature on the CPDM list yet trendy judgment holds that the CPDM will be crushed.
Nwa( Dr. Ngomfe versus Anthony Awunte)
In 2007, the CPDM won the Nwa council (41 seats). Yakabong John was elected mayor. He latter died and Dr. Ngomfe Loma David was elected to complete his term of office. Ngomfe’s trappings have been appreciated yet the CPDM is hunted by its own shadow. Public opinion in Nwa is favourable for the SDF as far as the council is concern. The CPDM may likely be beaten but will retain parliamentary seat especially as Mbem is likely to vote SDF for the council.
Ndop (Yah Cecilia versus Mero Nfuh)
In 2007, the CPDM won Ndop council (41 seats) thanks to the Yoyo-Tabali internal wrangling. Yet popular opinion in Ndop holds that the output of Ntoh Daniel as mayor has been mediocre. More so, the fact that Ntoh Daniel was wrapped in the communal stamp scandal whereby he was arrested and detained before was released further complicate election matters for the CPDM. The fact that CPDM militants are actually operating in diverse ranks has worsen the situation.
Jakiri (Jaff Sylvenus versus Jaff Romanus)
The CPDM won the Jakiri council thanks to the efforts deployed by late Christopher Nsahlai. With the demise of Nsahlai, the CPDM in Jakiri is like an orphan. Besides, the fact that Senator Emma Lafon and others ganged up to frustrate Hon. Wirngo’s bid to parliament has divided the CPDM into two factions. Hon. Wirngo’s loyalists have vowed to give CPDM a sanction vote thus giving the SDF the leeway to the council. Jaff Sylvenus is head of the CPDM list for Jakiri while Jaff Romanus is heading the SDF list. Jakiri council it should be noted has 35 councilors and since there are only two political parties, the possibilities of sharing are slim.
Mbiame (Fonyuy Fidelis versus Wirdzenyuy Celestine
Mbiame council has been under the CPDM yet public opinion is aghast with the mayor for being an absentee landlord. Shey Fidelis’s trappings have been underestimated by the population. Indicators are rife at that the SDF will march over by a simple majority. The CPDM for once has ignited preliminary synopsis of an imminent collapse. Even though Shey Fonyuy Fidelis is a financial guru, he may likely get a bitter lesson from Wirdzenyuy Celestine who is list leader for the SDF of 25 councilors. 
Mbengwi(Chunga Patrick versus Edena Enih, versus Fonanih Jonas)
In 2007, the Mbengwi Council was shared between the SDF, CPDM and AFP. Even though the SDF mayor Tah George was napped in the communal saga, his trappings have been applauded. With Minister Ama Muna imposing candidates in Mbengwi, the 2007 victory over Hon. PC Fonso will be far-fetched. This is so given that PC Fonso was flushed out and a vibrant female candidate catapulted. Yet three political parties will face each others in the field. Popular opinion in Mbengwi is for SDF glorious win. However, a sharing could again emerge after the poll another school of thought holds.
Nkor (Forgwei Alfred versus Bambo Pius)
Mayor Shey Kume Michael’s trappings at the helm of Nkor council have been wonderful yet the CPDM in Nkor has been auctioned to the hawks due to internal wrangling. The wrangling between the mayor and the section President may likely hand the council to the SDF on a platter of gold. Public opinion in Nkor holds that if the two could have a genuine reconciliation the CPDM may carry the day, yet another school holds that the disagreement between the two bigwigs jeopardized development project, a case in point being the construction of the Council Chamber. For CPDM to win in Nkor, they should be genuine reconciliation.
Balikumbat( Musi Eveline versus Yivah Alfred)
Balikumbat has been the bastion of the CPDM thanks to HRH Fon Doh Gah Gwanyin. The CPDM will rape the fruits of dismay as the kingpin is no more. Mayor Awasum’s involvement in the communal stamp saga has compounded issues for the CPDM opinion polls dictate. But this would be a serious challenge for Senator Dingha Ignatius and Hon. Banmi to demonstrate that they could fit in Fon Doh’s political shoes. It should be recalled that Balikumbat council has 31 seats.

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

Ebang Samuel Njumbe: Pictogram of Hard Work

 By Comfort Beri

Ebang Samuel Njumbe

One famous philosopher once wrote that “if a man could mount to Heaven and survey the mighty universe, his admiration of its beauty would be much diminished unless he had some to share in his pleasure”. This clearly indicates that life harbors a vacuum and great people can only be identified when they interact in society. In other words, many people in society are just stage decorations while those who work hard in life stage the property to excellence. In fact what keeps the world intact is trust and society is so multifaceted that we are becoming short of trustworthy people. Yet it is not a given to have trustworthy people. However, some people have been able to lead a life that is exemplary. Ebang Samuel Njumbe alias Sango is one of those persons with a prolific slate. He is a man of a specific class and stands out clear in the madding crowd. Born in Tombel of Kupe Mwanenguba, young attended his primary in Nkikih in Bangem where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. In 1992, he moved to Saint Joseph’s Sasse College. As a young as he was, he did his best to catch up with education. Not that he was dull in book work but financially he lacked sponsorship. Haven succeeded to go to form II; he finally left Sasse because of lack money to pay school fees. To him, fate was a guide and he believed that one’s downfall can equally be the beginning of his break-through. Equally, young Njumbe had the belief that until you are once frustrated, you can never fulfill your mission on earth. He then decided to engage himself in farm work. He later got married and had three children. Having the conviction that truly there can never be a change until there is challenge, his elder brother Njumbe Martin, whom he worked in the farm to support his education at the University of Yaounde encouraged him to go back to Sasse College. In 1980, the young father of three went back to Sasse college and this time in form four. At that time his classmates had graduated from the University and were teaching in the same school. The unpaid fees he owed before leaving Sasse in 1973 were thrown off in sympathy by the principal. in complicity with some teachers, Ebang Samuel Njumbe registered the GCE Ordinary levels in four papers and finally passed in three with very good grades. He returned back to Tombel with the determination to succeed in life. Through his farm work, he raised money to set up a second hand bookshop to support desperate students and also preparing for any public service examination as a short-cut to success. Encouraged by the notion that “your destiny determines your value and even experience is what leads you to have what you need”, Njumbe Samuel in 19983 succeeded to enter the public service through a public service examination in the treasury department. After receiving training in the Ministry of Finance on public accounting and nomenclatures, he was transferred to the provincial treasury in Bamenda. He was in 1985 appointed as Chief of Bureau local councils and public establishments at the then provincial treasury in Bamenda, a post he held for three years. In 1988, Ebang Samuel Njumbe was appointed and sent to Donga Mantung Division as Chief of Service for Local Council and Public Establishments at the Divisional treasury in Nkambe, a position he held for eight years. And in 1996, he was appointed in dual capacities as the sub treasurer and municipal treasurer for Ako/ interim municipal and sub treasurer for Misaje. In 1997, he was transferred to Ngie in Momo Division in the same capacity. And on March 11, 2005, Ebang Samuel Njumbe was transferred back to Ako where he is still in service. Besides, he is the proprietor of Hotel Bakassi in Ako, Donga Mantung Division. Ebang Samuel Njumbe was voted by readers of The Eye Newspaper as the best sub Treasurer for Donga Mantung Division. In fact his life story is a lesson that teaches us that it is bad to fail but it is worst never to have tried to succeed, for failure is only an opportunity for more intelligent beginning and also it is sure that you can be a blessing if you work hard in life. Life as they say is a fleeing mystery and so too is society. And only those who get up early in the morning with a vision will succeed.


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

Meet Ngum Jerome The Award Winning Mayor of Elak-Oku

 By Fai Cassian

Ngum Jerome: The Award Winning Mayor

 One of the major challenges and  debate nationwide has been the  capability of some elected officials to tackle development process in their sphere of influence. The mayor of Elak-Oku Council, Ngum Jerome has been able to delineate that politics is development and that alleviating poverty and miseries in rural areas is precedence of priority that makes politics and development bedmates.
Life, they say is a combination of trials and tribulations but great people look beyond trials and tribulations. They look beyond the horizon that appears to be the end of the world and see other opportunities that nobody imagines can exist. And their interested act of dreaming, acting and realizing the dreams have positive multiplier effect on society. This is because they are born with talent and to make things happen, they combine talent with hard work and determination. The very essence rural development is that you need to have vision since you can’t blow an uncertain trumpet. Nevertheless, innovation distinguishes between a great politician and a charlatan.
Ngum Jerome is the Mayor of Elak-Oku in Bui Division. For the past six years, he has taken the development to the doorsteps of his people. But unlike ordinary visionaries who see far and remain on their original position, Ngum Jerome did wait for things to happen for his municipality. As a great lobbyist, he lobbied and obtained financial support from FEICOM, PNDP, GP DERUDEP and other partners in development to achieve his vision. The most interesting thing about this innovation mayor who was voted by readers of The Eye Newspaper as the Best of the Best in Bui Division has rumbles of serious innovative ideas that have kept afloat all development initiatives. For these reasons, Ngum Jerome is succeeding where others have fumbled, stumbled and tumbled over.
Rudyard Kipling, one of the finest English writers once said that “if you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs and if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat the two the same, yours is earth and everything that is in it”. This is a straightforward reality and in fact there is no doubt that Rudyard Kipling had this inspiration from the obstacles and barriers we often crush to get to prominence. In our contemporary society this statement could only be referred to one person, Ngum Jerome Njiloh, the Mayor of Elak Oku.
What is important about this award winning mayor is that he is innovative, down to earth and fertile in expedients. He falls within the ranks of the new breed of politicians born with extra abilities to surmount all sorts of barrier to emerge successful. If we go by Albert Einstein who declared that genius is 1/10 inspiration and 9/10 perspiration, Ngum Jerome is a genius. This means that for somebody to be termed a genius that person must be a workaholic. In this light, Ngum Jerome Njiloh merits to be mentioned first among development luminaries if not the story of North West politicians will remain unfinished. What is so interesting about this pragmatic mayor is that he has done extraordinary things in a very common way.
 If has  become a celebrity it is because he is doing extraordinary things and he is entering history books in great names: Meet him for a discussion then you will discover you have met an honest intellectual. The courage and the frankness he expresses tell you that he was naturally born a workaholic. It is this frankness, hard work and determination that have made him the most admired man of all men in action.

The Great Politician
John Quincy Adams says that if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Ngum Jerome is a politician with exceptional leadership qualities. Being a great support of President Biya and the CPDM, his actions are litmus test of what a politician ought to be. He is a shoulder on whom Prime Minister Yang Philemon would lean to pass the ideologies of the CPDM to his Constituency given that he masters grassroots politics and is constantly in the field. And since the final test of a politician is that he/she leads the young as their role model. Ngum Jerome is actually the role model who doesn’t talk about development politics in speeches but puts them into practice. In getting to where he is today and especially excelling in local politics, he toiled labourously to transform President Biya’s vision into concrete reality. That is why today he is building common frontiers for all segments of society. In doing this, he followed the principle outlined by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that ‘heights by great “men” reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companies slept, they were toiling upward in the night’. As the CPDM Mayor elected in 2007, he could have decided like others to do the simple things, but because he believes like Lance Armstrong that ‘greatness is not a measure of how great you are but of how great others came to be because of you’, he decided embark on the disenclavement of his municipality using politics as a tool. Putting politics and development in one basket to sermonize the ideologies of the CPDM has put him into the minds of all and sundry. That is why as a pragmatic politician he is loved, admired and cherished by the poor and lowly in the municipality, the middle class and the rich without any barriers. Today, he is scoring high for the CPDM because of that firm choice.
 What makes him the shinning political icon in the eyes of his people is that he is a politician with a vision who acts promptly. Vision and action are two cardinal ingredients for success and as the Japanese proverb hold: ‘vision without action is daydream; Action without vision is nightmare’. He neither daydreams nor entertains nightmares. This is because of his zeal to recreate passing through politics and knowing like Abraham Lincoln who once said that ‘the best way to predict the future is to create it’; Ngum Jerome puts into CPDM vision the necessary ingredients that make him to succeed.

The Result-oriented Mayor
As September 30 approaches, one of the major challenges that some elected official will face will be to present their stewardship to the population. But Ngum Jerome on the contrary would be hailed for being result oriented at the helm of Elak-Oku Council. From Mbam to Jikijem, down to Ebai, every community in the municipal has something to be proud of.  For being a mark of difference in the fight against poverty, Ngum Jerome’s legacies ranges from the provision of potable water to construction of classrooms, market sheds, slaughter houses, community halls, health centers, farms to market roads, etc. In fact Ngum Jerome has proven exceptionally that his being there at the helm of the Elak Oku Council was by merit and not a favour. He established a program aimed at supporting local initiatives and projects that are geared towards sustainable development. From all practical demonstrations, he is going into history books in big names: the development luminary, promoter of sustainable development, Best Mayor etc…Ever since he became mayor, the administrative account of the council has registered sanity and has also risen. Elak council area is the largest and most populated as per the last census, yet Ngum Jerome has generated the best results in the region.

Infrastructure Development: Priority of Priorities
Developing farms to market roads and linking villages to villages was one of the major axes of the Elak Council under Ngum Jerome from 2007. In collaboration with GP DERUDEP and FEICOM has been able to develop and open the highest number of earth roads in the North West Region. The council also adopted an approach to stimulate community work by villages on road maintenance. This new approach ignited the council to empower road maintenance committees of some with basic road maintenance tools made up of spades, wheelbarrows, digging axes etc we learnt from a young man along the Oku-Noni Road. The construction of the Tolon-Balu road from HIPC Funds as well as the bridge over river Mii.
In order to restyle Oku town, the council also carried out maintenance and rehabilitation work on a number of streets. Taking into consideration the construction of the Elak Council Chamber at the old market, there was the need to give the site more visibility.
Ngum Jerome Njiloh, the council lobbied and obtained funds from FEICOM for the construction of a Council Chamber to accommodate all the council services. Elak Council became the first in Bui Division to put up a befitting Council Chamber which enabled council services to move from the old building to a befitting structure. The Council Chamber is one of the numerous legacies of Ngum Jerome at the helm of the Elak Oku Council that always attracts the admiration. Moving the council from an obscured location to it present site according to Ngum Jerome has helped to bring municipal services closer to the population. Oku council under Ngum Jerome also embarked on providing marketing avenues in the municipality. The construction of sales points and market sheds in the have been cited among some of the projects whose impact is tremendous on the population.
The construction of bridges and culverts were also part of Elak Council’s priorities, such as the bridge over Ketume have disenclaved the municipality. The construction of classrooms through FEICOM, PNDP and GP DERUDEP support has resulted to an improvement in pupils and students performances. Under Ngum Jerome, every village and quarter has a good testimony of his work.

Improving Access to Potable Water
Before taking over the council, one of the major problems in the municipality was the scarcity of water. To Ngum Jerome, keeping the population without potable water was not safe at all especially at a point in time much is being talked about cholera.
With the collaboration of the government and development partners some giant water schemes were constructed to serve three communities in the municipality.

Promoting Sustainable Development through Mini Agro-pastoral shows
Elak Council generates more than 75% of its revenue from the buying and selling of agricultural and livestock produce as well as Non Timber Forest Products-NTFPs (honey). The most interesting thing about Elak Council is that with Ngum Jerome, the promotion of agricultural, forestry and livestock produce is primordial. This could not leave the council indifference in promoting these activities. Since 2007, the Elak Council has made the farmer’s jamboree a yearly event. It council sponsors the show every year as a way for farmers to share ideas, knowledge and experiences.  And at the end, distinguished farmers are awarded prizes and certificates as a way to stimulate growth and perfection. To the mayor, the best way to go industrial is to promote the agro-pastoral and apicultural sectors. Through the show, the best speculations in the municipality are promoted and awarded compensation for hard work.
The scope of intervention of the Elak Council in the fight against poverty and promoting sustainable development, the mayor acknowledges that in providing assistance to beneficiaries as indicated above, “ we take into consideration the needs of the concerned and it should be an ongoing project that it impact will reach the entire community or village”.

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Assault on Hon. Awudu's Wife and Market Master: Fru Ndi Petitions to Biya on Terror in Nkambe

 FC Junior

Ndi John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman is alleged to have written to President Paul Biya informing him of the political anarchy that reigns in Nkambe. Classified sources hinted that the decision was endorsed by Members of the National Executive Council of the Social Democratic Front in Bamenda a forth night ago. The petition we gathered is already on President Biya’s table. The Eye is aware that MINATD boss Rene Sadi is conversant with the havoc caused by CPDM party militia in Nkambe. MINATD boss we gathered has requested for a complete report on the incident of Wat where Hon. Awudu Mbaya and the market master for Wat were assaulted by CPDM militants.
Donga Mantung SDO Puts Promoters of Party Militia to Task, Warns
The Senior Divisional for Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region has warned against the creation of party militia in the Division. Addressing political stakeholders against the backdrop of the Wat incident where Mary Awudu Ngayi, (wife of Hon. Awudu) and the market master for Wat (Ngwayi Ivo alias Ajento Baba) were assaulted by CPDM militants, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard made it clear that Donga Mantung is not fertile ground for party militias. He warned that anyone who takes the law into his/her hands or carries out jungle justice like was the case in Wat will have to be punished accordingly in conformity with the regulations in force. Harping on the Wat incident where some individual took the law into their hands, Donga Mantung SDO warned that Nkambe is already having a bad image because of that incident. On the security measures, the SDO revealed that all drinking spots (beer parlours, sha houses and fiang drinking spots) shall be closed at certain hours of the night adding that routine patrols shall ensure it strict respect. He emphasized that peace must reign in Donga Mantung before, during and after the September 30, Municipal and Legislative Elections reechoed the need for peaceful co-existence and political tolerance.  He catapulted the media for it role in sensitizing the population on the distribution of voters’ cards. Responsible journalism, the SDO observed should be the menu of media practitioners in Donga Mantung Division. He also warned that political parties shouldn’t us traditional rulers as political tools. As September 30, approaches, he ordered that all the political parties must obtained a declaration from the competent authorities before organizing any rally.
Of Political Gangsterism and Party Militia
 A Joint Sub Section Conference of the CPDM which took place Wat Market Square has entered into records as the darkness corner in politics in Nkambe Central. This is so because it was transformed into a boxing ring. The story goes that CPDM militants had chosen the market shed constructed by Hon. Awudu Mbaya and handed to the council as the avenue of the meeting without permission from neither the mayor nor the market master. Early that morning, CPDM militants transformed the market shed into a grandstand, upon getting the information that the beans market has been transformed into a political rally ground, the mayor of Nkambe Mangoh Jones Tanko stormed the market. He was accompanied by the wife of the Member of Parliament and four others. When Mangoh Jones Tanko , Mary Awudu and four others stormed the market arguing that the market shed is not a grandstand, CPDM militants resisted, brandishing a declaration with two round stamps that the document was signed by the supervisory authority. In the course of the arguments, Chifu David Ngenge alias Simple DNC, intervened and it degenerated to him slapping Mary Awudu. Tempers are said to have flared after the incident. Upon arrival on the scene the 2nd Assistant SDO for Donga Mantung Div. called on Musa Shey Nfor, aspiring CPDM councilor for Ngwanri village and Waka Emmanuel, CPDM aspiring councilor for Mbaah, who allegedly refused that they were not the ones who selected neither the avenue nor those who declared the rally to the administration. It is even alleged that the declaration that was brandished was fake given that in no circumstance should such a document carry two round stamps. Manshang Nicholas immediately ordered the CPDM to quit the market shed given that they were disturbing public peace as well as the market women who were selling beans. Ajento Baba, the market master for Wat told this reporter that the incident has disturbed him from collecting revenue. Mami Brigette Yaah from Mbanka said she brought 10 buckets of beans, but could only sell 2. Mariama Mbibu says she sold only 1 bucket out of 3 buckets she brought to the market. Mary Awudu said that she was annoyed because the market shed was constructed for women to sell beans and not to host political rallies. It should be noted that it is thanks to that market shed that a beans market was created in Wat.  According to what we gathered, buyers who usually come from far off areas like Bamenda, Kumbo and Douala were scared. Talking to this reporter, Musa Shey Nfor said that the incident took place when he had left the market.  Many have been questioning the lesson that some of these politicians are passing to the youths as politics has been transformed into a sinkhole. Majority of the CPDM militants who spoke to this reporter condemned the act of slapping somebody’s wife and a mother for that matter. However, Barr. Chifu Ngenge David is quoted to have told Radio Danbaturi that he was provoked by Mary Awudu who gave him the first slap, held him by the tie and that for the past years he had received insults from her. Moreso, he also said that Mary Awudu once said that he (Chifu Ngenge David) was dismissed from the police because he was a bad element.
Ngwayi Ivo alias Ajento Baba is on hospital bed given that he almost gave off the ghost after receiving a snake beating from two CPDM militants. Ngwayi Ivo told this reporter that while at the toll gate, he was approach by Tangong Oliver alias young mayor; he accused him of having informed the mayor on the rally that was planned in the market. According to what Ngwayi Ivo told this on hospital bed, he said when he responded that he only did his job as a market master, one young man who was driving the car by name Nfor Awoh alias Nfor Jekaje came out of the car and gave him a dirty slap that landed him on the floor. He said he only recalled that Tangong Oliver kicked him on the head. “As for what happened to me, I cannot remember because I only discovered myself in a house lying”, he said.  It is even alleged that Ngwayi Ivo may be transferred to Bafoussam hospital for the scanning of the head. Even though classified sources say the matter has been taken to court, public opinion in Nkambe is aghast with the laxity that the SDF party is handling the issue and many have questioned whether the law courts have closed. Anembom Munjo, SDF communication Secretary told journalists last weekend at the NEC meeting that the party has taken it stand on the issue and that SDF will make sure that justice prevail. “If you slap Hon. Awudu’s wife, then you have equally slapped him. This is not a joking matter”, Anembom reiterated. It is this act that the SDO for Donga Mantung has condemned as party militia, saying it won’t be tolerated.

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

Ntumfor Nico Halle's Message of Peace at The Eye Newspaper

Fai Cassian Ndi

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, North West Peace Crusader cum CMF National President’s path to the attainment of the common good and to peace is above all that of respect for human life in all its many aspects, beginning with its conception, through its development and up to its natural end. The true peace crusader recently issued a message of Peace which was presented to Cameroonians in Nkambe during the 6th Anniversary of The Eye Newspaper/ National Award of Excellence. The message which was read to the crowd by Nfor Francis drew the attention of the people with the insinuations that:  those who love defend and promote human life in all its dimensions, personal, communitarian and transcendent are agents of peace. In his message Ntumfor Barr. Nico Hall also urges that life in its fullness is the height of peace. To Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle the many different efforts at peacemaking which abound testify to mankind’s innate vocation to peace. He called on every person put the desire for peace as an essential aspiration which coincides in a certain way with the desire for a full, happy and successful human life. In other words, the desire for peace corresponds to a fundamental moral principle, namely, the duty and right to an integral social and communitarian development, which is part of God’s plan for mankind. Man is made for the peace which is God’s gift.
All of this, he wrote led him to draw inspiration for the Message from the words of Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).
Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle further emphasized in his message that “peace is the weapon of the strong, whereas violence is the weapon of the weak and stupid”. This statement he noted was coined “more than 20years ago to dissuade Fons and elite who were striving in violence and tribal conflict that had taken the North West Region hostage. You would agree with me that conflict situations have greatly reduced. Also the fight against’ Corruption and moral decadence’ has been for the past years my major focus given that resources that are meant for the common good of all have been systematically looted and plundered by a few unpatriotic Cameroonians. This fight should be by all Cameroonians if we must reverse the trend” he concluded

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NEC Meeting: SDF Advocates for Justice Before, During and After Elections

SDF Shadow Cabinet Minister for Youth and Social Welfare has declared that only justice can save Cameroon from collapsing into the doldrums. Briefing journalists in Bamenda during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) Prof. Paul Nkwi said “if Cameroonians, Government, ELECAM and stakeholders are serious” there is nothing that can save Cameroon excerpt justice. According to Prof. Paul Nkwi, it is time for Cameroonians to be allowed to vote their consciences.  He further emphasized that the SDF party is for justice to prevail before, during and after the September 30 Municipal and Legislative Elections in Cameroon. He cited the case of Tiko where a CPDM council list was cooked up and was admitted by the Supreme Court, whereas according to Prof. Nkwi, the CPDM did deposit any council list in Tiko council area for the upcoming municipal elections. “This is unacceptable”, he noted. He observed that it is high time for Cameroonians to be given the chance to elect their leaders. 

It should be recalled that the National Executive Committee of the SDF is meeting after Supreme Court ignored and rejected petitions submitted by the SDF party. Today, August 24, would certainly enter into history books as the day the SDF took a stand on election matters. As Cameroonians await the final resolutions of NEC as to the decisions of the Supreme Court, sources say today's meeting will be stormy. Besides, classified sources also hinted that the assault on Madame Mary Awudu and Ngwayi Ivo by some CPDM militants in Nkambe will be one of the key points to be discussed. Pictures of Mary Awudu and Ngwayi Ivo we gathered were being paraded at NEC Meeting. The issue we have been informed is a hot potato in the hands of the administration as party militia takes Nkambe Central Hostage. 

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Liberian news outlet shut down, publisher jailed

 Abuja, Nigeria, August 23, 2013--The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemns moves by Liberian authorities to shut down FrontPageAfrica and jail its publisher for not paying US$1.5 million in damages related to a libel conviction.

Police shut down the offices citing a court order, pictured on FrontPageAfrica's website, that said the offices would remain closed and publication cease until the damages are paid in full. The website is registered in the United States, not in Liberia, and is still publishing news.

FrontPageAfrica's publisher, Rodney Sieh, was jailed on Wednesday after telling a judge that he was unable to pay the damages owed to Chris Toe, a former government minister who had sued Sieh, FrontPageAfrica, and Samwar Fallah, a reporter for the paper, for libel three years ago. Toe sued them for US$2 million in February 2010 after the paper reported the findings of an official government inquiry that accused Toe of corruption, according to news reports. Toe resigned from his government position and was never charged. In his complaint, he said FrontPageAfrica's reports were libelous because he was never convicted in court. He has denied all of the allegations against him.

In February 2011, a court convicted Sieh, FrontPageAfrica, and Fallah and ordered them to pay a total of US$1.5 million in damages and US$90,000 in court costs, Sieh told CPJ before he was jailed. Sieh told CPJ that FrontPageAfrica could not afford to pay the damages. Local journalists told CPJ that the heavy fine imposed was a deliberate ploy to shut down the critical newspaper. FrontPageAfrica has repeatedly reported on corruption, official misconduct, and human rights abuses.

Information Minister Lewis Brown said that Sieh had chosen to go to jail rather than "abide by the court's ruling to pay," according to news reports. Sieh has refused to eat or drink water since he was jailed, his colleagues told CPJ. He will remain jailed until he pays the damages, according to news reports.

"The excessive damages levied against FrontPageAfrica have all along been a transparent ploy to shut down a newspaper that has gained international acclaim for exposing corruption and official misconduct at the highest levels of the Liberian government," said Peter Nkanga, CPJ's West Africa Consultant. "Rodney Sieh does not deserve to spend a moment in prison, but if authorities would concentrate on investigating and prosecuting corruption allegations, they might find someone who does."

In 2011, the court denied FrontPageAfrica's motion for retrial despite reports of the jury being bribed. Liberia's judiciary ranks as the third most corrupt Liberian government institution, according to Transparency International's 2013 Global Corruption Barometer. Liberia has a history of silencing press critics through libel lawsuits, according to CPJ research.

On July 16, 2013, the Supreme Court upheld the judgment against FrontPageAfrica, saying that the appeal process had not been completed, Koffi Woods, lawyer for FrontPageAfrica, told CPJ. Under Liberian law, an appeal can only be heard after the defendant pays a bond of 2 percent of the total amount, Woods said. The lawyer said Sieh did not have the money for the bond.

Authorities have not been able to find Fallah, who has resigned from FrontPageAfrica.

FrontPageAfrica said the newspaper is appealing the case before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. The ECOWAS Community Court, which has jurisdiction to hear individual complaints of alleged human rights violations, is the judicial arm of the Nigeria-based Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The court's decisions are legally binding on ECOWAS member states, which include Liberia.

• For more data and analysis, visit CPJ's Liberia page.

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Ahead September 30, Martin Fon Yembe Speaks Out

 Martin Fon Yembe, former SDF Provincial chairman has made a public declaration ahead of the September 30, 2013 Municipal elections. The award winning political icon who is SDF aspiring councilor for Ndu council in Donga Mantung Division says "one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics" is that those who refuse to be part " end up being governed by" their inferiors. 

Excerpts

 I write to extend my greetings to all my friends and those who don’t agree with me in one way or the other. I do so at a time my people of Ngarum in the Ndu Local Government Area have chosen me to represent
them at the forth-coming local elections in Ndu. I do so, believing that the prayers of two are better than that of one. I do so, conscious of the task we have to overcome the hurdles placed in our paths by the devil incarnate, the CPDM. I do so, with Psalm 119: vs 105 as my guide, God’s Word being the lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I do so based on Plato’s principle that “ One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
I believe that  each person must do their part. If some of us are unwilling to participate in elections, no matter how bad the laws are, all of us are going to suffer. I have the conviction that I too can contribute in the alleviation of the present precarious state of things in my community. Reason why I pray you put me in your prayers as I will be appreciating any ideas from you to help me and my community fly above the mountains
of troubles and tribulations. May God continue to bless and sustain you. To Him alone be the Glory.
MARTIN FON YEMBE

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