PM Yang to Meet Biya's Unfulfilled Promise to Donga Mantung Division

 By Cassimania

Politicians nowadays have proven that they no long feel they have a profound responsibility to tell the truth. Call them the people of the liar and you would have said the right thing. Promising heaven when they cannot even afford hell for a people or community appears to be a style that has become automatic in politics, not something they agonize over.  Lying has become normal behavior especially in lofty campaign speeches or during political campaigning. The 2013 municipal and legislative elections is providing another fora for politicians to think that they no longer spend time justifying it to themselves or their supporters what the promised and could fulfilled. 

Prime Minister Yang Philemon is expected his first entry point into Donga Mantung on Friday September20, 2013 from Nwa where he will woo voters. Since the Prime Minister will surely travel on the Ring Road, he will meet Biya’s un-kept (unfulfilled) promise of personally supervising the tarring of the Ring Road.  The ring road has remained the darkest corner of the history of the people of Donga Mantung Division for the past 52 years. Yet, the CPDM talks of development more than any other political party. “Let them give us the road and the CPDM has our votes, they have just two weeks to do that. We are tired of empty promises. Don’t they say that where the road passes development follows”, says Ndzi Kembang, a driver. Eventhough PM Yang will move in an exceptionally luxurious car, he will surely get a glimpse of the ordeal, the torture and fill the bitterness from the hot air.

 At about 11 am, he is also expected to address the population to cajole for votes. From Nwa, PM Yang will stage manage another political rally at the Ndu grandstand at about 1pm that the same Friday September 20, 2013. In his capacity as the CPDM Campaign Manager for the North West Region, he will meet the following burning issues. In Nwa, expectations are at that PM Yang would surely address the issue of transforming the oldest sub Division (Nwa) into a full-flesh Division. An issue many a political elite(s) think is overdue.

While in Ndu, the population will be looking straight into his face anxiously for him to present a word from the National Chairman of the CPDM Paul Biya. Hear-say in Ndu, we gathered is expecting that PM Yang Philemon should announce the date, or day that President Biya himself will come to apologize to the people. The apology according to pundits is linked to the incident (Ndu genocide) that took place in Ndu some years ago when the military brutalized the population which resulted to lose of lives.

However, on Saturday, September 21, Prime Minister Philemon Yang will fly over Nkambe to Ako, the border town to stage another political campaign meeting at about 10 am. Ako Sb Division has its own mishap. The lack of roads, potable water, electricity and the worst is that the economy of 55% of the villages is in the hands of the neighboring country for lack of access roads into the Cameroon markets. The CFA Francs is not even recognized in these villages, yet the politics lies in the hands of Cameroon. At about 2pm, Prime Minister Philemon and his campaign team will touch the soil of Nkambe, the Divisional headquarters of the former Nkambe Division. In Nkambe, PM Yang will surely observe from inside his limousine how cars are moving anti-clockwise to Bamenda, as the ring road has gone in tears again. He will see on the faces of those who cannot even tell him the truth that the creation of the Far North West Region(Savannah Region) is a general cry and that the more days, months and years pass, the more exhausted the people are.

From Nkambe, PM Yang will move to Misaje Sub Division at about 4pm. While in Misaje, Yang will have the possibility portray that charity begins at home and justice next day. However, expectations are high as to the fact the Misaje has the potentials of being an earth road junction linking Cameroon to Nigeria. More so, the population will be expecting to listen to him pronounce the tarring of the Misaje-Noni-Oku road and or the creation of the Kimbi Division( Misaje, Noni, Oku and Bum included). He will bid farewell to the people of Donga Mantung from Misaje via Kimbi.

But What will He (Yang) Tell the People of Donga Mantung

If politics as they say is a way of life, and or a short-cut to development speculations as to what Prime Minister Yang Philemon will tell the people of Donga Mantung abound high. This is so because for the past years, politicians make empty promises, get votes and disappear into the wilderness. This is not a matter of cynicism; it is just prudent and logical to mistrust just about everything said by any politician. Be it of the opposition or the party in government, they are birds of the same feathers says John Tawong Nguro. To Nkeh Valiscos, “if you think that a particular politician lies supports your views, then it may not bother you, but it should”. While Kang Germanus is of the opinion that people should forget about the rationalization that politicians merely misspeak or that they are just fallible human beings like the rest of us.  He says the regular behavior of politicians is lying without any hint of it.  The only thing that politicians now fear is losing control and inadvertently telling the truth!

However when it comes to Yang Philemon, Cameroonians think he is not just a good man but a right person. Surely, PM Yang will start by telling the people of Donga Mantung what he thinks is right. Since it is a political meeting, no one would dare to present the problems of his or her locality. The song birds of praises would sing the CPDM song and leave the scene. Yet Yang is expected to talk about the tarring of the ring road, whether contract has been awarded or not and if yes which company.

If the statement is not pronounced, it will not just be a wrong step for the CPDM; it would be the wrong track and the falling into an abyss.

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

Two Detained for Destroying Campaign Posters

By Cassimania 

An atmosphere of uncertainty looms large in Nkambe as political campaigns enter into high gear. While presiding at the official launching of campaigns in Nkambe, Hon. Awudu Mbaya, SDF Parliamentary candidate for Nkambe Central frowned at the manner at which politicians are using young boys to carryout obnoxious practices. Hon. Awudu Mbaya made it clear that at the divisional launching of SDF campaigns for the upcoming municipal/ legislative elections that whosoever is caught in such an act will have to face the law. Talking to the crowd estimated at about 20.000, Hon. Awudu Mbaya disclosed that his campaign posters have been destroyed and that it is a planned act by some individuals to sabotage SDF campaigns in Donga Mantung Division. He said unfortunately for the vandals, two of them fell in Gendarme dragnet and they are actually helping the officers to investigate into the matter."Destroying my campaign posters is just one of the several attempts by the CPDM in Nkambe to sabotage our campaigns" Hon. Awudu added. He said the notion of buying voters' cards is rampant yet said with all these attempts, the beating shall not be physical but through the ballot box. Talking to this reporter, Hon. Awudu Mbaya said last week a young man was caught with buying voters' cards at 2000FCFA each and when quizzed he said he was assigned by someone. He said as campaigns continue, that man from Mbuwarr who disbursed money to youths to buy voters' cards will be named and shamed in public.

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

2013 Municipal/Legislative Elections: Show of Strength, Riches by SDF in Nkambe

Awudu Mbaya & Esther Ngala 

By Cassimania in Nkambe
The 2013 Municipal/Legislative elections of September 30, 2013 is already entering into record books in big names a "Show of Riches, Strength and Popularity". The launching of the campaigns by the Social Democratic Front-SDF in Nkambe has demonstrated that politics is a game that goes with numbers, riches

and gimmicks.

Militants, sympathizers and supporters of the SDF showed up in their numbers to listen to party officials as well as candidates. Addressing the crowd, the SDF District Chairman for Nkambe Mbeh Wilfred said time has come for those who said they could challenge in the polls to showcase their strength.  He said the SDF has been provoked and that it is now time for the truth. Campaigns, he added are not for people to tell lies but a time for everyone to show what he or she has done and what has been projected. He concluded that the SDF has already won calling on those on the opposite side (CPDM) to join them on September 30, to celebrate their genuine victory. 

The "manju" matching into the Nkambe grandstand

The Mayor of Nkambe on his part said that since politics started in Cameroon, what he is seeing could easily be described as the "riches campaigns ever". " I am a student of international politics and i have watched campaigns around the world. In fact this is the richest campaign. Do not always provoke someone who is richer than you are".
Mangoh Jones Tanko added that for the past 16 years the SDF run Council in Nkambe has recruited teachers, constructed classrooms, water schemes, health centers etc. Above all, he has constructed the best council hall which is second to none in the region, a befitting grandstand and a sports complex. Yet lamented that CPDM bigwigs have been holding meetings in the grandstand which he constructed and have the guts to say he has done nothing. Mangoh Jones Tanko added that while others are talking about development, the SDF is talking about consolidating sustainable development. Mangoh Jones Tanko continued by calling on the population of Donga Mantung Division to vomit the CPDM for once and for all. He said a sanction vote will serve the CPDM right for refusing to give the people of Donga Mantung the ring road, hospitals and other basic necessities. 

Madame Mary Awudu alias Ma Mary cum Campaign Manager of Awudu Mbaya in her usual style captured the minds of the populace in her speech. Mary Awudu said, the SDF is a sure bet and that victory is already on their way. She said money cannot buy everything because the (Wi)Mbum people are not items that could be bought and sold at 2000 FCFA. She wondered whether those who promised to empty their bank accounts to chase away Awudu Mbaya from Parliament have gone incomatoes with the riches. However, she reminded the population about the incident that took place at Wat where she was slapped. "By beating me, you will not even win this election". In her usual manner what she could said in her speech was also sang in a song. She added that the campaign was a kind of thank you that Hon. Awudu Mbaya wants to appease his people who have stood behind him for the past 16 years as MP for Nkambe. She went further adding that for the past 16 years, Hon. Awudu has nevr discriminate, h has constructed bridges in Tabenken, built the Green House at Binka Palace, donated to all the schools, churches, health centers yet she is surprised that a group of people want to divide the Mbum people through clannish politics. While explaining the meaning of names, she went further to say that Hon. Awudu will die before the CPDM will ever think of winning the parliamentary seat in Nkambe. However, she added that since politics in Nkambe has been transformed into insults, anyone that insults her will be served with a complete dosage."In fact we are not a foolish majority as they claimed, we are a people with a vision, focus and direction aimed at consolidating sustainable development, eradicating abject poverty and sacrificing to promote democracy, eradicate injustice and all those societal ills". The SDF is a vision she affirmed in a humorist song.

Hon. Esther Ngala Ntala, SDF incumbent for Ndu in the Nkambe Centre added that in Ndu the SDF has already won. She told the crowd that in Ndu, they have UFO politicians who pass time insulting them as illiterates yet the prowess is being doubted. He said that before elections were announced, there was one young man in Ndu, who was already carrying along with him the title of "Honourable". She said the young man on May 20, sat majestically on a horse and was waving at the crowd but the unfortunate thing is that the next day, the horse died. More so, when the moment for submission of candidature came, he also disappeared into the wilderness because he was not even allowed to contest. She regretted that before senatorial elections, Ndu had it own senator who was on papers making noise but when the time for people to be elected came, that very would-be never disappeared because the CPDM rejected him. "We have rejected all of them in Ndu" she added.  "It is a shame that the would-be senator of yesterday is struggling to enter into the council", she concluded.

Hon. Awudu Mbaya on his part warned that those who are destroying his campaign posters should no that it is against the law to commit such an act. He revealed that a day ago, some three recalcitrant boys were picked up by forces of order fraglante delito when they were destroying his posters. He called on the population to not give out their voters' cards in exchange for 2000 FCFA note. Hon. Awudu also declared that politics should be practiced with human face given in the next two weeks the struggle of ideas will end and they will still remain brothers and sisters. Yet Hon. Awudu Mbaya regretted that people who yesterday wanted to be MPs and or senators with lucrative jobs in cities have all come back home fighting to be councilors. "These ones are council session councilors but what i am asking them is why is it that they want to grasp everything for themselves". He also wondered loudly whether he (Awudu) was the person who asked that Biya should dismiss them. However, he said the Nkambe people are contented with the post of questor and they are jealously keeping it. He went down memory lane to pay homage to the great names in Donga Mantung politics starting with Late HON. JT Ndzi, Hon. Nsakwa, Fon Michael, Hon. Nsakwa, Hon. Tamfu etc but lamented that it politics is not war or money. "Where is this politics of sharing money coming form?' he questioned. Some of the CPDM militants he said who wanted to be ministers have now invaded villages that they want to be councilors "shame to them" he said. To Hon. Awudu Mbaya, anyone who thinks that he/she can promote politics of bitterness and hatred to excel should be considered as being on the wrong side of history. "It is not war because if w destroy ourselves, we will compete with who tomorrow?".
Talking about the Ndu genocide where women, men, boys and young girls were beaten to death by forces of law and order, Hon. Awudu Mbaya reminded the people that anyone who goes out to vote for such a government should be considered as being in a state of sin. He also announced that Fru Ndi, SDF National chairman will be in Misaje and Nkambe on September 26, and 27th respectively. In his conclusion, he revealed that plans to rig elections by the CPDM have been uncovered and anyone caught in the art of trying to rig the polls will face th population. "Vote and protect your votes from the hawks".

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

Late President Ahidjo’s Daughter Gives Reasons Why She is Campaigning for CPDM

 By FC Ndi

Aminatou flanked by Jean Nkuete

The daughter of the first President of Cameroon has given the underlying reasons for her joining the CPDM. "My membership in the CPDM goes beyond the mere possession of a voter a card. It results from the requirement to take an inheritance. As I said, much of the history of Cameroon is in this family, I can not ignore that another part of this story runs in my veins. And the blood that flows in my veins, I can still hear nostalgic emotions of my father President Ahmadou Ahidjo who worked tirelessly to build a strong and prosperous Cameroon " "Act otherwise would be to betray the memory of my father as the bounden duty to bring my modest contribution to the advancement of our dear and beautiful country. Do otherwise would be ungrateful vis-à-vis thousands of parents, brothers and sisters for whom my return home is a new beginning. To do otherwise would finally fail in my duty of gratitude to the National President Paul Biya through whom I speak today” says Aminatou Ahidjo. She cleared the air a forthight ago while addressing CPDM militants in Garoua. Repeating a quote from President Biya as well she added that “sometimes you forget the past. Mutual forgiveness”, she emphasized is “a path that leads to lasting peace. We must have the courage to silence our passions to focus on the essential, that is to say, move forward together, hand in hand, towards the realization of our national destiny. This is the price that we can create the conditions for genuine reconciliation of hearts and minds and strengthen our democracy ", is according to Paul Biya in a speech in 1992 in Garoua.

However, critical minds are of the opinion that she is a disgrace to the family while popular opinion holds that she is grown up, knows the right from the wrong and it is her freedom to chose where to belong.

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

Meet Ateh K Thomson Pepeah: The Youngest Parliamentary Candidate

Ateh K Thomson Pepeah: The Future of  Cameroon Politics

 Fai Cassian

If there is anyone who is actually demonstrating that politics is a way of life, it is Ateh K Thomson Pepeah, PAP Parliamentary candidate for Bamenda/ Bali. Born on June 6, 1986 in Mezam Division of the North West Region, Ateh K Thomson is the youngest candidate in the upcoming Municipal/Legislative elections. Commentators have averred that the young dynamic rising politician is an icing youth who has exceptionally distinguished himself as an extraordinary politician. If there is any candidate in Mezam that the SDF fears most, it is Ateh.  Ateh K Thomson’s trappings in leadership positions make him a fit, Expressionists have confirmed. The very school of thought holds that his candidature should not be neglected because since politics is the art of the impossible, PAP’s candidate for Bamenda-Bali could spring surprises. Although Ateh is still very young, he is one of the rarest candidates who has been questioning government actions. Talking to this reporter in Bamenda ahead of Sunday’s official opening of political campaigns, Ateh K Thomson said the reasons that pushed him to run for Parliament are multi-dimensional. Accordingly, he revealed that the pivotal reason is to vote better laws including the complete revision of the supreme law- the constitution as well as enable him to better control government actions. Harping on how his candidature is one of hope and seeks to inspire future leaders, Ateh added that “it is no doubt that after so many years, Cameroon’s democratic process is still creeping”, and there is the need for it to grow stronger. This he said can only be effective if youths take part in politics or have their voice heard. He added that there is need for Cameroonians to reflect over the present politico and socio-cultural diversity and this could only be done when youths participate in politics. To Ateh, there is an urgent need to carryout educational reforms that would meet the 21^st century challenges job market and the digital world.

The Pacesetter for Youths

In his arguments, why it is primordial for youths to take part in decisions making by voting, protecting their votes from the hawks, Ateh Thomson said that youths have greater stakes than the elders given that the future belongs to them. That tomorrow, he emphasized begins with the upcoming September 30, 2013 Municipal/Legislative elections in Cameroon. “Our tomorrow is Now”, he added. The said the need therefore for broader youth participation in political and electoral process is unquestionable. Accordingly, he also reiterated that Cameroon is increasingly becoming like the pre-Gorbatchev Soviet Union whose entire leadership is made up the infirm, senile and walking dead of the politbureau. A situation which he said has kept the gerontocracy to effectively succeed to maintain a firm grip on the power, and systematically side-stepped the youth in critical policy and decision making process.

When quiz why at his age he decided to enter into active politics, Ateh revealed that it is about transforming the mindset of youths, “ a youthful parliamentary bid such as mind would resuscitate youths’ interest in politics”, he said.

It should be noted that Ateh K Thomson though very young is rich in expedients when it comes to politics. He has been the Organizing Secretary of the People’s Action Party-PAP, Member of the Council of the Wise of PAP, and co-founder of Cameroon Youth for Change.

His leadership qualities could be traced when he was student leader, University of Buea Student Union-UBSU where he held the position of Deputy President. He was also the President of University of Buea Economic Society and chairperson of University of Buea Social and Management Postgraduate Student Association and student representative of the Student Representative Council, etc. Besides, he holds a Masters Degree in Political Economics from the University of Buea after haven obtained a Bachelor of Science in economics. Ateh K Thomson is a candidate to watch closely in the North West Region. 

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

Back to School: Bamenda I CPDM Extends Hand of Fellowship to Pupils

 FC Junior

The team headed by the Acting CPDM Section President for Bamenda I, Tala Yadji El-Baba visited nursery and primary schools of that municipal to extend a hand of fellowship to pupils. From Abangoh through Ntoh to Ntaafi, the CPDM bigwigs of Bamenda I reached out to over 25 schools and about 3500 pupils with exercise books.  Talking to this report, Tala Yadji El-Baba said that at the end of the excise, they intend to reach-out to all the schools in the Sub Division and to all the pupils. “The idea is the support the parent and that each child should have atleast 3 exercise books”, he stated. To Tala Yadji, it is not because elections are near but a routine exercise they have been doing. The support to schools he said has come to stay and would go a long way to sustain the education of the kids. He said his party’s support in term of books is the best thing the CPDM can offer to children reasons why (they) the CPDM party militants consider the act of giving support to pupils at back to school as primordial.

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

“Kaduna Mafia” Crumbles as North West Fons Union Disowns Fon Teche

Fai Cassian

The North West Fons Union-NOWEFU a one time vibrant association has finally gone incomatoes. The Council of Elders of NOWEFU has finally taken the bull by the horns after the unprecedented precarious situation that took North West into the doldrums. After the crisis meeting at the Mankon Fon’s palace, Fon Chafah Isaac, former President of NOWEFU now Secretary General of Cameroon Traditional Rulers Forum and the present President of NOWEFU Senator Fon Teche Njei are now strange bedmates. Fon Chafah and Fon Teche who had claimed supremacy as power brokers and ring leaders of “Kaduna mafia” are at loggerhead over another unknown and unhidden issue as Fon Chafah has chosen the side of truth. This is indicative that the North West Fons Union has finally landed itself in the gutter given that all attempts by North West Governor to broker for peace could not yeild any fruits.  

Last September 5, 2013, meeting by the Council of Elders made up of Fon Angwafo III of Mankon, Fon Senator Dr. Ganyongha III OF Bali, Fon Abumbi II of Bali, Fon Selhm Mbinglo of Nso, Fon VINCENT Yuh of Kom, Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolang, Fon Ndofoa Zofoa of Babungo, Fon Anneng Francis of Bafmen and ten others  ended up with a communiqué in which they observed that:

·         There has been a shameful marketing of traditional titles and values of the North West people, spearheaded by the incumbent President of NOWEFU Chief Teche Njei of Ngyen Muwa, which should stop with immediate effect;

·         There have been several attempts by Chief Teche Njei of Ngyen Muwa to marginalize Paramount and First Class Fons, including prominent fons of NOWEFU in the NOWEFU-decision making process affecting the North West Region and its people;

·         The lack of transparency and accountability of funds collected over the national territory in the name of NOWEFU.

What is however very interesting in the crisis that NOWEFU has been torn into pieces as its President Fon Teche Njei who was formerly known as the fon of Ngyen Muwa is being described as a chief not fon by as colleagues. More so the fons went further to state that the tradition of the North West “is being damaged by Chief Teche Njei”.  Determined to maintain the dignity which has been robbed in the mud, they (Council of Elders) unanimously decided as follows:

·         All traditional titles awarded under shameful doubtful circumstances by Chief Teche Njei and his click are questionable and shall be subjected to thorough review by the General Assembly of the North West Fons’ Union;

·         The further marketing of traditional titles that contributes to the degradation of the North West culture and tradition should stop with immediate effect;

·         Request the chairman of the NOWEFU Constitutional review committee, the Paramount fon of Bafut, to co-opt the Council of Elders in the preparation of a revised constitution to be presented to the General Assembly;

·         Call on all Fons of the North West Region to remain calm until a General Assembly is convened;

·         Expressed total satisfaction to the election of Niat Njifenji Marcel as the President of the Pioneer Senate of Cameroon;

·         Greatly appreciates the activities of the Government under the leadership of President Paul Biya, with Mr. Philemon Yang as Prime Minister, Head of Government;

·         Finally, reaffirmed our unflinching support to President Paul Biya, Head of state, National Chairman of the CPDM and Fon of Fons.

Popular opinion in the North West is aghast that the Council of Elders has acted very late after NOWEFU has been destroyed. Yet confidential sources hinted us that what is tearing NOWFU apart is money.  More so, it is alleged that some of the fons even exchanged blows weeks ago in Yaounde after Fon Teche outsmarted them. According to the hint, the fons had travelled from Bamenda to Yaounde to hand another royal stool to the Secretary General of the Presidency, and while in Yaounde, they were outsmarted by NOWEFU President who carryout the handing over with some few fons and pocketed the gombo. Sources say even Achidi Achu, Fon Teche’s best companion was also outwitted in the deal. Rumours abound that Achidi Achu and other fons after discovering that they were outsmarted by Fon Teche drove to the Presidency but were not allowed to get in. They were, according what we gathered refused entering to meet fons Teche and some few pocketed fons. Yet, Achidi Achu has also been cautioned to stay off any affairs of NOWEFU. However, FON Teche has denounced the communiqué adding that the Council of Elders doesn’t have any place in the constitution of NOWEFU. Notwithstanding, a classified source hinted this reporter that all titles given out by Fon Teche have been suspended and that an extraordinary General Assembly will be convened to pass a vote of no confidence on Fon Teche.  In a desperate move, Fon Teche our source hinted accosted Ntumfor Nico Halle but the later was mute over the issue given he was the first victim of the “Kaduna Mafia”. This is however indicative given that it his ignited the collapse of the so-called "kaduna mafia" as it leader Fon Chafah and Fon Teche have fallen apart.

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