NUDP National Youth President Creates The Unexpected in Misaje

Tamfu Ndansi Elvis, Fon Victor & Nkenda Simon performing the royal dance

By Fai Cassian 

At about 3:30 pm on December 17, the National Youth President of the National Union for Democracy and Progress party-NUDP flanked by his supporters and friends stormed the Misaje (Nkanchi ) Palace to pay homage to the departed Fon Richard Mfouma who died in September this year and also honour the newly crowned Fon Victor Mfouma. All those who matter within NUDP cycle in Misaje Sub Division were present. In fact one person who also caught our attention amongst the over 1000 people that accompanied NUDP Youth President Tamfu Ndansi Elvis Nukam was no other person than the former mayor of Misaje Council, Nkenda Simon Sunde. There was noise in the palace when Tamfu Ndansi Elvis led his delegation into the courtyard. Drumming, singing and dancing sky-rocketed as the delegation was received by the newly enthroned fon of Misaje.

Tamfu Ndansi Elvis taking the rostrum said he has come to pay homage to the departed hero as well as mark his presence with the new fon. In his words, Ndansi Elvis Nukam told the newly enthroned fon of Misaje that H.E Bello Bouba Maigarie, the national chairman of NUDP party was to be in Misaje for the condolence and acquaintance visit but due to tide schedule, he could not. “He has sent words of sympathy and encouragement to the palace” given that the departed fon had an open door policy with all and sundry he continued. He said his coming to the palace is part of the vision NUDP has for the people of Misaje and that the new fon should rely on them (elite).”I am the son of Misaje and would spare no effort to make my own little contribution for the development of this municipality”, Ndansi added. He promised to break the gab between the palace and the access to information. This move is true to what he stood for as NUDP parliamentary candidate for Ako/Misaje constituency in the September 30^th election. Even though he did not make it at the polls for reasons known only to agents of darkness that pass for politicians, Ndansi Elvis Nukam says his love for his people and the development of the area stands paramount in his agenda. History has it that on the eve of campaigns after a powerful NUDP rally in Misaje, Fon Richard Nfuma set on a journey to meet his ancestors after blessing the NUDP candidate in the person of Tamfu Ndansi Elvis Nukam. In his words Fon Victor Nfuma assured the NUDP strongman that his activities in Misaje both as a son of the soil and a politician shall attain its objectives come what may with giant strides. Fon Victor Mfouma speaking in parables reiterated that the seed planted shall never whither and the fruit shall be ripening as food for his people.

Inside the Nkanchi palace-Misaje

The storming of Misaje by Tamfuh Ndansi Elvis Nukam leading this powerful delegation is to show gratitude to the missing Fon and assure the New Found Fon that what which was enshrined between NUDP leadership and the palace shall continue to blossom. In reassuring the Fon his unflinching attachment to development, Tamfu Ndansi Elvis said that his zeal to develop Misaje is still very high and that he would stop at nothing to continue lobbying for more projects to add to the multipurpose Telecenters in Ako/Misaje. As concern elite Tamfuh Ndansi Elvis Nukam donated a set of chairs to the palace. He promised the Fon not to hesitate calling him if there is any need in the palace. From the looks of things there is a bigger package yet to be unveiled among which is a possibility of a car for the Fon.

 The people of Ako/Misaje can not forget in a rush his donation of free rapid result malaria test kits to health centers in Misaje, Dumbu and Ako, wash hand basins and bucket taps to ‘shaa’ women in Misaje for hygienic purposes he has vowed to open health clinics in Misaje and in Ako before the end of 2014 to provide health care for his people. History has it that Tamfuh Ndansi is the first to offer an on the spot Scholarship to Presbyterian Primary school children and a Micro-Kit for the Laboratory department of GBHS Misaje in a bid to encourage education.

Yet Tamfu Ndansi Elvis without mixing words told Fon Victor Mfouma that Misaje has grown past the level whereby two or three individuals would like to keep elite at logger-head. This he said has been the animosity of the game of politics and should not continue because the time for politics is gone and it is time for people to work in unison for the betterment of all. Talking to this reporter after the visit, Ndansi Elvis Nukam said that he was not on a political mission but has come to condole with the royal family. He said some two or three people want to destroy the entire sub division by transforming selves to wolves. History, he added will judge all of them by their actions and its sustainability. In an aside, the former mayor of Misaje, Nkenda Simon said accompanying Ndansi Elvis to the palace was just a normal act of solidarity and friendship. Yet by the time we were leaving Misaje, allegedly Nkenda’s detractors had reportedly wired calls out of town announcing to who cares to listen that the dial has been cast for his joining NUDP. Hubbubs loom large as to whether Nkenda Simon will not decamp into the NUDP with the increasing political intrigues. Implicitly, Kanjo alias town “crier” on his part thinks that it is time for cards to be put on the table. And that anyone, even Nkenda Simon has the freedom to militate where he deems necessary. 

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BICUDA Sets Standards, Lay Foundation Stone of Multi-million Hall at Binju

By Haruna Mohammadou

 There was excitement at Binju on December 21, 2013 as sons and daughters of the area grouped under the umbrella of the Binju Cultural and Development Association-BICUDA showcased a 3 in 1 annual convention to close the year’s activities. This year’s national convention was with a difference given that was coupled with the fundraising and the laying of the foundation stone. The convention which took place under the chairmanship of BICUDA national President Shey Richard Nfor alias Tang-mbu was grease with the presence of the Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre, Hon. Awudu Mbaya. As Shey Richard Nfor rightly puts it in his opening speech “BICUDA is not a one-man show, it is an endeavour of collective efforts and an instrument for development”. It was also a moment of communion for the over 100 delegates who came from far off areas like Yaounde, Douala, Kumba, Limbe, Bafoussam and Bamenda to make a significant contribution to the development of Binju. The turn out was the mark of determination given that all those who matter including youths as well as all the sub chiefs of Binju were present at the convention.  

The BICUDA Multi-purpose hall which upon completion is estimated in hundreds of million of FCFA is one of the most fascinating construction project that has been initiated by a development association in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region. Even though there is a myriad of development association in the Division, BICUDA has been outstanding given that the youths both at home and in the Diasporas have shown a lot of concern by actively participating in all its activities confirmed Shey Richard Nfor aka Tang-mbu. Without mixing words, the leadership qualities of the entire executive led by Shey Richard has been worthy and focus in tackling development issues, many have opined.

Speaking at the convention, the national President of BICUDA expressed satisfaction to all the kiths and kinds of Binju for being result oriented. He used the occasion to give a vivid balance sheet of the financial contributions by all the branches as well as activities carried out during the year. Harping on the importance of the multi-purpose hall, “Tang-mbu” said that it will not only serve as an avenue for eventual meetings of BICUDA but it will also generate income to sustain their activities. He also emphasized that the sustainability of the project is multi-dimensional and will go a long way to set the pace for other development projects. On the contribution from other branches, the national President was categorical that “no franc will be misused” and that BICUDA has a brighter future given that it will serve as a model for others to copy. To the brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, he expressed gratitude to them for always extending a hand of fellowship to the needy back home and that with their timely support will continue to maintain them on the leading position.

“Time for politics is over, this is the time for us to join hands together in order to set standards” he appealed. The laying of the foundation stone of the BICUDA Multi-purpose hall, Shey Richard added is the beginning of a new way, and a new page in the life of the hardworking and dynamic youths of Binju, and its elite both at home and the Diasporas. The associative life of its members he concluded goes beyond the political divide reasons why they are bound to set the pace for others to see.

It was the Rev. Pastor of the CBC Church of Binju who kick-started the 3 in 1 ceremony with prayers. The Man of God called on the Almighty to bless the occasion, chase out any evil spirit that may hereto hinder the evolution of the project. “A lifetime project that is worth emulating by all the communities in Donga Mantung Division”, he remarked. On his part, the Rev. Father of the Catholic Church before proceeding with blessings asked the leeway from the traditional rulers saying that before the Church, there was tradition.  On their parts, the sub chiefs of Binju also performed some rituals which according to what we gathered is to warn witches and wizards that anyone who dares will find his/her doom. They also warned that no daughter or son of Binju should have fever after the convention and that anyone who attempts is doing so at his or her own risk.

Hon. Awudu Mbaya on his part affirmed that BICUDA had made the right diagnosis by initiating the project. Before donating his significant support, Hon. Awudu Mbaya thanked the executive of BICUDA for being result-oriented. In an elating tone, he said (he) Hon. Awudu Mbaya is also a branch of BICUDA and that the giant multi-purpose hall will not only serve the Binju people but the entire Division. Before leaving Binju, he said he was touched by the turnout and that it portrays that the development association is a force to reckon with. He said he was delighted that BICUDA invited him to take part in this giant project and promised that no stone will be left unturned for it to succeed.

Talking to this reporter after the fund raising BICUDA Vice President Mbeh Kwefi Dominic reechoed that call for all to unite under the umbrella of the association. BICUDA is emphasized is apolitical and goes beyond political tendencies. Mbeh Kwefi Dominic said that this year’s convention which was a three in one event has proven that Binju boys and girls, men and women are not to be pigeon-hole with. He congratulated those in the Diasporas galvanizing the efforts to promote and support the activities of the association.

By the time we were leaving Binju, the committee charge with the fundraising was still at work reason why we cannot venture into mentioning figure. However, this will be communicated subsequently.  

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Emmanuel Etoundi, GM of Douala Port Authority Slammed 3 Years by Mfoundi High Court

The verdict against Emmanuel Etoundi Oyono fell Tuesday at 22:30 at Mfoundi High Court in Yaounde. When Gilbert Schlick, the presiding judge announced that Emmanuel Etoundi Oyono was sentenced to three years imprisonment, suspended for five years from holding any public office, some family members expressed a little relief in the courtroom where they were present from 13h to follow the verdict. "God could not accept that our brother go to jail because of the battles of some personalities in this country who want him," says a young lady in the room. Convicted of complicity in forgery from 2009 to 2010, Emmanuel Etoundi Oyono, former CEO of Maetur who now heads of the Douala Port Authority was also fined FCFA 2 million and 400,000 F.Cfa court charges. The accused also benefited extenuating circumstances as a first offender.
Prosecution had started in July 2013. The prosecution said that the man who was a witness against the Harrys Mintya Nko'o Mvondo and journalists in the same case, was the instigator of the false document involving Laurent Esso, the former Secretary General of the Presidency the Republic (Sg / pr), current Minister of State for Justice. It is alleged that it is that same document that was caused the arrest of late journalist Bibi Ngota, who died in April 2010 at the Kondengui prison. The printed document allegedly evoked sharing kickbacks to certain persons in connection with the purchase of a boat hotel (Rio del Rey) by the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH) where Laurent Esso, as Sg / pr, officiated as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Etoundi Oyono who spoke a few minutes before his conviction, said: "I expect that before the bar shows me how I gave a false document to a journalist for publication. But this is the court that made me know that Nko'o Mvondo came back to me with the document. Mr. President, I have done no harm to anyone, I know that I am dying because of the Port of Douala Authority, I leave my fate in your hands of those who are my critics and know that I am a child of God ".
This statement was accompanied by a burst of applause in the courtroom. However, this did not prevent the court from slamming him the heavy sentence. However, Emmanuel Etoundi’s lawyers say they will file an appeal to the Supreme Court. Yet pundits are skeptical given that when Zachs Forjimdam, former General of the Cameroon Ship Yard filed in an appeal, his 25 years jail term was raised to life imprisonment. This has been the bitter pile that many who have been caught in matters with the state have found themselves being messed up.

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Former Mayor of Ndu, Councilor DK Nfor Laid to Rest

By Tamngwa Marcel Kwalar

The former mayor of Ndu council the venerated Nfor David Karngong who passed away last December 1, 2013 was laid to rest at his Ntumbaw Residence on December 21, 2013. The mortal remains of the highly profiled former mayor of Ndu council that have spent close to three weeks at the Banso Baptist Hospital Mortuary were removed and converged to the Ndu council premises where the public was given the last opportunity to pay their last respect to the man who has spent 8 years at the helm of the council. It was there after that Late DK Nfor was escorted to Ntumbaw village for the funeral rite and burial.

Speaking at the funeral of the late mayor, the present mayor of Ndu council and successor of the deceased described DK Nfor as “simple and straightforward man who was always bent to see things done properly”. According to Bunyui Emmanuel, the former mayor “managed the Ndu council prudently and achieved much though not all can be objective enough to see”. Bunyui Emmanuel also remarked that the former mayor died at a striking moment-December a month that also saw the dead of the world hero Nelson Mandela. This to Bunyui Emmanuel is proof of how Great DK Nfor was. Bunyui Emmanuel ended up by calling on those on the both sides of the political divide to close ranks behind the current Ndu council executive so as to enable them continue from where the Late DK Nfor ended.

Ex.Ministers, Colleagues mayors, MPs, SDOs other

On the other hand, the Senior Divisional Officer for Bui Division, “Ta Nformi” Nzeki Theophile who travelled all the way from Kumbo to Ndu to pay his last respect to the fallen hero, described DK Nfor as a man of difference, a man of determination, courage and patience, and a man who has spent his entire life serving the people. He illustrated DK Nfor as a great lost not just to the Ndu municipality but to the entire Donga Mantung Division. He called on mourners to emulate the virtues of determination, courage and patience as evident in the life of DK Nfor.

In his religious message, Rev. Gideon Jumbam stressed on the fact that DK Nfor finished God’s work before he died, he did not die before he finished.

It should be noted that Councilor DK Nfor died just barely few months after he was brillianly reelected councilor of Ntumbaw into the Ndu council. He had served as first and second deputy mayor under late Bunyui Jonathan and succeeded him when the later passed away. He was later voted mayor of Ndu council on July 31, 2007. Due to health problems, even though elected councilor, he could not contest for the mayoral position. His mark of greatness at the helm of Ndu council for the past 8 years has earned him considerable recognitions. He was voted as the Best Mayor of Donga Mantung by readers of The Eye newspaper in 2011, in 2012, DK Nfor was again voted on the national category as Best Innovative Mayor(The Eye newspaper), Best Mayor of The Year (Life Time Newspaper), Best North West Mayor by Watchdog Tribune Newspaper, Best for NW by FEICOM and more than 9 other awards from different instittutions and media outlets.  He is in my opinion the lone mayor of the region who has received an award from FEICOM right now.  

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Fireworks at Nkambe Council Budgetary Session

By FC Ndi with inputs from Haruna Mohammadou

Hands up? its hot i here

A budget of over FCFA 800 million has been adopted by 34 councilors out of the 41 who finally attended the budgetary session that took place under the watchful eyes of the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, Ngone Ndodemesape Bernard on December 20, 2013 at the Nkambe Community Hall. As to whether some of those councilors who could not show up early enough at the session were stuck in the dust somewhere along the ring road still remains another mystery given that during the roll-call, 17 councilors were not yet at hand. Those who surfaced after the roll-call sneaked in to the hall at silence admiration.  Even though some of them arrived the council very late, the quorum was not the problem since deliberations could not wait for them and no way could they go back to what had been discussed. Political pundits are of the opinion that if at the beginning of a council session 17 councilors are absent, there much to it. A school of thought holds that this is just the beginning of many other surprises.

The problem that ignited fireworks was that the councilors wanted to set aside the five years development plan earlier initiated by the former and his team who were voted out obnoxiously. This attempt met serious resistance from PNDP representative who threatened to withdraw their support and working relationship with the Nkambe council. The councilors finally understood that loosing PNDP for greedy purposes wasn’t the solution to the political divide in Nkambe. And they all finally agreed to maintain the five years program. This was purely an intellectual exercise that the lost ones couldn’t make it out.

Confusion again set in when councilors couldn’t reach a consensus and tempers almost flared on the amount allocated for payment of electricity bills at the mayor’s residence. Paul Ngabir got a bitter experience when the same councilors raised motions on the amount budgeted for the payment of the mayor’s electricity bills at his residence. Just for a sum of FCFA 600.000, many held the robe tied with the intention as if that it would make the mayor richer. Yet theirs was just to endorse a budget that was already formulated by others in the five years development plan.

However, the most interesting thing is that the councilors showed a little bit of maturity during deliberations,

Council excecutive

which many an observer suddenly gave them a positive note. It was their first participation and seemingly a recorded improvement looms large. As priorities, the Nkambe council would need to purchase vehicles and not just one, construct the Nkambe market and the most interesting one is to install street lights. Perhaps without casting doubts on the street lights using solar energy, a meager sum of FCFA 2 million was budgeted. Insignificant observers say but yet only mayor Paul Ngabir knows how feasible it is going to be. Besides, councilors also resolved that Nkambe town needs a modern TV channel, construction of more farms to market roads and it could only be achieved if revenue collected locally is improved. Therefore, studies would be carried out to improve council revenue collection. Speaking to this reporter after the session the mayor of Nkambe Paul Ngabir sounded optimistic on the realistic budget.

He also used the opportunity to throw light on the reasons why he boycotted the civic reception of the MPs for Donga Mantung Centre. Mayor Ngabir Paul pointed out that the invitation handed to him was not an official one. He disclosed that he saw copies of the invitation that were handed to other authorities but his was just like a piece of paper.

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