Humphrey Monono Emerges The Guardian Post Man of The Year 2013

Ntumfor Nico Halle, Hon. Awudu Mbaya, Ndansi Elvis, Nfon Mukete, CRTV’s Cameroon Calling, others win big in various categories as well. 

Monono Receiving his Award from Fon Mukete

The celebrated registrar of the Cameroon General Certificate of Education, the GCE Board, Humphrey Monono Ekema has won The Guardian Post 2013 Man of The Year Award. Monono was declared winner at a highly-attended ceremony which took place at the Elongo Gardens in Kumba on Saturday April 5, 2014. Saturday’s ceremony marked the 11^th edition of The Guardian Post’s yearly awards.

The publisher/editor of The Guardian Post and the chairman of The Guardian Post Achievement Awards, Ngah Christian and Peterkins Manyong respectively said the yearly event is meant to recognize and reward Cameroonians and non Cameroonians who serve Cameroon selflessly. The well-designed certificates and the trophies that were ordered from France, Peterkins said, were not enough reward to the laureates who he said deserved more for their landmark achievements in various fields in the year 2013.

In declaring Monono winner, the secretary of The Guardian Post Achievement Awards Committee, Nde Richard who is also publisher of The Herald Tribune, said Cameroonians voted the GCE Board registrar for his stupendous innovations which have given the Cameroon GCE international recognition.

Taking the floor to make a brief speech after receiving the unique Man of The Year trophy and certificate which were jointly handed to him by the paramount ruler of the Bafaws, Senator Nfon V.E Mukete and CRTV’s director of information, Alain Belibi, a visibly overwhelmed Monono, re-enacted the oath he took to serve his country and thereafter, dedicated the award to all his friends and family.

The DP of The Guardian Post, Ngah Christian

He thanked Cameroonians who participated in the telephone texting and email-voting which enabled him to grab the most coveted award. He equally appreciated the efforts of the jury and The Guardian Post Media Group in encouraging hard working citizens and promoting national unity and integration through the achievement awards.

“I am very happy...” “... In fact, I am overjoyed, but how do I present this award to my fellow traditional rulers?” Those were the opening words of the paramount ruler of the Bafaws, Senator Nfon Victor.E Mukete who emerged The Guardian Post 2013 Traditional Authority of The Year; for his openness and hospitality towards non indigenes living in Kumba.

Expressing surprise that he emerged winner, he stated that there are hundreds of traditional rulers in the country whose villages are far bigger than his, some who are ministers and others who are former governors, such as the Lamido of Garoua who is the president of the national council of traditional rulers, Jacques Fame Ndongo, minister of higher education and former governor, Senator Bell Luc Rene.

The venerated senator and traditional ruler who was given a standing ovation upon his arrival at the ceremonial ground, suggested possible reasons for his nomination and subsequent victory- He noted that many observers have been quick to give him credit for the creation of the Kumba Higher Teachers’ Training Technical College which was recently decreed by President Paul Biya. He said most Cameroonians are of the opinion that a majority  of the development projects in and around Kumba are granted thanks to his steadfast and landmark support for the ruling CPDM.

He wondered aloud whether he might have been voted because of the Kumba-Mudemba road or the Kumba-Mamfe road projects which are expected to see the light of day soon.

The Bafaw ruler equally hailed The Guardian Post for the initiative and opined that the media has a very important role to play in the development and evolution in the political, economic and social lives of the country; urging journalists in general to be responsible as they carry out their duty as the watch dogs of society.

It was brought to understanding that the senator who is currently taking part in the on-going parliamentary session in Yaoundé, only travelled to the South West to take part in the event, after which he immediately returned to the nation’s capital.

Renowned CRTV Sunday morning radio program, Cameroon Calling won The Guardian Post 2013 Radio Program of The Year Award. Receiving the award on behalf of CRTV general manager, the director of information on CRTV radio, Alain Belibi who travelled to Kumba in the company of Cameroon Calling presenter, Samson Websi traced the road the program has covered since its inception in 1974. He said the CRTV management had attached a lot of importance to the award, the reason why he and a two-man delegation were in Kumba to receive it on behalf of management. Several dance and choral groups animated the ceremony. See photographic coverage of the award ceremony on pages 6 and 7.

It should be recalled that former laureates of The Guardian Post Achievement Awards include among others: President Biya, the First Lady Chantal Biya, the former US ambassador, Neils Madquart and the CONAC chairman, Dieudonne Massi Gams.

Here below is the Full list of The Guardian Post 2013 Achievement Awards laureates below.

Man of The Year - Monono Ekema Humphrey

Bui Woman of The Year - Yaah Fondufe Sakah

Most Venerated MP- Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian

Development Icon of The Year - Sanji Joseph

Best Divisional Delegate of The Year - Njilah Isaiah Tata

Best Regional Delegate of The Year - Njika Joseph

Best General Managers of The Year - David Nkoto Emane and Njei Frankline

Anti- corruption Award winners - Moh Sylvester T, Minette Libom Li Likeng, Mendjana Linus Toussaint and Kum Johnson Ofon

Most Devoted CPDM Militant of The Year - Raymond Dinga Gwanyalla

Traditional Authority of The Year - Senator Nfon V.E Mukete

Most Viable and Stable Financial Institution of The Year - CamCCUL

Peace and Transparency Award - Dr. Fonkam Azu’u Samuel

Sports Man of The Year - Colonel Kalkaba Malboum

Most Dynamic Youth Leader - Ndansi Elvis

Politician of The Year - Kan Elroy Moses Payne

Independent-Minded Magistrate of The Year - Justice Batuo Paul Akong

Best Contractor of The Year - Tabot Lawson

Best Administrator of The Year - Ebongo Zacheus Nanje

Leadership and Democracy Award winner - Ntumfor Nico Halle

Best Governor of The Year - Awah Fonka Augustine

Best Mayor of The Year - Denise Fampou


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

Striking Mbororos Threaten to Seek Boko Haram Protection over Disputed Land with Catholic Church

 By FC Ndi

For close to two days now, the disgruntled Mbororos have taken up residence at the entrance to the Mankon Cathedral to express their grievances in a "sit down strike" to express what they say is an act of injustice on them as a minority group.  At the main entrance to the Mankon Cathedral,today April 6, 2014 this reporter was greeted by placards on which some of these angry statements were written in red “I want a home, Mamada Hills since 1905, I was born in Ndzah where can I go to now, Homeless in a Fatherland, We have been displaced by the Church, Stop violence against the Mbororo’s is it because we belong to the minority?, Jesus Christ does not discriminate” etc etc.

The story goes that on March 19, 2014, tempers escalidated when a hired caterpillar started bulldozing part of a piece of land estimated at about 60ha at Wumse-Ndzah, Bamenda III subdivision, North West region. Allegedly, a combined population of fuming Bambili youths and Mbororos got the hired workers well beaten to the point that many sustained injuries. The Mbororos say they would not accept the church to take over their land where their parents have been living since 1905. The confrontation was so violent that the car belonging to the Bamenda Archdiocese was destroyed. As the forces of law and order stepped in, the variable angry occupants of the piece of land in dispute stormed the Mankon Catholic bringing along their families to express their agony. It is even alleged that the graziers are threatening that if the administration cannot protect them from being expelled, they will seek protection from the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

However, a classified source linked to the Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua representative of the Catholic University of Cameroon, CATUC, hinted that the Mezam administration has been alerted on the looming threats. Besides, the hint also confirmed that the church was granted land concession for the construction of a FCFA 55 billion worth university complex after all the administrative procedures were undertaken.  Yet the question as to whether Jean Baptiste Baleoken the then Minister of State Property, Land and Surveys committed an administrative blunder in granting that piece of land to the church remains another mystery that can only be deciphered when all the parameters are considered as an atmosphere of uncertainty looms large in Bamenda reasons why ministerial decision No 0009447/K.6.1/MINDAF/D1/D13 of 2 September 2011 continue to spark controversies.

The most intriguing thing is that initially, the fon of Ndzah who wanted to add value to his land had allocated a total of 100 ha of land for the Catholic Church to construct its university yet no reasons have been given why the total surface has been reduced to 60ha. A school of thought holds that something fishy must have taken place or multiple interests groups would have entered the scene for diversified purposes. The question on every lip is whether some people somewhere never played a fast one on the church to grab 40ha for their own use.

However, classified source hinted that ten Mbororo families were compensated by the Church to the tune 20 million FCFA. It is also alleged that the amount was paid out to the beneficiaries after a state commission evaluated everything on the piece of land. The ten families were represented by Hamidu Sadu, Mallam Buba, Adu Dahirou, Isa Mallam Inosa, Mallam Njibou, Ibrahim Dahirou, Dahiru Abdou, Njago Mallam, Musa Mallam and Sali Mamadu. Sources say in 2011 when the compensation was being paid to beneficiaries two cows were slaughtered and there was serious feasting.

Yet talking to this reporter, Isa Mallam Inosa accepted that they received compensation in 2011 but the problem is that the piece of land that has been allocated for their resettlement is actually in dispute between Ndzah and Bambili. He argued it is when they discovered they were been sent to a conflict zone that they decided not to quit. Expressionists are wondering why the Ecumenical Service for Peace and Justice has been mute over the issue. Another school of thought holds that the crisis between the Mbororos and the Catholic Church is seemingly a hot potato with a lot of stakes and interests that stint. A suirve.                                     

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

Kidnapping of Missionaries in North Cameroon: Suspect is the Ransom

On Friday night at about 11:45, three missionaries were kidnapped at gunpoint in the Northern Region of Cameroon. The population was quick to point accusing fingers at militants of the Nigerian Islamic sect, Boko Haram. Two Italian Priests and a Canadian nun were kidnapped and taken to an unknown destination. Expressionists are of the opinion that Boko Haram is using Cameroon as a source for financing. Allegedly Boko Haram is using Cameroon to get money to carryout it activities in Nigeria. Walker talkams, writam-pens and other expressionists are of the opinion that Cameroon might have paid huge ransom for the two previous kidnapping in the Northern Region. In same vein, the Northern Region seemingly is becoming unsafe for Europeans given that they seem to be the target. Yet, Popoul's has been reluctant in declaring the Northern Rgions unsafe for Europeans. Popoul is currently in Europe with Chantou where they participated at the Africa-European Summit in Bruxelles. For sure, Tchiroma the Vuvuzela is also expected to make a public declaration on this issue yet Cameroonians are questioning whether it is not time for government to take a stand on this issue. The other week the news was that Seleka forces attacked and kidnapped a five years old child in the East. The BIR intervened to rescue to the young child, this week it is Boko Haram in the Far North. 

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

Camer Gossips: Sparrow Hawk Loses Big Catch, Bam! Bam! Boko Haram Again

Mbapes at the gate of Kondengui

Country people, I salute. Happy Sunday and stay blessed. Are you aware that The Eye Newspaper Weblog was finalist in the 14^th Annual Weblog Awards? I told you people that one day the star will shine, and when I said so, some of you thought that I was joking. Now your The Eye is shooting for the stars. In fact never mind what people say about you and your dreams. I could not imagine that but it came to past that The Eye newspaper Weblog competed with bloggers from other countries who are connected to hyper internet and I still beat them hands down in their own game. Confirmed! Practice really makes perfect. Today I believe The Eye will go on with the dreams because they are now real. We owe this success to all of you out there who voted us. In fact We am giving a big THANK YOU to all those who voted us. You made us proud.  Well, since God’s time is the best, we could not celebrate this achievement with the pageantry that it deserved because your Writam-pen just lost another big friend. Death has finally found Cameroon so fertile that it doesn’t want to leave us. I told you people that John Ntarinkon was right when he took the Cameroon flag to TB Joshua and asked the man of God, TB Joshua alias “out” to pray for this country. It has happened again. Have you heard that HRH Fon Senator Njufua Fontem, the Paramount Fon of Fontem “disappeared?” I hope you know that traditional rulers never die, they disappear. The fon of Fontem for your information was a member of the bureau of the senate, and occupied the prestigious position of Questor. I hear senators of that part of the region at each others throat as to who succeeds my friend as Questor. This is perhaps very disheartening. The people of Fontem are all sick. Just within one week, they have lost their fon, senator, questor, President of South West Chiefs Conference and another pathetic incident is that fire gut burnt down to ashes the Menji Council Chamber and the Court. Purportedly, there was a hidden hand behind the fire that gut down the council chambers and the court. The most intriguing thing is that fire consumed the council chamber shortly after CONAC was to storm the council to investigate into some alleged embezzlement scandals. Was there a hidden hand behind the fire incident?  

Did you observed something unusual in Popoul’s entourage to Belgium? Somebody was missing, I mean Atanga. His detractors say he might have been swallowed by the infamous CAMPOST saga, yet nothing concrete has been proven though. I hear the man will be meeting Popoul in Switzerland this week. Things are happening here and there. Edgar is again in the news. After the accusations on USA Ambassador on money laundering, Edgar on the other hand is also said to have caught pants down in a similar commitment with Paris Must Use Cameroon.

I hope you heard of the latest catch of sparrow hawk, Poor Mbapes. The man is coming from far. He saw the gate of hell, tested it for 24 hours and the Almighty Popoul pitied him. I hear there is confusion at the Presidency, Police, Gendarmerie, Prime Ministry etc. Nobody wants to own up for the arrest of Mbapes Mbapes. I am sure that when Popoul comes back this week, many things gonna happen. Heads will roll. Your writam-pen was reliably informed that Popoul didn’t want Mbapes arrested; he had ordered that the man should be kept under surveillance but since power corrupts absolutely, the guys decided to swing into action. The man looked tired and depressed. You know Popoul is always very smart politician or it is Catherine’s ghost that is hunting Mbapes? Could it be that Popoul wanted to use the arrest to calm down flaring tempers after Catherine kicked the bucket?

Bam!! Bam!!! Boko Haram again? The latest news is that three missionaries have been kidnapped at gunpoint in the Northern Region of Cameroon and taken to an unknown destination. Two Italian priests and one nun of Canadian nationality were abducted on the Friday night to Saturday. Suspected Boko Haram activists are said to be behind the kidnapping. Defense minister, Mebego’o is expected to make public declarations on the abduction. You know it has been said that Boko Haram sees Cameroon as a fertile ground to get sponsorship and that every time they kidnap anyone, a ransom is paid exchange yet Tchiroma, government vuvuzela said it was not true. So the question is why is Boko Haram so interested in kidnapping only on Cameroon soil?

Another man who was whisked from Yaounde to Bamenda last weekend was the Publisher/Editor of The Monitor, Amungwa Tanyi. The journalist is currently in detention at the Bamenda prison. Classified sources say his arrest is linked to the court matter he had with CamCCUL. Have you heard that farmers are tired of working in a country where value is not added to their work? Farmers have decided to create their own political party and to battle in the race to Etoudi. Popoul now has another big challenger after John Ntarinkon. Your writam-pen will give you amble information on this new political party next week. Happy weekend. 

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

North Cameroon: Three Missionaries Kidnapped by Suspected Boko Haram Militants

The kidnapping at gunpoint took place on Friday April 4, 2014 night to Saturday at about 11:45 pm in the Far North Region of Cameroon. According to what we gathered the three missionaries (two Italian Priests) and (a Canadian Rev. Sister) were kidnapped at gunpoint. Militants of Islamic sect Boko Haram are suspected to have carried out the abduction, classified sources say. Italian foreign Ministry we have been informed has set up a crisis unit in relation to the kidnapping and its diplomatic missions in th nations capital, Yaounde have been alerted on the incident. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, the two priests Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio Allergri are from the Northern part of Italy, precisely Vicence.

Father Henri Djoyang of Tchere is quoted to have said that the (priests, sister) were kidnapped in the archdiocese of Tchere (approximately 20 km away from Maroua, Regional capital of the Far North). “It is bad, the Italian Priests and Canadian Sister have been kidnapped by Boko Haram”, Le Monde quotes a clergy to have decried. It should be recalled that last year, members of the Boko Haram sect abducted Georges Vandenbeusch, a French Priest and the Moulin-Fournier’s family who all later released. Allegations abound high that Boko Haram considers Cameroon as a source of financing and had adopted the attitude of kidnapping in order to out source for funding. Yet Yaounde refuted these allegations when a French Priest was released last year by militants of Boko Haram which has been ranked by the US as a terrorist group

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

Hon. Kwalar Exonerates Self from Wimbum Political Divide, Hails Hon. Awudu

By Baweson Ndi 

Hon. Kwalar in the middle flanked by Hon. Awudu & Hon. Esther Ngala

Hon. Talla Kwalar, former CPDM Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre cum CPDM section President for Ndu has moved above the Wimbum political divide to create the unexpected. Speaking at the public presentation of the seated Fon of Luh village on March 30, Hon. Talla Kwalar called on the Wimbum people of Donga Mantung Division to unconditionally support the efforts of Hon. Awudu Mbaya and Hon. Esther Ngala, MPs for Donga Mantung Centre. He said that Hon. Awudu Mbaya, questor at the national Assembly should be taken with a lot of preciousness given that “politics is to bring people together” and not tear them apart. It should be noted that HHon. Talla Kwalar is the first CPDM politician in Mbumland to have made such a public declaration given that for the past years, politics was gradually transformed into a sinkhole for character assassination. This act of exonerating self from the politics of destruction has almost chopped the very foundation of politics in Mbum, Hon. Kwalar received deafening thunderous applauses at Luh village. To impressionists, the declaration by Hon. Kwalar was timely given that in the Wimbum tradition, the funeral celebration of a traditional ruler or public presentation a seated fon is one of those unique opportunities where people reconcile themselves with the past. To expressionists, Hon. Kwalar was directly calling on the Wimbum politicians to bury their hatchets in order to forge ahead with the development. That is why he (Hon. Kwalar) also prescribed to the new fon of Luh, HRH Fon Ivo Wepke III love and prosperity while calling on the population to shy away from gossips, backbiting and slandering. He cautioned that the fon is the father of everyone in the village and it is the support of the population that would give the palace the strength to oversee development efforts, instill peace and unity. The Eye is aware that Hon. Kwalar spoke his mind and not to please whosoever. This is so because he served as MP for ten years and knows exactly where the shoe pinches. At his age, Hon. Kwalar knows that the disparity in Wimbum politics would jeopardize development reasons why he was apt to declare that it is time for the Wimbum people to rally behind the Hon. Awudu Mbaya and Hon. Esther Ngala who are development catalysts. 

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

Bamenda II Councilors Okay Mayor Balick’s 2013 Administrative Accounts

By Fai Cassian 

Workaholic Mayor Balick of Bamenda II Council

The Bamenda II Council Administrative Accounts for 2013 have been endorsed by an overwhelming majority of councilors. This was the outcome of the March 3, 2014 session that took place under the watchful eyes of the 1^st Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Njumbe Jean Pierre. The decision by some twenty-two councilors to endorse Mayor Balick Awah Fidelis’ administrative accounts for 2013 sharply contrast self-claims by outside agitators that there were insufferable practices in the Bamenda II council in 2013. The administrative accounts passed as if it were a posted letter to anti-development crusaders that the Bamenda II Council is ready to contest in a transparency and credibility competition if need be. The administrative accounts which were approved by 22 councilors of the 27 that voted stood at FCFA 575,616,330 in revenue and 472,770,222 FCFA in expenditure. However, a critical judgment analysis of that administrative accounts show that the Bamenda II Council under Mayor Balick Awah Fidelis recorded an increase of 9,460,514 FCFA as compared to that of 2012 which stood at 566,155,816 FCFA in terms of revenue. More so, accumulatively, the Bamenda II Council also received as additional income taxes from FEICOM and local levies from the regional treasury which when summed up gave a total sum of 222,666,256 FCFA. Furthermore, the council also received a total sum of 65,144,000 FCFA as grants while revenue collected locally stood at 163,998,609 FCFA, outstandingly realizing a total recovery rate of 27.33%. Meanwhile the council also received from the Bamenda City Council a total subvention of 20,000,000 FCFA. It should be recalled that the balance transferred to the 2013 budget from 2012 amounted to 96,420,465 FCFA. And what was spent amounted to 472,770,222 FCFA which when subtracted from what came in during year through various channels, the Bamenda II Council still realizes a surplus margin of 102,846,108 FCFA will be absorbed into the 2014 budget.

Addressing councilors in his closing remarks, Njumbe Jean Pierre, 1^st Assistant SDO for Mezam expressed gratitude to everyone for the show of sense of maturity in their deliberations. He urged councilors to work in communion with the mayor so much so that they could achieve their goal of fostering development in the Bamenda II Sub divisional council. He said that the Bamenda II Council has to redouble its effort in revenue collection in order to make a good use of the available potentials. On his part Mayor Balick Awah Fidelis congratulated the councilors for the efforts they deployed in 2013 to the point that the endorsed administrative accounts which show that total realization stood at 72.54%. “May that spirit of collaboration continue so that at the end of it all, we shall be able to say and enumerate our own contribution towards nation building. If Cameroon must be an emergent Nation by 2035, then all of us in every corner must contribute positively, to attain that goal” Balick Awah told councilors. Harping on why the Bamenda II Council has not moved to the newly constructed council chamber, Balick Awah said that the main reasons are: the absence of electricity which necessitates the putting in place of a three phase electricity cable connection that could be extended to the neigbouring quarter of Alabukam. Besids, Balick Awah also said that the volume of water is also another problem given that the water only gets water at night. He council he said is working with CDE for the volume of water to be increased. 

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

NW Governor Applauds Former Mayor of Nkambe, Mangoh Jones Tanko

By Fai Cassian Ndi

At Council Chambers: NW Governor flanked by fons and winner of Mt. Cameroon

North West Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique has congratulated the former mayor of Nkambe council Mangoh Jones Tanko for the construction of the Nkambe Council Chamber. Talking to journalists at the end of his economic tour, Governor Lele Lafrique said that the Nkambe Council Chamber to him is the best in the North West Region. He hailed former mayor for the efforts deployed for the construction of such a befitting structure. NW governor also congratulated Dr. Ngomfe Loma David for the construction of the Nwa Council chamber. During his economic tour of Donga Mantung Division, the governor also visited some abandoned projects by GP DERUDEP in Misaje, the Mbembe Forest Reserve, as well as a coffee farmer in Tabenken, the oil palm plantation of Madame Rose Mbianor at Lus, the market gardener at Taku and the Dumbu cattle ranch.

Launching of Vaccination Campaign in Nkambe

In his welcome address, the District Medical Officer, Dr. Cornelius Chebuh upheld the government of Cameroon for giving special attachment to the health of its citizens. On behalf of the Donga-Mantung community, he thanked government for the varied favours given the people in the health domain. He said they were about to witness another government's gesture to the population- the launching of a free diarrhea vaccine to protect children from diarrhea caused by the rotavirus germ which is gradually getting rampant. Dr. Cornelius boasted that among the 18 health districts in the North West Region, Nkambe was the most performant.

NW Governor with staff of the Nkambe District Hospital

In his launching speech, Governor Aldolph Lele L'Afrique appreciated the efforts of the medical personnel. He told the anxious population that government's reason to introduce the free vaccine is her continuous efforts to curb down the rate of infant mortality in the country, especially in respect to the achievement of the millennium goal on health. He called on all parents and mothers in particular to massively join government in attaining these goals. He said the free vaccine for Rotavirus diarrhea was basically for babies from zero to 11months and those above 12months could not take.
The Governor hinted that the Rotavirus germ was contagious, has no appropriate drug yet and could only be prevented through the vaccine. He added that the vaccine was part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, PEV, recently recommended by the World Health Organization (W.H.O). He indicated that the Rotavirus diarrhea is
manifested through high fever, vomiting, diarrhea discharges and consequently the loss of appetite and weight. The Governor strongly warned against the reception of fees or tips by those in the field. He emphasized that the liquid was administered orally. He then took the lead to administer the first doses; an exercise emulated by many on his entourage. Talking to journalists after the launching exercise, the regional coordinator of the immunization programme Dr. Sama called on parents to make sure that their children are vaccinated. 

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

Mother of Wimbum Tradition Exhibited at Public Presentation of seated fon of Luh in Pictures (I)

 Public Presentation of the seated fon of Luh in pictures

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

Mother of Wimbum Tradition Exhibited at Luh (in Pictures II)

Cross section of Fons and Maya (Luh) present at Luh

Members of the Kwifon

Leader announcing the message from Kwifon

anxiety and elation as phones and cameras take the stage

A tour of the courtyard, seated fon behind the "ye-nwarong"

Tantohs and Ta Sheys in ranks 

A display of the wimbum tradition

Mother of Wimbum Tradition Portrayed at Public Presentation of Luh Fon

By Fai Cassian Ndi

There was joy and overwhelming jubilation at the Luh Palace Courtyard in Donga Mantung Division of North West Region of Cameroon as thousands gathered to welcome the newly seated fon of Luh village. The euphoria that greeted the public presentation of the newly seated Fon Ivo Wepke III could be likened only to the swearing-in of a head of state given that it takes several years for villagers to witness such an episode that comes once in a lifetime.

March 30, 2014 entered into the annals of the (Wi)mbum people as the day that history repeated itself in Luh village “particularly as the fon is back in the palace” in the local parlance they say. The euphoria was fabulously prescribed in the brightness of the sky which also demonstrated that the gods of Wimbum land were elated; the ancestors too as well as the living forces that had waited for this day for the past two years ever since Late Fon Kilese disappeared.

The over 15.000 people that stormed the Luh palace courtyard since morning had been expressing their emotions through singing, dancing, gun firing and masquerade displays while waiting for the opportune moment that God has chosen. The palace courtyard was in a beehive mode from the early hours of the morning up to 3:15 pm, when the (kwifon) emitted warning signals that something serious was about to take place. The courtyard was cleared and the drums that were echoing into the wilderness seized suddenly, there was total silence when a long line of empty body-members of the “kwifon” emerged from the left side of the entrance. Movements were restricted, talking and whispering too except for the leader of the “kwifon” who had the crushing authority to pass the message to the people, the gunshots that accompanied every step of the fon and little bird that sang a positive note from the nearby kola nut tree. It was a moment of solemnity, a unique moment whereby the supreme authority of the village spoke it intelligence and at the same time looked into the future of all the villages in Mbumland. Not in a hurry anyway yet moving at a snail pace in a predefined majestic steps. The sound of the gong was immediately accompanied by few

important words of intelligence and then a gun shot. Hear him: “Here is your fon, the lion, the tiger…..you can see for yourself that the palace is fresh. Nobody should ever try or attempt to have a negative look into the palace. Nobody, no man, no woman….The kwifon is watching and observing and if you dare, you know what awaits you. The kwifon has said that anyone that is here that has never had a baby should go back with a smile on the face.

The kwifon has also said that you will have good harvest this year and that the villages in Mbumland should flourish with twins, this is the message from the “kwifon”, the leader hammered into the ears of silent populace.

The “ye-nwarong” as the juju that accompanied the fon in his first public outing is commonly known in Mbumland took 1 hour 28 minutes to move round courtyard. Those who were late could be seen in a mad rush from far distances because no one wanted to miss a glimpse of the first public appearance of the fon and or magnificent cultural splendor. More so not only to be told to get the message from the kwifon. But as they approach the palace courtyard in that rush, no one asked them to stop yet they all got frozen, speechless and could only tip-toe to catch a glimpse of every little step. Directly behind the “ye-nwarong” as tradition demands was HRH Fon Ivo Wepke III, “the lion; the tiger” who since his enthronement some four weeks ago was catapulted to oversee the village. This is so because the fon incarnates the lion and tiger which symbolize power. As guardian of costumes and tradition, and the guarantor of development only the “kwifon” has the right to present him to the public. His public presentation doesn’t only symbolize power but above all the authority that comes with it reasons why when the newly seated fon was about to get back into the palace, a goat was slaughtered. It is at this stage that the powers of the ancestors have their words. Those who are specialized in reading traditional signs left Luh village with smiles on their faces because when HRH Fon Ivo Wepke stepped on the blood of the sacrificed goat the signs were very clearly portrayed that he is the true leader of Luh people, we were latter told. In fact the (Wi)mbum people have one unique tradition and its splendor is inhabited in the manner that it is, practiced, preserved, protected and inculcated.

Welcoming the newly seated fon of Luh village into their midst were the fons of Ntundip, Kocchi, Njap, Mbaah, Sob, Ngarum etc and at the VIP table were Hon. Awudu Mbaya- Questor at the National Assembly, Hon. Esther Ngala Ntala-MP for Nkambe Centre Constituency, Bunyui Jonathan-Mayor of Ndu, Martin Fon Yembe-1^st Deputy mayor of Ndu, Hon. Talla Kwalar-Former MP and CPDM Section President, Shey Henry-SG Kumba City Council cum President General of Wimbum Cultural and Development Association, Rev. Pastor Paul Mbunwe-President of Luh Cultural and Development Association, Samson Wepsi-elite and MC of the occasion just to name these few. In fact, it was a moment of communion and a cultural fiesta that brought home all and sundry as well as every other person that matter. It was also a moment for youths to partake in promoting their culture and tradition as every woman, man; young, old, rich and poor had a place and something to offer to the palace. A unique moment that all the daughters of Luh village happily offered a chicken each to the palace and above all, an exclusive occasion that when Fon Ivo Wepke emerged from the palace inner court dressed in purely traditional outfit, the palace esplanade went into a fuss of mad joy. It took more that 41 minutes for the palace guards to restore order, stop the drumbeats and the xylophone for the second part of the programme which was reserve for speeches. 

Fon Ivo Wepke III Speaks Out

In his keynote message to the Wimbum people and especially the people of Luh village, HRH Fon Ivo Wepke III prescribed love, togetherness and honesty. He said he is not only the fon of Luh village but fon of Wimbum people because he would spare no effort to make his own little contribution towards the emergence of villages in Mbumland as well as contribute to peace and stability for the welfare of all. He warned against gambling and the smoking of marijuana by youths adding that anyone who is involved in any of these activities should beware that he will not condole with. “I never knew that I had this great population behind me. You are the power that I need because where I am short of energy I will surely need that you all push be from behind to forge ahead with the development of our village”, he added. He called on the people of Luh to always pray for Hon. Awudu Mbaya given that he has proven that he is governed by the spirit of love and togetherness, “Let us pray that one day he is made minister in this country. I have been running up and down for the past years, and finally here am I, if I knew that that is how you all loved me, I won’t have”, he emphasized. He concluded by calling on the population to join hands with him so that they could take the bull by the horns as stated by the mayor of Ndu who in his speech exploded that the emergence of Ndu council area will begin from Luh village.

Enter LUCUDA President

In his speech, Rev. Pastor Paul Mbunwe, the President of Luh Cultural and Development Association-LUCUDA expressed gratitude to the administration and the living forces of the village as well as the entire people of Mbumland for their timely support. He described Fon Ivo Wepke III as a development luminary and a man who all his life has been working hard. “We thank God that he granted our prayers”, he continued. According to LUCUDA President God has given Luh village a man who will champion the development of the area.

Hon. Awudu, Hon. Esther Ngala Applaud Luh People

The Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre appreciated the people of Luh for the sense of maturity in welcoming the new fon. He said the massive turnout was a true testimony of the attachment the people have in the respect of the Wimbum traditional setup. He said they (the MPs) had to abandon work at the national Assembly to drive home overnight to be part of the historic event given that it takes time for it to happen. “Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi came here and told us that the palace shouldn’t remain empty, and I am happy the people of Luh respected it”. According to Hon. Awudu, the enthronement of the seated fon of Luh remains and will remain the pride of the Wimbum people given that if one part of the body is sick, the entire system will not function properly. Implicitly, he was reminding the Wimbum people that if the Luh palace was empty, Wimbum people would not have been a happy people. “Your Highness, here are your people, here are the people we also represent in Parliament. In fact here we are: The hunters your people sent to parliament to vote good laws and lobby for development projects for the emergence of Donga Mantung Centre Constituency”. He called on the population to respect traditional institutions and to stand firm behind their ruler especially on the day he (the fon) will be presented to the administration.

On her part, Hon. Esther Ngala expressed joy and satisfaction to be part of a new way. She commended the efforts of the people for choosing the right man to lead them. “I have been told that your fon is a dynamo and a development oriented person, we are really grateful to have lived this lifetime event”.

On the other hand, the mayor of Ndu council, Bunyui Emmanuel said that the emergence of his municipality will start from Luh village. He used the occasion to announce to the people of Luh that this year, the Ndu council will organize a cultural festival whereby all the rich tradition and culture of the Wimbum people will be exhibited. He called on the new fon as well as the National President of LUCUDA to come closer to the council so that they could work as a team to achieve development. 

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

MIRUDEP Wahala: Menchum Elite(s) Report JB Ndeh to CONAC, Supreme State, MINADER Boss

By Nickson Brueegh in Yde

The untimely demised of the Wum Area Development Authority-WADA remains a nightmare to the people of Menchum especially as the structure was closed when heavy duty equipment meant for the development of the Division were still at the Douala Seaport. Nothing stirs the Santa mafia for being the root cause. This is so because the creation of a moribund structure; Menchum Integrated Rural Development Project- MIRUDEP which would have taken over the management of these assets has been pocketed by the General Manager of MIDENO, John Begheni Ndeh. Even though destined for Menchum, none of the heavy duty equipment has never-ever worked in Menchum except hired to a road construction company. MIRUDEP which many elite(s) of Menchum thought was going to takeover the activities of WADA suddenly became the seed producing unit for MIDENO. Tempers flared in Wum when the people discovered that all what WADA left had disappeared. The most heartbreaking incident is that recently, Menchum elite(s) wrote to CONAC, Supreme State Audit and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development decrying that funds disbursed by government for the rehabilitation of MIRUDEP were siphoned. The elite(s) point accusing fingers at JB Ndeh the General Manager of MIDENO. The latest of such a memo was addressed to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development last February 14, 2014 in which Menchum elite(s) and politicians have called on Agriculture minister to investigate into the mismanagement of funds allocated for the rehabilitation of MIRUDEP. To them, MIRUDEP under the coordination of MIDENO has been transformed into an extraordinary affair. In their memo, Menchum elite(s) also urged Agriculture minister to revamp WADA given that it was not liquidated. According to them, WADA was closed down without any explanations in 1989 at point in time that Cameroon was undergoing an economic trauma. They argued that MIRUDEP was a sub project under WADA which was sponsored by the Islamic Bank, and are aghast that the equipment that were for the structure have been moved to Santa under the guise of what could be described as a slab on the face of the people of Menchum. The Menchum Integrated Rural Development Project “was handed to MIDENO for coordination. Now after all these years, MIDENO has proven that it cannot manage the project”. The Eye is aware that tons of petition from Mechum have been shipped to CONAC and the Supreme State Audit. According to what we gathered, the elite are bent on seeing CONAC and Supreme State Audit carryout a thorough audit of the structure. They say the problem is not the man managing on the spot but at the level of MIDENO management headed by the self-proclaimed coordinator of the CPDM in the North West Region, John Begheni Ndeh. 

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