Looking Glass: BAPCCUL Creates the Unexpected in Ndu at EGM

 Members of the Bamenda Police Cooperative Credit Union LTD (BAPCCUL) of Ndu and Mbot gathered on May 18, 2016 in Ndu to take stock of their activities in what is known in the microfinance sector as Education General Meeting (EGM). The meeting which took place at the Ndu branch office was groundbreaking given the massive turned out. Welcoming members and would-be members, Musa Shey Nfor, President of BAPCCUL disclosed that withing a very short time, BAPCCUL has recorded giant strides in the Ndu and Mbot branches. Harping on the statics, and growth, Musa Shey Nfor said that there was a geometrical increase given that Ndu branch moved from 670 members in 2015 to 1050 in 2016 with total savings of 271 million in 2015 to 350 million in 2016.
Mbot branch, he revealed recorded a breaking record as membership increased from 277 members in 2015 to 461 members in 2016. He also revealed that BAPCCUL will be expanding it tentacles to Nwa in the days ahead with the opening of a new branch office. Moving into the rural areas and providing remedy to poverty related issues, he added is one of the main objectives of the union. The Nkambe Branch is expected to hold it EGM on May 19, 2016 at CamCCUL building. 

Photo Credit: Gibip Bernard

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

Biya’s Investment Forum will Yield Little!

 By Felix Teche Nyamusa, SDF 2018 presidential hopeful (pending primaries)

 

Countries, history reveals, that blossom, put in place a sincere business democratic environment.
In Cameroon the CPDM ruling government is barely anticipating sufficiency of electric energy to say the least. Road transportation infrastructure is primitive. Good governance is absent as elections are regularly channeled to see President Paul Biya (who had forged over 34 years in power) and his party (CPDM) to continuously stay in power to the chagrin of SDF and many a genuine opposition party.
The press in Cameroon particularly the publics’ press is stifled to sing the ruling party praises. Private business unlike in forward looking communities had till date been caged. Thus only the government civil service some how works.
President Biya who is also national president of the ruling CPDM usurps the powers of the judiciary and legislature arms of government.
Cameroonians in large numbers flee the country because of Biya/CPDM regime misrule and sequel lack of paying jobs and/ or opportunities
- A historic legal component of the country - the Anglophones courtesy “SCNC” are clamoring for “secession” blaming it on none respect of union terms by the ruling clan. The Boko Haram insurgents in the North have lingered in the country due to bad governance. Insurgents emanating from central Africa Republic are huge havoc in the East region.
Thus a big portion of convincing prosperity potential will only be arrived at when a veritable foundation stone is put at tackling these preventable worries. Further, national elections are due in 2018; Mr. Biya and his CPDM party have all along been struggling to precipitate the polls to take their adversaries off guard. The country supposed independent elections body “ELECAM” is but a Biya/CPDM appointed personnel structure that dances to CPDM party expectations.
Hence Cameroon is largely at explosion limit if good governance structural-changes are not immediately put in place. The aforementioned silliness explains why Cameroon has largely remained backward in socio-economy for all this time (about 35 years) of CPDM rule.
Thus the 17 May, 2016 Biya Economic investors’ forum in Yaounde is part of the routine time and money waste character of the CPDM government with little or no profit accruing to Cameroon from it !

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

Lesson from Nigeria: Good News! Buhari to Increase the Salaries of Civil Servants by Over 50%

 The Federal Government is currently taking measures to attend to the proposal for the salary increment of civil servants with certain conditions to satisfy.

Muhammadu Buhari

 Three days to the threatened mass action against government’s increase in the price of petrol, indications emerged yesterday that the Federal Government would meet organised labour today in Abuja over the issue, dangling a carrot before labour leaders.
The Guardian learnt that at the meeting slated for 3:00 p.m. at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Federal Government will be coming to the parley with the proposal for a new minimum wage that is fixed at N45, 000. But the increase comes with some provisons including reduction in the number of civil servants and merging ministries and agencies.
Indeed, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba confirmed the scheduled meeting saying he got a text message inviting him and other labour leaders to the meeting.
A source in the Presidency told a correspondent that ministers had been told to lead the initiative on the downsizing. Also, the Efficiency Unit in the Federal Ministry of Finance, which is saddled with coming up with cost reduction strategies is working on the template for the reduction.
The Federal Government would also be relying on the report of the Steve Oronsaiye’s panel on the rationalisation of the civil service in the streamlining process.
It was also learnt that though government said it would not devalue the naira, it would indeed embark on what it termed ‘appropriate’ value of the national currency, which may be in the region of N283 to the dollar.
Meanwhile, fuel scarcity persisted in most of the major cities of the country yesterday despite hopes that petrol would be available since government at the last Federal Executive Council meeting raised the pump price of petrol to N145 per litre.Yet, some outlets are retailing for as high as between N150 and N175 per litre.
A visit to some areas in Lagos showed that most petrol stations were under lock and key, with only one or two selling the product for N145 per litre.
In a related development, the Arewa Defence League (ADL) has called on Nigerians to stand by the current administration over the recent increase in pump price of petrol, saying the increase is not meant to worsen the sufferings of the masses but aimed at ensuring availability and sustainability of the product.

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

What Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh Told US Senate

On May 10, 2016, Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh presented his testimony to the US Senate; foreign Relations Committee. Excepts

Ta Nformi Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh

"Democracy and good governance should be a central component of any counter terrorism and stabilization strategy in Sub­ Saharan Africa....
Discontent with governments that are viewed as illegitimate or ineffective is a fertile ground for recruitment as disaffected individuals may easily embrace extremism hoping to access a better life, political power or voice and the resources linked to these attributes in
transition environments.....
Oppressed citizens and marginalized groups that are denied access to basic public goods and services and opportunities are more vulnerable to extremist appeals and indoctrination by non ­state actors who in return promise to fulfill their needs.....
Autocratic regimes should not get a pass from the international community solely because they are good partners in the fight against terrorism. Shrinking political space, frequent and overt violations of citizen rights and freedoms, and the undermining of constitutional rule and meaningful elections breed discontent and disaffection that form the fertile ground for recruiters and perpetrators of violence and extremism....
Good partners in countering violent extremism and terrorism can and should be good performers in democratic governance. These two principles are not mutually exclusive;in fact they are mutually reinforcing....
Africans of this generation are jittery and extremely fearful of reliving the experience of the Cold War era during which dictatorships thrived amidst grave human deprivation and gross human rights abuses just because some leaders were allies of the West at the time. The fight against terrorism should not become a substitute for the Cold War paradigm of this century with regards to sub­Saharan Africa....
Efforts to counter violent extremism and terrorism in sub­Saharan Africa must, therefore, address poor governance as part of the overall strategy...."

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

Boko Haram Remains a Threat French President Says

Speaking in Abuja, Capital of Nigeria on May 14, 2016  French President Francios Hollande saiddeclared the Islamist group Boko Haram "is still a threat," despite "impressive results" in the fight against the insurgents in Nigeria. President Francois Hollande however acknowledged the effort deployed. To him, the results so far obtained by the multi taskforce are “impressive” but "this terrorist group, however, still remains a threat," said Mr. Holland during a press briefing. French President attended the 2^nd Regional Security Summit alongside Muhammadu Buhari and the heads of state of neighboring countries of Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad and Niger and others. It is believed that the discussions during the meeting would focus on how to end the Islamist insurgency and abuses of Boko Haram, whose ties with the jihadist group Islamic State "alarmed" the UN. The effective deployment of a military taskforce, supported by the African Union and which includes 8,500 men from Nigeria and neighboring countries, should also be in the focus of the summit.

Nigerian President encourages the deployment of this force, which should already be released in July. Since the arrival of Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria a year ago, the army has stepped up military victories against Boko Haram, leading the president to announce that the Islamist group was "technically" won. It should be recalled that since 2009, more than 20 000 deaths have been recorded. Reports say though Boko Haram has resolved to suicide bombings, the Sambisa forest in the (northeast) remains a fallback stronghold for the insurgents, and the factors contributing to the emergence of Boko Haram

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

Boko Haram is Worst Threat to Development, International Peace/Security Researcher Says

Blaise Nkfunkoh Ndamnsah

 Blaise Nkfunkoh Ndamnsah, a Cameroonian Peace and Security Researcher based in Italy has urged Cameroonians to remain focused in building sustainable peace if they expect to attain any meaningful development especially in the context of the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

In one of his publications titled “Cameroonian officers and commanders participating in a joint Cross National Research on asymmetric warfare operations: old wars versus new wars-the war against Boko Haram”, he outlines all the necessary views and concepts, conceives and articulates goals that lift people out of their pretty preoccupations, carries them above the conflicts that are threatening to tear the society apart and unites them in the pursuit of objectives worthy of their best efforts which he (the author) finds in peace building for sustainable development.

According to the Peace and Security Researcher, very often Cameroonians think that poverty is only about being hungry, naked and homeless. But the worst form of poverty is when people have nobody who can provide ideas or who could support innovative ideas that could lead to sustainable actions around the world. For sometimes now, he observed Cameroonians have been eager to know what the Cameroonian Diasporas could contribute towards Vision 2035. It is on this premise that the researcher notes that getting involved in peace and security that could guarantee a more stable world, peaceful environment and mutual co-existence is the most effective way to fight poverty and boost efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals.

According to Blaise Nkfunkoh Ndamnsah, Cameroon expects much from the Diasporas in order to guarantee peace, security and sustainable development at this point in time that the country is at war with the Islamic Sect, Boko Haram. He believes that incorporating research knowledge into peace building efforts is a key element to guaranteeing sustainable peace. It should be noted that Blaise has lectured and participated in several symposiums, workshops and universities on peace and security. Some of these include “Cameroonian Forces combating terrorism, case of Boko Haram, cultural and military lessons learned at the 13^th Biennial Conference of ERGOMAS Open University of Israel, Ra’anana, June 2015. Peace and Security in Africa: A critical analysis of the African Peace and Security Architecture. Lectures to Masters Students on Human Rights and Multilevel governance, University of Padova-Italy, 2015; Human Rights Challenges in Peace Keeping Operations: From Cooperation to Confrontation, African Union, African States and the ICC, Lectures to Masters Students on Human Rights and Multilevel Governance, University of Padova-Italy (2015). “Armed Forces and Operations in Asymmetric Warfare Environment” Torino (Italy 2015). Summer School on the United Nations: Youth Competencies for the Challenges of the Globalized world. Cultural mediation and International Protection systems: the case of CARA Refugee Centre in Gradisca D’isonzo-Italy organized by the United Nation Association of Slovenia (Ljubljana 2014). Author: Protection of Asylum Seekers and the role of cultural mediation in Italy: An analysis of the CARA Refugee Centre. Co-author-Diversity and Cultural Issues in Multinational Military Operations, Case of the Italian-Slovenian-Hungarian Trilateral Brigade.

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

NOWEFU Elective General Assembly: The Process Has Started

Look at the attributions of Honorary President General

On the recommendations of North West Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique Divisional bureaus of the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU have started holding extra ordinary General Assemblies in a bid to revue and adopt NOWEFU new constitution. The process started with the Menchum Fons Union on April 30, 2016. Sources say following attempts by the outgoing executive of NOWEFU to manipulate the constitution, North West Governor instructed all senior Divisional Officers to adopt the new constitution in order to put an end to the present stalemate.

The main aim we gathered is for the traditional rulers to scrape the post of Honorary President General which carries along with it sweeping powers.

It is expected that Fon Teche will hand over power to the Fon of Nkambe soon. This is so because HRH Fon Ibrahim Japbfu Nfor was endorsed pending elective general assembly. Sources say the 83 fons of Menchum had endorsed the candidature of the fon of Nkambe, this The Eye gathered is sign of victory. The fons of Menchum also strategized on how they could grab some major positions in the Fon of Nkambe led executive. As momentum gathers ahead of NOWEFU Elective General Assembly, prospects are high at that by June ending, NOWEFU should have a new exco.

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

Lesson from Nigeria: President Buhari to Announce Amount Recovered from Looted Funds by May 29

 As the President Buhari-led administration gets set to mark one year in power, the president will mark a major milestone in a major disclosure it plans to make to Nigerians.



Nigerians should be ready for a shocker by the end of the month as President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to disclose to Nigerians the amount his government has so far recovered from those who looted the nation’s treasury on May 29.
Buhari disclosed this in an interview he granted some journalists before he departed London. He had attended an Anti-Corruption Summit organised by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron.
“So far, what has come out, what has been recovered in whatever currency from each ministries, departments and individuals, I intend on the 29th to speak on this. This is because of all Nigerians are getting from the mass media, because of the number of people arrested either by the EFCC or DSS. But we want to make a comprehensive report on the 29th,” the President told his interviewers.
When asked whether he will also publish the names of the looters, Buhari replied, “Yes, eventually, it has to be done because we want to successfully prosecute them. But you know you cannot go to the courts unless you have documents for prosecution.
“People signed for these monies into their personal accounts, their banks gave statements that the money is there, when it came, how much and so on.”
When asked to react to the allegation that his administration’s anti-corruption war is selective, the President said such accusation was against the law enforcement agencies.
He however assured Nigerians that he has not been interfering in the work of the agencies.
He said a critical assessment of those who are being detained for corruption cases would show that they cut across board.
His administration will be one year on that day having been inaugurated as the nation’s President on May 29, 2015.

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

Meet 8 Female African Stars Who Have Landed Big Jobs Because of Great Curves (Photos)

 Africa is full of female stars with adorable and s*xy bodies who dazzle us daily with their killer curves. Here are some of them.
Someone once said that beautiful people tend to have more beautiful and easier lives than others.
What the person didn’t mention is that females with tantalising curves in all the right places on their bodies tend to often get their desires met faster than others.
If you don’t believe in the above analogies, the examples listed in this piece ought to convince, and not confuse you.

1. PEACE HYDE



To say that Peace is well endowed would be a strong contender for the understatement of the century. She is indeed a sight for sore eyes. The British-Ghanaian beauty is a TV personality, as well as a correspondent for the respected Forbes Africa Magazine. Interestingly, she is not just about her looks. She graduated with a First Class in Psychology from Middlesex University, and possesses a Masters Degree in Communication and Digital Media. To further underscore the fact that her teeming fans can’t get enough of looking at her fabulous body, she is the presenter of three shows in Ghana which include the EFGH Show, Friday Night Live and MTN Hit Maker Season Three. While not denying or dismissing her talent, it is unarguable that Peace’s sexual appeal played a big role in landing her the above-listed plum jobs.

2. TOOLZ



The curves on this babe would make a gay man have a rethink of his sexuality. Born Tolu Oniru, the ebony hued stunner has a degree in Business and Mass Communication from the London Metropolitan University. As a radio personality, she hosts the Midday Show on Beat FM. She also has a TV show called ‘The Juice’ where she interviews various celebrities, and she was the host of the maiden edition of Glo X-Factor. Though she also has a lovely voice, it is unarguable that her ‘hotness’ was one of the reasons she was chosen to host the X-Factor. It was very common to hear catcalls from the audience during the show, with many of the male folks professing their undying love (or is it lust) for her.

3. COSSY ORJIAKOR



If you know Cossy Orjiakor, I’m sure the first thing that comes to your mind at the mention of her name is ‘Boobs.’ As far as mammary glands go, Cossy’s is legendary. An actress by profession, she has landed many jobs by virtue of her huge boobs. She was featured on Fuji star, Obesere’s ‘Apple Juice’ video where her milk factory was generously displayed on the cover. She has also been the subject of numerous controversies because of her boobs which bloggers and news hounds can’t seem to get enough of. She has graced the cover page of many magazines for her luscious shape

4. MOESHA BUODONG



If you ‘Google’ the name Moesha Buodong, your sight will be assailed by many sexy pictures that’ll definitely make you swallow your own saliva; that’s if they don’t make your member stand as stiff as a soldier on the parade ground. The babe is hot, period! This Ghanaian actress has got curves to die for, and she knows it, so she is never tired of flaunting it in our faces. Often dressed in skimpy and seductive attires, Moesha has landed many acting roles on account of her humongous boobs. She is also often paid to attend parties simply because of her sexiness.

5. YVONNE JEGEDE



“It is not my fault that my dress cannot cover my boobs,” says Nigerian actress, Yvonne Jegede. The above statement should give you an inkling as to the size of Yvonne’s mammary glands; she is loaded! Though she is not rated an A-list actress, it is a fact that she has gotten many acting gigs because of her fantastically hot body (no apologies to David Cameron).

6. MERCY JOHNSON-OKOJIE



In every role she takes on, Mercy Johnson’s uniquely natural talent shines through. However, it is undeniable that many fans watch Africa Magic simply to catch a glimpse of Mercy’s humongous boobs. She has landed many acting jobs on account of her banging body. Directors have even had to re-write scripts to make sure she and her boobs play a prominent role. However, when Mercy got married some years ago, she disappointed some fans when she declared that she would no longer be wearing skimpy outfits as a result of her marital status. That notwithstanding, Mercy’s body still remains incredible even after two kids, and directors aren’t still tired of casting her in roles of a sexy babe.

7. CORAZON KWAMBOKA



The sight of Corazon Kwamboka can make a warm-blooded man break out in sweat even in an air conditioned room. This Kenyan model has curves for days, and it attracts men like bees to honey. Her fantabulous body has secured her many modeling jobs. She is also regularly paid to host events, because at every show she anchors, hordes of men always turn up, if for nothing but to feed their eyes with her gift of nature.

8. JOSELYN DUMAS



It may just be a coincidence that Joselyn’s last name rhymes with ‘arse,’ but with the kind of backside she has, it is indeed fitting. The Ghanaian TV host and actress has won many awards for her acting prowess, and she sets tongues wagging on account of her body frame. She is usually paid to host shows, and when she does, the excited response of the audience is better imagined.

- Tofarati Ige/Vanguard




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

Photos of Deadly Boko Haram Leader Captured with Cameroon, Nigeria Currency #PhotoNews

A Boko Haram member who is said to be a deadly member of the group has been nabbed by the Civilian Joint Task Force.

 

The fight against the Boko Haram insurgency is taking a new turn as the Civilian Joint Task Force actively joins the military to distabilize the activities of the terrorists.
The Boko Haram member pictured above was nabbed during a CJTF operation.
He was caught with Nigerian and Cameroonian currency proving that the Boko Haram fighters also actively live under cover in Cameroon.
See more photos below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Boko Haram Leader Captured, 58 Militants Die in Raid

 Courtesy: Bloomberg

A joint military taskforce from Cameroon and Nigeria captured Boukar Kaou, a Boko Haram leader, during a raid in which 58 militants died, according to Cameroon’s government.

Kaou and five of his aides were captured in fighting in the Madawaya forest in northeastern Nigeria near the border with Cameroon on May 10 and 11, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a spokesman for Cameroon’s government said in a statement read on state radio.
No soldiers died and 46 hostages were freed, including 18 women and 28 children, according to the statement. Three Boko Haram camps were destroyed and a consignment of weapons was found, he said.
The detention of Kaou comes as French President Francois Hollande prepares to push for rebuilding the impoverished region around Lake Chad and establish state authority while keeping military pressure on Boko Haram. The Islamist militant group has been waging a seven-year offensive that killed tens of thousands of people and spilled over into Cameroon, Chad and Niger, displacing as many as seven million people, according to the U.S. government.
Hollande will attend a meeting Saturday in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. Presidents of the former French colonies of Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin, as well as representatives of the U.S., U.K and European Union, are expected to attend.
Since taking power in May last year, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari relocated the army’s headquarters from the capital to Maiduguri, the epicenter of the insurgency, replaced his top military chiefs and vowed to recover billions of dollars stolen in defense spending corruption scandals. The Abuja talks are the second regional security summit after a meeting in Paris two years ago.

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

President Biya Lauds International Community in Supporting the Fights Against Boko Haram

President Biya and President Buhari

President was speaking at the 2^nd Regional Security Meeting in the Nigerian Capital, Abuja. Present at the Abuja Security Summit were French President Francois Hollande, Chadian President Idriss Deby, Beninese President Patrice Talon, Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, Gabonese President Ali Bongo, British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken and delegations from the European Union and West African and Central African blocs.

The importance of the summit is telling. This is so because nations have understood that the fight should be collective. Francios Hollande is also quoted to have underscored the need for African countries to control the movement of arms from conflict areas like Libya. Key speakers included the host Nigerian President Buhari, Chad, Niger, Gabon etc.  

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

Looking Glass: Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle 30 Years in the Service of Peace/Justice

 By Fai Cassian Ndi

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle as The Man in the Arena I know

Ntumfor Nico Halle Flanked by Cardinal Tumi, other Clergies

 

Theodore Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena in (Citizenship of a Republic) wrote that “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena”. He emphasized that “The man who does nothing cuts the same sordid figure in the pages of history, whether he be a cynic, or fop, or voluptuary. There is little use for the being whose tepid soul knows nothing of great and generous emotion, of the high pride, the stern belief, the lofty enthusiasm, of the men who quell the storm and ride the thunder. Well for these men if they succeed; well also, though not so well, if they fail, given only that they have nobly ventured, and have put forth all their heart and strength”.

Talking about Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, I will however contextualize the above statement made in 1910 by Theodore Roosevelt by adding that if there is someone who owes his triumph and reputation as replica of  The Man in the Arena" in Cameroon, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle does. The first time I met Ntumfor Nico Halle in 2001, I immediately noticed that he is that manner of man who knows great gusto, great commitments and who spends himself in worthy causes. In fact, one who at the best knows in the end the exploit of great achievements, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

 Ntumfor Nico Halle won it by advocating for peace and justice for 30 good years. Ntumfor's zeal as an advocate of peace and justice started from childhood before he became a lawyer. This is so because he was lucky to have a father with the same proclivity, I have heard him say. I remember having heard and read on newspapers how history had it recorded that on June 6, 1999; North West traditional rulers grouped under the umbrella of the North West Fons Union officially recognized his merits as a crusader of peace and justice, development luminary etc by conferring on him the title of “Ntumfor.” It was of course a great practical moment to be taken into account given that Ntumfor used the title to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in the region. He knew very well that he must pull his own weight first, and only after this can the general public benefit.

Photo Credit: Cham Victor

This was went the North West had a bad record of rampant tribal wars, most of them instigated and sponsored by overzealous elite(s). Ntumfor suddenly became the symbol of peace and is oftenly quoted as saying peace is the weapon of the strong and violence that of the weak. If I am to make a critical judgment of his 30 years as lawyer, I will confidently say without fear or favour that few Anglophone lawyers have known the kind of success Barrister Nico Halle has had. That record has created an aura around Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle to the point that it gives him real momentum, and in the courtroom it’s unmistakable. Even adversaries admire him, and not begrudgingly. Theoretically, his methods—relying on supposed, rattling opponents, getting facts to the bench as early as possible, can be good materials in law school. He is noted to devoting long hours to preparing any file. But none of that gives any sense of why he wins so big. He absolutely loves his job, delights in getting as deep in an opponent’s head as he can. That is why the story of reputable lawyers in this country could never be told without mentioning his name in the first paragraphs. The fact that he is the President of the General Assembly of the Cameroon Bar tells the things he does that few other lawyers have the nerve to try and almost none could get away with the too much trust he enjoys. Some lawyers have a tinge of dishonesty; others are as good as good morning. But when some leave the court-room, you smell a little brimstone. I’ve never heard anyone suggest that about Barrister Nico Halle or his Law Firm or maybe it might have happened before I could know him. He may charge you for services but he won’t cheat. Settling a matter for the betterment of both parties has and is always what makes him different.

The last time I laid eyes on Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle was during his last advocacy crusade to instill transparency in the mainstream churches in Cameroon. I also know him as a devoted Christian and as CMF National President before being catapulted to the position of King of CMF; he left a mark of greatness in the PCC. Ntumfor Nico Halle remains the best Election expert National Election Observatory ever produced. I witnessed him dislodged polling stations in palaces. The success of the election in the North West earned him the reputation and confidence to the point that he was assigned to monitor by-elections in the West and Littoral Regions. He was also assigned by African Union to monitor elections in Zimbabwe.

Talk about Nico Halle, is to talk about development and talking development without mentioning his trapping as President General of Ndong Awing is an abomination. He brought electricity to Awing and implemented several projects. I have heard him say that "if your palace is a junk, then you are a junk". This, he did not only preached but puts into practice. His collaboration with the Press in Cameroon is great. I have heard him quoting Thomas Jefferson severally on the importance of the Press. I have heard him cautioning journalists whenever he is called up to present a paper at their event that dishonesty, slander, sensationalism, inanity, vapid triviality; all are powerful factors for the debauchery of the public mind and conscience.

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

UK Boosts Anti-Terror Campaign with 40 Million Pounds

The United Kingdom said on Saturday that it has approved 40 million pounds to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency. The UK Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, disclosed this on arrival for the one day Regional Security Summit holding in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. 

 The United Kingdom said on Saturday that it has approved 40 million pounds (about N14 billion) to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, disclosed this on arrival for the one day Regional Security Summit holding in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A statement issued by the British High Commission, quoted Hammond as reiterating the UK’s continued support to Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.

“The UK continues to support Nigeria in tackling Boko Haram with nearly £40m of counter-terrorist and counter-extremism support over the next four years.

“The support includes the training of almost 1,000 Nigerian military personnel for deployment to the Northeast of Nigeria on counter-insurgency operations,” Hammond said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his administration’s efforts in degrading the Boko Haram insurgency.

“President Buhari has shown strong leadership in the fight against Boko Haram.

“Boko Haram is a brutal organisation that has raped, murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians and forced over two million people to flee their homes.

“Their allegiance to, and potential coordination with Daesh is a reminder of the threat they present to the region and to British interests,” the UK foreign secretary said.

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

Prostitutes Adopt New Methods; Some Turn to Professional Mourners, Others Pick Pockets

 Prostitutes in Cameroon have resorted to other methods. This is as a result of the fact that the long established method of tradition of waiting for the costumers is no longer yielding the required income. Apart from wearing very revealing and sexy dresses free women have decided to invest a little more on the business. It is very common to see some of them

Leaving the Mortuary with Mercenary Tears.

Many free women now attend funeral ceremonies of people they have never known just to have the opportunity of meeting with well-to-do costumers and or make new catches. They start at the mortuary while family members, friends and well-wishers of the deceased are busy with corpse removal. In Nigeria for example, they are known as the “area girls”, but here we name the professional mourners. Meet one of them at a funeral; the first attraction is that they are either making or fun of receiving very long imaginary phone calls. The essence of this is to attract the attention of mostly the “bush fallers” or new catches whom they are targeting.

It is worth noting that these prostitutes dress to kill, expensive black dresses, high heel shoes, sparkling earings and lipsticks with expensive perfume to complete the sophisticated make-up. They also carry large “go-no-come bags” in which they have other dresses and toilet requirements. They are called “go-no-come bags” because the owner leaves ready to spend the night elsewhere quite commonly in hotels or elsewhere their costumers would like to sleep with them. Besides, these free women who include students and jobseekers whose parents and guardians no longer provide their basic needs talk-less of enabling them acquire expensive gadgets, like smart phones, I-pads, laptops etc. They are present in churches where the requiem mass or service holds. There they don’t only take active part in the singing and dancing, they also go for offertory as many times, as possible dropping mainly yellow coins into the offertory basket in a bid to seek notice (attract attention of would-be costumers).

During receptions, they are uncommonly active, serving mourners but doing so selectively. Their favourite mourners are always the well-to-do including bush fallers, business magnets and top civil servants. Thanks to their ability to wear seductive smiles, they end up with a telephone number of their targeted victim. Those who succeed end up into new jobs, travel abroad and or even marriage while the unfortunate ones return home with a well stocked purse or with a full stomach.  Another latest innovation that is paying and paying these women very well is the

Prostitution in Buses

This is a common strategy used by some free women in pursuit of making new catches. This is very common with prostitutes in Douala and Yaounde. These prostitutes usually with well manicured nails and very sexily dressed pay their fares, after ensuing that her seat is as near as possible to that of somebody they know is very rich. Some of them have eyes of hawk when it comes to detecting a rich man. While the bus is moving, she engages in a swift conversation. The last time I traveled from Bamenda to Buea, I discovered that the couple infront of me had just met that day. The lady was so drunk to the point that she spent the journey crying and vomiting. She must have caught a good catch and ended up sucking her in whisky. As we got to Buea, she immediately disappeared with her new catch. She had struck a good deal with him. Quite often she goes back home with a good chunk of money and the phone number of her new catch. While some have developed these new skills, others have turn to

Pick Pockets

This is the most recent strategy developed by women with hardened consciences to fleece men of their hard earned FCFA. Since men no longer dip their hands into their pockets often or readily enough, criminal minded women have resolved to remove the money themselves. Of late, I witnessed a scene in Nkambe that kept me wondering. Two young girls had landed in the town and two young guys wanted to pull a smart one. The girls immediately asked for FCFA 5000 each.  After concerting, one of the guys said he had money and home. Upon return, his partner of the day was standing by the door. She immediately dips her hands into his pocket and removed all the money. Being a married man, the young man went on his knees but the girl said she would prepare her “come-no-bag before coming back to hand back his money. Few minutes later, the young man was shocked to hear that the girls had left for Ako.

A “clando” driver on the Ndop-Bamenda road recounted how a beautiful girl working with male accomplices boarded his car one day from Ndop. She had tactfully chosen the front seat where sat the old man. This man had just withdrawn the sum of FCFA 300.000 from a financial institution. The young woman had carefully monitored him. The driver who suspected what the girl was up to and fearing dire consequences tried to caution the elderly man through signs. But the expert prostitute was smarter. With a mellifluous voice accompanied by frequent smiles and caresses carefully engrossed the attention of the man.

Having failed to bring the man to reason the driver advised him to drop at Bambui giving excuse the police control post at mile 6 about 2 kilometers ahead. But the now lovesick old man rejected the advice arguing that he had paid his full fare. Rather it was the prostitute that opted to drop after accomplishing her mission and giving Pa a fake telephone number. Her mate equally dropped. It was only at Mobile Nkwen where his journey ended that he realized that his FCFA 300.000 had disappeared. It was then that the driver explained to him that he had done everything to make him understand that the girl was a pick pocket. But in many cases drivers are always accomplices with the pick pockets. From every indication, women like expert hunters have learnt “to shot without missing men” reasons why men have to learn like “birds to fly without missing” through non-stop vigilance.

(First published in The Independent Observer)

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

Bangolan Chieftaincy Crisis: Hard Road to Reconciliation as Fon Chafah Resumes Own Case

 Fon Chafah XI of Bangolan has re-opened case against his opponents shortly after withdrawing it. It is alleged the withdrawal of the case was withdrawn based on the advised of the Prime Minister, Yang Philemon. But supporters of the “new” Bangolan fon have allegedly vowed to proceed with their fon. However, Fon Chafah who had suspected that his opponents would be unbending did not personally apply for the withdrawal of the case. His lawyers did it meaning that the Bangolan fon could re-open it if he chose and that is what he just did.

Notwithstanding, The Eye is aware that Fon Chafah’s detractors (opponents) have adopted a “scorched earth” policy; the type adopted by the Russians in 1811 to starve Napoleon’s forces and frustrated his Moscow campaign. Classified sources say Fon Chafah’s opponents have decided to starve the soldiers on peace mission to their by refusing to sell them some basic items. By implication they will get hungry and leave Bangolan.

Recently, it was rumoured that the dissidents would launch an offensive to take over the palace and allegedly with the support of Bangolan youths resident in other towns. Besides, that it is even aired that in Bangolan some of the youths are so provocative to the point that they move round the village with their bags with inscriptions “Isaac Must Go”. The fact that Fon Chafah too has decided to re-open his case against them is indicative of the fact that the prospect of dialogue have collapsed.  

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