The Power of the SCNC and the bribing mechanisms of Paul Biya.

La Republique always holds the view that, the Southern Cameroons question is of no essence, they say it lacks legitimacy, but yet the Government through its mechanisms have created so many factions within the SCNC popularly known as the Government factions. The SCNC which came about after the AAC 1&2 as a result of failed dialogue with the government has seen various chairmen, each with their own scandals and fights. Truth be told that, a lot of Southern Cameroonians have benefited from the Government largese by using the SCNC as a bait or participating actively then dropped out after Biya's agent drops some hard currencies. It is evident that, a lot of Southern Cameroons youth has gained asylum in countries using the SCNC story. While it is good for these asylum seekers because the fact that a foreign government gives asylum based on the SCNC story, it goes a long way to legitimise the course, but the most unfortunate thing is that, these youths granted asylum on SCNC platforms do not give back to the movement to make it grow, in fact some of them hide under dubious names on facebook and castigates the movement.These are some of the setbacks of the movement.

Recently we have read in the media from two SCNC members how the government promised a 600 million bribe to some SCNC members to throw away the case  against la republique, the government ended handing over 30 million CFA promising to release the rest should they see improvement, reports Cameroon Journal. This is not the first time we have heard counter accusations from members within the movement. The fact that, the government can go to any extend to kill the movement speaks volumes.

We cannot deny the strength of the SCNC. While it is fair to say that, Paul Biya only woke up from sleep to promote Ayah Paul Abine, a promotion which had long overdue, was because of the purported election of Lord Justice Ayah as SCNC Chair. However, like I have always maintained, it was right for Ayah to accept his promotion as he advances his professional career considering the oath of office he took to defend all manner of persons. The SCNC should be able to take stock from the Biya-Ayah appointment.The SCNC should be able to know that Biya trembles when the SCNC is about to get a credible leadership or when the movement is about to be in Unity. If truly the SCNC stands for the general good of the people, all issues would be buried and a common force created.In fact, the SCNC should carry out a total clean up, new faces and completely new leadership should see the light of day. The SCNC should use their strength because Biya can only dialogue when he is in the position of weakness.

The bible tells us that, only the truth shall save us free and no matter how long it takes, the truth always prevails. Despite the shortcomings of the SCNC and her sister organizations, it is my strong convictions that, the Southern Cameroons question still remains legitimate and cannot be wiped under the bridge. Recent happenings in Cameroons that still grossly marginalized the peoples of Southern Cameroons, still reawakens the zeal to see an independent country.

I still strongly hold the view that, there would be no genuine change in the Cameroons without addressing the Southern Cameroons question, for there is unity in diversity not centralism.

Like senior citizen comrade Mwalimu George NGWANE In his paper: Because we were involved (Reflections on the All Anglophone Conference ten years after) said " Whether the Anglophone problem is considered a forgotten scar of our collective memory or an open sore of our collective survival, it will continue to prick the conscience of the Cameroonian body-politic".

God is still saying something

University of Buea Poised For All-Round Excellence: DNA Test now done in UB

By Ajongakou Santos in Buea

The University of Buea in its quest for excellence has stretched out its academic, research and community outreach tentacles to the entire republic, beating the seven other state universities. UB’s participation in a programme to build capacity for a structured institutional approach for training young academics (Early Career Researchers) in research and related skills is beginning to pay-off. After sundry years of research, UB’s biotechnology Unit, Department of biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science now delights in the fallouts. The Faculty of Science in the University of Buea  has embraced research for some time now and can now tell the success story through its most recent discovery; doing a DNA test on site; a thing only the University of Buea in Cameroon now does. Thanks to the support of research grants from UB itself, as well as from the World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UB’s Biotechnological Unit now writes its success story in the face of academic pangs and tortures.

Professor Fidelis Cho-Ngwa - Head of UB’s Biotechnology Unit and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology- tells the story to the Median.

Read-on:

Median: Prof. your laboratory has certainly gone through thick and thin to discover the possibility of conducting a DNA test here on campus, a thing only the University of Buea among state Universities can do. Tell us how you broke the odds

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: You see, several things converged to make this possible. The first thing is that, we are a department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Therefore, we deal with the biological molecules, including, the DNA. We are the epicentre on works around the DNA. Because we are in that field, and the fact that we also run a professional MSc program called, M.Sc. in Molecular Diagnostic Science, which was recently changed by the last senate of the University to become MSc Molecular Epidemiology and Diagnostic Science, we had no choice, but to develop the test. This is part of the professionalization of Higher Education the Head of State, President Paul Biya has been talking about. We were encouraged to run this professional programme also because of the techniques we learned from laboratories abroad (in Europe, USA and other African countries). The difficulty was first, getting the knowledge and hands-on skills, and secondly getting the equipment. But thanks to a number of research grants that we obtained notably, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the government of Belgium, we were able to gather some equipment that  permitted the development and installation  of this test at UB. However, for us to be able to do analyses on trace or latent (invisible) evidence, such as on a hair or cigarette butt, of a spot that has been touched with fingers at a crime scene,  we need more sensitive machines which we currently don’t have, but are not very expensive.

Median: What is DNA?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: DNA is acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid - the hereditary material . It is what people commonly call gene. But in more technical terms, DNA is the carrier of the gene. It is the DNA that makes you look the way you do. So DNA is information for the organism to be what it is. We should also note that no two individuals on earth have the same DNA content, except identical twins. And so if you were to do a DNA test, you won’t be able to differentiate between identical twins, because they have come from the same fertilised egg. In fact, they only differ slightly at times because of environmental factors. Individuals differ in their DNA content by about or less than 0.1%, while the difference between man and the chimpanzee (the closest animal relative of the human being), is only about 1%. That means we are about 99% genetically related to the chimps.

Median: Okay, why is it important to do one’s DNA test?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: The DNA test is used to solve so many problems. Generally, we use it only when there is a problem, given that it is also a test that could stir trouble. Paternity testing is first (two men for instance fighting over a child or a father refusing that a child is not his), where the DNA test will pick out the father very neatly. Maternity testing is second (two women struggling know who owns the child or the case of a stolen baby). DNA will point out the right mother. DNA is also necessary in forensics, (criminology) where somebody commits a crime and becomes a suspect that could be proven innocent or guilty. You just need to go to the crime scene, get some of the things he/she could possibly have touched, or blood spill, fallen hair, etc and check to see if the suspect was at the crime scene. It is also used for person identification. We have successfully used a form of the DNA test in our laboratory to tell the sex of foetuses as from 6 weeks of gestation using few drops of blood from the pregnant woman (ethical considerations are crucial here). This is possible because the foetus's DNA is present in the mother's blood. You could use the test to establish ancestral relationships. Also in establishing that someone has effectively raped a woman.

Median: Now Prof. let’s talk about the procedures. Science warrants the submission of a DNA sample for a genealogical DNA test. One of the methods is by submitting chewing gum.  How is this done?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa:  Of course, saliva has a lot of DNA. Also cells falling from the walls of the mouth cavity provide DNA to the gum. By the time you finish chewing the gum, you should have put into it, so much DNA that forensic scientist may not need to do the analyses. The technology that is used is so sensitive that it takes a very small amount of DNA and amplifies it literally millions of times.

Median: Prof. Cho-Ngwa, there are three types of genealogical DNA test; Autosomal, mitochondrial DNA and Y- Chromosome DNA. What is the difference and which of them does your laboratory test?

 Prof. Cho-Ngwa: Our laboratory can test all, depending only on the probes (PCR primers) we use. The first one, Autosomal has to do with the normal cellular genomic DNA of your body. Mitochondrial DNA is used to establish maternal lineage. It has to do with matrilineal testing because we get the Mitochondrial DNA only from our mothers. We don’t inherit it from our fathers, only from our mothers. So if you are looking for people who come from some old grandma you go for a Mitochondrial DNA test. For the Y- Chromosome genealogical analyses, you want to look for patriline (father).

Median: Until now Prof. Cameroonians had a laissez-faire attitude towards doing their DNA test. To get an American Visa today- a thing sundry Cameroonians flurry to do- demands you establish a biological relationship. Has this in any way motivated numerous tests?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: We are thinking more of missing babies, catching criminals, solving problems of people fighting over children, men disowning their children and so on. Testing so people could go abroad is just one of the applications, but not one of our priorities. It could however,  be a very good thing if people can first of all get themselves tested out of Embassy business before they go there, so that women  could make some confessions before they get embarrassed at the Embassy. In fact, there is a research publication that says women cheat at the same rate as men do.

Median: According to DNA Testing Advisor.com, many African Americans and others are using an African DNA test to get answers about their ethnic ancestry. Is there a difference with the other DNA test?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: No-no-no. It’s basically the same technology except you have to move from there and do Molecular Phylogenetic analyses, which we do using online tools. Allele frequencies for different genetic markers established for African populations are also used. When you do a Molecular Phylogenetic analyses, you see which group the person will cluster with and that will be the origin of the person because people who have come from the same lineage share so much of their genetic sequences together. Those are test that can be done even here in Cameroon. We can even use that to follow the evolution of certain ethnic groups within Cameroon, then we might be able to say, the Bakweri people and the Duala people are related or not related, or that the Bakweri people are more related to the Ibo people or not , and so on.

Median: The University of Buea, out of Cameroon’s eight State Universities, being able to do a DNA test today after sundry years of research is worth applauding. How are Cameroonians going to benefit from this huge discovery?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: The first thing is that, the DNA testing is going to be done on the ground. There is no possibility of sample mix-up on their way to western countries. The experiments can be done while the persons are seated in the same lab, most importantly; it’s going to be cheaper. The average test in America is done for 250.000 Francs CFA, but we are not going to ask more than 100.000 francs. DNA testing in the University of Buea, Cameroon will give faster results, surer results and more accurate results given that the sample needs not pass through so many hands. The machine we are using have not been manufactured in Cameroon, but by the same companies that have manufactured the ones used in the west, and so, all you need is proper training which we have given our students here.  Certainly the University is training people on how to do this test through the M.Sc. in Molecular Epidemiology and Diagnostic Science. Cameroonians also work in some of the DNA testing labs abroad, so why not here also.

Median: Where can one start if he/ she want to come for a DNA test at your Laboratory here in Buea?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: We have to meet the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Research, Cooperation and Relations with the Business World to get the modus operandi in place. But for now, we are running it on our research platform. When you visit our lab for a DNA test for now, we would give you genetic counselling, then if you have reached the age of majority (21), you would be asked to sign certain ethical forms after verification of your national ID; or a parent or guardian could sign on your behalf if you are below that age. For the paternity test, the parent to sign can only be the mother; for the maternity test, both parents have to sign or a court order should exist. You need to come to the ANDI Center of Excellence, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science. This building is the closest to the University Catholic church building, at the Catholic Church entrance into the University of Buea during working hours at the lab (8:00 am to 4 pm), Monday to Friday. You could also call the number 677623220.   

Median: So who is Prof. Cho-Ngwa?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: Hahahahahaha. Okay, Prof. Cho-Ngwa is a Biochemist, Molecular Biologist, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am also Head of the Department, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and also Head of the Pan African Centre of Excellence. Prof. Cho-Ngwa is also a writer. He is author of the widely  used Advanced Level Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses; Principles, Techniques and Practice for A/L Chemistry Students. Fourth Edition. I am an "akamantso" title holder in two villages (Chomba (a Mankon clan) and Mbei -Santa) in the NW Region.

Median: Okay, any last words to the readers of this interview?

Prof. Cho-Ngwa: Sure, I would like to inform all and sundry to know it, UB now runs the DNA test. They should come and see for themselves. To the government of Cameroon, I will say, they should invest much more in research because it pays. Some of them might not be quick with results, but when the results certainly come, it is glory to the entire nation. We urge for government’s support in all domains; morally and financially so that together, we will write Cameroon’s name in International Research Record Books. 

SOUTHERN CAMEROONS: MATTERS ARISING

The truth is that, the legitimacy of the restoration of independence of Southern Cameroons cannot be challenged in any court of law. It just so happens that, the powers that be have not been pushed to the wall to consider the claims the SCNC and other movements are making.Until the dynamics of the forces which stands against the vision and aspiration of the SCNC are threatened, then the status quo is bound to remain the same.

It is evident that independence is never given on a platter of gold. You must work for it. While the community of Nations ( UN Members) enjoys diplomatic relationships with La Republique, the SCNC activists are hoping that the restoration of the statehood would be attained through peaceful means in what they call " The Force of Argument, Not The Argument of Force". When we look across the nations who fought for their independence, they did so with an iron fist stained with the blood of men and women.They did so because they had a large segment of the people they want to lead.They had support from friendly nations, they had support from their diaspora brothers and sisters and most importantly they had support from the people on the home soil. Is this the case with SCNC?

The movement of Southern Cameroons independence has a considerable large silent support from people who do not want to dare.Most of the open support comes from the diaspora-from people who can talk freely, move freely and criticise freely and even hold SCNC meetings freely.This by itself is good because the diaspora have a role to play but this support can only be translated to a large movement back home, if not then the purpose of it is defeated. Do SCNC have this large support back home? My take to this question is two fold.The SCNC have a silent support, but lacks such physical support from the masses from people who want to dare.Who is ready to dare? Who is ready to sacrifice to challenge the community of nations to speak up.The arrest of SCNC members and subsequent release has been going on for decades now, yet it has not been able to trigger the international community. What then can the SCNC and her sister movement do to get the masses behind them? What message can they sell to win the sympathy of Southern Cameroonians? Is it all about an issue of a few?

The people of Southern Cameroons cum Anglophones are by themselves afraid to speak up.We have seen the recent poor translation of the police exams from French to English. Teachers Union across Southern Cameroons have called for its cancellation yet we are still to hear from any top Anglophone politician.No body seems to care.How can Biya be threatened when he knows he owns the chiefs and fons across Southern Cameroons.How can Biya get into dialogue from the position of strength? The SCNC should be at the position of strength to engage Biya into dialogue respecting the Banjul verdict.Is this the case? Is the SCNC and her sister movements in a position of strength?

The Solution:

While respecting the right to self determination.The truth remains the truth.What is the truth here ? The truth is that there is no union between both Cameroons. On December 31st, 2009, President Paul Biya confirmed this. Period. Now the solution to this truth might have different options.Some might want to make the Union legal and get into a confederation or loose federation and some might want to just have nothing more to do with La Repubique du Cameroun. And these options are based on many factors and ones political decisions.Political decisions change as time moves on. It should be noted that before the SCNC took the zero option of complete independence, originally the option the mother foundation had was returning to the Federation.When they had this option, were they playing games? No, they were not.They only change to zero option when the Biya's government refuses to listen and so SCNC was born.This is about going with the options we think could be feasible considering all political factors on the ground.The truth should not be confuse with options.

 Angelbert Nde, one of Cameroons youth activists had this to say "We call on all anglophone youths to create an anglophone youth movement that will fight for justice for the anglophones in the current dispensation. It will also educate the entire country on the plight of the anglophones". I added by saying that,  such an Anglophone peoples' movement should be one to fight for the rights of Anglophone in the current political dispensation.A movement that is not for a separate country, but one for national Unity while respecting the Southern Cameroons people and thereby ascribing to the 1961 accord after the Union must have full filled the legal prescriptions of UN charter.

Before I conclude this piece of information, the proponents of Southern Cameroons independence must begin now making known to the people of Southern Cameroons all the structures the new state shall take. How would the various counties operate? What form of political structures, institutions would be in place? How would elections be conducted? Would there be a rotation policy between the peoples of Southern Cameroons ( North West and South West) into the presidency. What about currency, economy? How would resources be distributed?. These are some of the issues people want to know. People want to see the blueprint of the new state of Southern Cameroons.It is not only about supporting independence, bring these issues to the public because at the end of the day, whether federation or restoration, we all shall need the support and backing of the people.It is not an issue of a few.

Conclusively, looking at the present political dispensations, I ascribed more to a confederation or call it loose Federation or greater Autonomy of Southern Cameroons.Even with this, La Republique is anathema to anything federation or independence, therefore both options would still require us to dare.Am I ready to dare? Are you ready to dare? Could the best option be the Anglophone Peoples' Movement which ascribe more to defending the rights of Anglophones in the present political status?

Where is our Moses?

God bless the Southern Cameroons.

God is still saying something

North West / South West Divide and Southern Cameroons Independence.

The truth is difficult to assimilate, but it must be told for only the truth can set us free. There has been a lot of talks regarding the so called divide between the peoples of North West and South West regions of Southern Cameroons. Political pundits say, the Biya regime has used it to his advantage to drive home his agenda. We all know that, the only legitimate opposition to Mr Biya is the Unity between the Anglophones call it Southern Cameroonians. But what is the truth on the ground?

The truth is that, I know we don't want the so called NW or SW divide, but it exist.It is not only a perception problem but it does exist. Most of us in many situations have experience this seemingly divides between the two peoples of Southern Cameroons. When I was in UB, some people used to say I am northwest in theory and southwest in practical.I have suffered this NW/SW divide also but I made it a duty a long time ago that the issue of NW or SW should never ever guard my thinking. In UB though most lecturers are from Northern zones, this tribalism exists between the two people. There is a very glaring issue of tribalism in UB in most ramifications. In many workplaces, a Northwest or Southwest guy would prefer to confide with somebody from another region against his fellow brother because of tribalism and lack of trust.

If Southern Cameroons must be United, the SCNC as the legal mouthpiece of restoring independence must create a foundation to deal away with this fright of Northwest dominance. A typical southwest guy fears the existence of an independent Southern Cameroons because of Northwest dominance. I can boldly state that, this is one of Stanley Eyongette, a former UBSU Chairman and Anglophone Cameroon activist argument of not supporting the independence drive, he wants the issue of tribalism be tackled before talking of Southern Cameroons but to me these issues can be tackled based on the constitution which should be a concrete foundation.

I think SCNC should be selling to Southern Cameroonians now how the new state will look like, a structure .There should be a vigorous campaign like how Dr Nfor N Susungi does with pictures. SCNC should have a proposed constitution, structure and put up for people to see and debates, through it there could be an honest opinion on how to moderate the structures. Most people don't see this, they want to know how the future state will look like .This is where Southerners come in. They are afraid of a state where they will be treated the same way the Francophones treats the Anglophones now.

SCNC Cameroon the mother chapter should have by now a Facebook account.I am not talking of any SCNC Facebook opened by militants.The SCNC government should have an official Facebook account with all updates and where the movement is now, where the movement is going, recent arrest like that of its militants should first come on the wall.The Facebook account should be a major tool to sell its ideas to win more people.The communication departments of the SCNC need to be radical and vigorous in selling out information to the people.But most people don't see a structure, they don't see a proposed constitution, they don't see a propose manner in which resources would be shared between both peoples, they don't see how the political system would look like.They want to know about currency, military. All these must have been written in a big book somewhere, bring these out from the big books from where it has been written, chop it in pieces to the public and let the public see how the rights of both Northwest and Southwest people would be guaranteed in the new state.

Aware that even the most organise political system in the world got issues with cracks, but as human we are called upon to continuously fix these cracks. Southern Cameroons independence would take that steam once we have a united front of both Southerners and Northerners.

Until Southern Cameroonians begin to see these issues, then the struggle shall remain a bite and blow syndrome.

God bless the Southern Cameroons.

God is still saying something.

The Cameroun Military Contribution: MY OPINION

Junior SOBAN Brian Njotsa in his quest to understand the current wave of financial contributions towards the fight against Boko Haram sought to know my position in terms of the current financial contributions. In summary he mentioned how the military budget for 2015 was squarely increased. He made mentioned of traditional rulers from Bamboutous division dishing out 22 million CFA to the Minister of Defence Edgar Alain, another 207 million was dished to the minister from resident of the littoral province, the residents from Northwest contributed 80 million and the contribution spree continues to other regions. Brian recalled the 1986 lake Nyos incidnt where food items and basics necessities were made available but ended up at the home of Government officials. He lambasted the situation in 1994 where money was contributed to support the indomitable lions world cup team in USA which also got missing, the Minister of communication ended up by saying the money got missing in the plane between Mvomeka and USA.....now what do I make of these contributions?
My Position:

My Position:

While I support in principle the support of the nation towards the army fight against Boko Haram. I personally think the matches organised in support of the army is the best the Cameroun people can give the military.My Junior brother Brian has put his thoughts so well with glaring examples.From these examples, we should understood that nothing good can come from this ruling Yaounde Junta.The ruling class always look for situations like this to squeeze money from the citizens.It has been always political. Those who contributes these money are all CPDM fanatics who needs political gain, they are playing to the gallery, they all are trying to cover their corrupt practices so that they would keep evading taxes, for every one million each person contribute, they receive four times that through corruption and shady deals with the Government.Some are doing to increase their bargaining power to tilt developmental projects and contracts in their favour.In fact the Cameroon of today has no rule of doing things,you must belong to that class.

Those military personnel both at the war front and injured will not receive a dime, if they do it will be peanuts. The Cameroun people do not even know where this fund is going, how will it be used. From previous examples of contributions in this country, the government cannot be trusted. Our politicians are heartless, didn't you see the recent container of food stuffs being offered disappearing up the north? Have we heard anybody saying anything? Have we seen any country in the world engaging in military battles and their citizens contributing money to support the Government?

The military budget should take care of that and when that is increase, other budgets heads are touched therefore indirectly the whole nation should be contributing to the fight.At the end of the day Cameroon is
Cameroon.

God is still saying something

Bilingualism: The Case of Northern Zones Lawyers

It is no news that, the judiciary in the Southern Cameroons Northern Zones ( North West Region) has put forth a decision requesting Northern Zones lawyers to make submissions in French only. Some bulwarks and quacks of the Biya's regime have come out to support this decision making the nuisance that Cameroon is Bilingual. These nincompoops, some of which are ENAM graduates have gone public to state their claims. Sadly enough, some of them are Southern Cameroonians.

We all know how Bilingualism is treated in the Cameroons especially when it comes to the English Language. It is my strong conviction that, Bilingualism should not favour a particular language.If the Cameroun constitution makes English and French equal in status ( which is on paper) then the government need to do more on Bilingualism.

 Over the mungos, in the Southern Cameroons, the daily language as a matter of fact  from church to schools to courts to hospitals to regional government institutions should be in English and only in English. When you crossed to French Cameroon, it should be in French. That's how it's supposed to be. You don't force a language on a person. Bilingualism should be exclusively left when it comes to national state issues. We should expect a government officer to speak in English in Southern Cameroons and French in French Cameroon.

Bilingualism should not be made to favour the French Cameroon people as it is always the case now?. Bilingualism  does not mean I must communicate in French, understanding the other language is fairly ok. Bilingualism means you should speak in the best language you are comfortable with, it's the place of the other partner to understand you. Bilingualism means we can both communicate while speaking different languages. In Bilingualism, you have to understand English while I have to understand French as we communicate. You do not force me to speak English/French either. That is bilingualism thus in English Cameroon the first Language is English and should be so. There should be no polemics about  this.

This reporter is of the opinion that, the Northern Zones Lawyers should put up a fierce fight to the last of their blood, the Southern zones should join them. It is my understanding that since the Northern Zones ( North West) people are naturally resistant and no nonsense people, if the Government of Biya succeeds, then it would be an easy ride in the Southern zones ( South West) considering that, the Southern zones people are naturally soft spoken and easy to carry away.They seemed to be Pro government a lot.I think first the lawyers of both Southern and Northern Zones need to meet in an urgent assemble and take a collective stand.What affects the eyes affects the nose sooner

This is my honest position when it comes to Bilingualism in the Cameroons.


God is still saying something.

The Selma March and Southern Cameroons: 50 YEARS AFTER

President Barack Obama last night in one of his ground breaking oratories during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma March in Alabama reminded the attendants that action requires that they shed their cynicism for when it comes to the pursuit of justice, they can afford neither complacency nor despair.He also reminded the crowd that as they commemorate the achievements of the marchers, they should remember that at the time of the marches, many people in positions of power condemned rather than praised them. Back then, they were called communists, half-breeds, outside agitators, sexual and moral degenerates.Their faith was questioned. Their lives were threatened. Their patriotism was challenged. Finally, he reminded them that there are more marches and many more bridges to cross just like the March over the Edmund Pettus Bridge...Joe McAfong.

Some decades ago, John Ngu Foncha and other Southern Cameroons leaders marched over the Mungo after coming back from the UN to demand the independence of Southern Cameroons.The steam within these years has seen a drastic decline.Yet African Americans 50 years ago, braced the odds, defied police brutality to demand for voting rights and their collective voices won them their battle.The truth is that, the people of Southern Cameroons by all right have the right to self determination.Be it as it may, we find ourselves to the present predicament. We have seen the recent events few weeks back in the Southern Cameroons.

That said, if Southern Cameroonians must get what is theirs, if the Obama addressed yesterday must inspire Southern Cameroons people, if the SELMA march could inspire the people of Southern Cameroons then the people of Southern Cameroons must come out en mass to march over Mungo to demand these right.The day they March over Mungo, the day they decide to die n shed blood, the day they decide to braced the odds, the day they decide to face the coloniser then that day will begin the new phase of Southern Cameroons independence.If we seek independence as we currently do, it might take another century of Southern Cameroonians to get it.The information period seems to be exhausted n over..

BaretaNews

God is still saying something

Diagnosing the IRIC Corruption Saga: Original vs Controversial list, Added vs dropped names and the Anglophone factor

Admission scandal has once again rocked the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC) .On Friday evening, a panel of thirteen members including senior lecturers of the institution such as professors Alain Didier Olinga, Adolphe Minkoa She, Jean-Emmanuel Pondi and Pascal Messanga Nyamding published a list of duly admitted students read over CRTV severally.

A second list appeared the next day with candidates whose names had appeared on the official list and read over national radio disappearing.The first list included 15 admitted students and a waiting list comprising 4 names. The second list that also had 15 students however did not have a waiting list attached to it. In addition, some candidates from the waiting list were surreptitiously declared admitted.

Reports say the scandal involves CPDM bigwigs between the Ministry of Higher Education and the Presidency of the Republic. Some sources have observed that the Director of IRIC, Pierre-Emmanuel Tabi was stunned by the scandal.

A. Original list
1. Mebe Nkoulou Lionel Theirry
2. Nti Estelle Nadia.
3. Oyoua Bigfarm Belinga Ludovic Martin
4. Tambolo Sake Marie Salome.
5. Mebenga Lucien Theirry.
6. Ngoa Ntonga Joseph.
7. Oyono Ottou Didier Herve.
8. Hadidjatou Haman.
9. Tsadja Celestine.
10. Beti Mfoumuou
11.Ayuk Marguerite Josiane
12.Ebenye Ngale Mispa.
13.Minka Minyem Joseph.
14.Simeu Njoko Brice Cardeau
15. Nnomo Zanga Dominuque Williams Arnold.

B. Controversial list
1. Mebe Nkoulou Lionel Thierry
2. Oyoua Bigfarm Belinga Ludovic Martin
3.Tambolo Sake Marie Salome
4.Ngoa Ntonga Joseph
5.Hadidjatou HamanTchiduto
6.Tsadja Celestine.
7.Beti Mfoumuou
8.Ebenye Ngale Mispa
9.Nnomo Zanga Dominique Williams Arnold
10. Ebongue Manga Christine Gaelle.
11.Bouhari Alim
12.Babilah Bobmia Blandine.
13.Iddi Ahmed
14.Mokwe Welisane Ngoneh.
15.Mofoi sampson.

C. Names added.
1. Ebongue Manga Christine Gaelle.
2..Bouhari Alim
3. Babilah Bobmia Blandine.
4. Iddi Ahmed
5. Mokwe Welisane Ngoneh.
6. Mofoi sampson.

D. Names dropped
1. Nti Estelle Nadia
2. Oyono Ottou Didier Herve
3 Ayuk Marguerite Josiane
4. Mebenga Lucien Theirry.
5. Minka Minyem Joseph.
6..Simeu Njoko Brice Cardeau.

Reporters comment. This reporter holds it as truth that, the names of the six added names just after a day the original list was published must have involved huge corruption. These persons must have their parents in one of the top government circles or huge amount of millions must have passed hands. It seems nowadays all admissions into these schools goes to the highest bidder and the most top and influential government officials. I can say with authority here that a case in point is the recently added name Mokwe Welisane Ngoneh, his father is a Justice and former board Chairperson of ENAM.Who knows of the position held by the parents of the other candidates added. This must stop.There should be a thorough investigation.Share if you want to stop corruption.

The Anglophone factor is glaring, no need talking much on that again.

God is still saying something.

THIS IS NOT WHAT WE BARGAIN FOR: IT MUST STOP

The truth remains the truth and only it shall set you free. Truth should be told as it is, it should not be written to please humanity. It is the truth that prior to the scramble of Africa, there were no boundaries, Africa was a large vast area ruled by communities or fondoms/chiefdoms. These communities collaborated and fought wars amongst them sometimes. Then the scramble came and countries developed. The white man drew boundaries and today we have what we have, we must live with that. Thus every UN trust territory had the right to be self independent.

It so happened that, the politicians at the time with collaboration with the UN, Britain and France decided to grant Southern Cameroons a semi independent status with La Republique du Cameroun in what was suppose to be a Union of two states with equal status both states keeping their cultural identity and cooperating with other issues of Government. Be it as it may, we all know the story that has landed the present Cameroun today.There has been systemic assimilation and annexation of Southern Cameroons. To have a United or one Cameroun does not mean, the culture, economy, way of life of another people should be wiped away, so the proponents of the so called one and indivisible Cameroon should spare me here.

What has prompted me to write this piece is the recent article I read over the Post Newspaper where Bamenda lawyers are protesting the appointment of Francophone judges to Bamenda court rooms and these judges dare to speak French in courts and address summons in French, a foreign language in another state. Spare me the issue of the fact that Cameroon is bilingual.Bilingualism does not mean that, the language spoken by a PEOPLE should be relegated to the background especially when many do not understand what you are trying to say.

At first it was the students of Buea crying over francophone involvement in the University of Buea wherein 26 names were imposed on the medical list, then came CATtU who cried the other day about the admission of francophone at ENS Bambili and the sending of francophone teachers to Southern Cameroons to teach and these teachers at the ends day teach in a funny language other than English and now it is the sending of francophone judges to Southern Cameroons. We know that marginalization is the custom now in the Cameroons and many more. This is not the Union our fore parents bargain For.This is not the Cameroons I want to see.

This will surely stop one day

God is still saying something.

FROM LIMBE TO KRIBI

NB/ Article first publish 17th May 2008 

The Head of state, His Excellency Paul Biya some three years back heaped a lot of praises to the recently sacked General Manager of the Cameroon Shipyard and Industrial Engineering LTD known as Chantier Naval for the speedy growth and progress of the company within a short while. This goes without saying that Mr. Paul Biya knew the capabilities and statesmanship found in Mr.Zachaus Forjindam reason why he single-handedly picked him up and praised. Nevertheless because of the in-fighting that has been ravaging the company, the post of deputy General manager in charge of financial affairs was created, a post that never existed even in other state own corporations. This gentle man was accused of emblazing FCFA 970 million together with the human resource manager madam Rose Njoh. Recently, some local tabloid has attributed this to what is known as the Beti mafia.

          Be it as it may, my main worry is the fact that, it is allege that the deep sea port project meant for limbe was manipulated and taken to kribi after feasibilities studies proved that Limbe is the best area for such project. This is what Forjindam has been fighting to bring to Limbe. It is well established that Limbe has naturally sea port other than what exist elsewhere in the country whereby on a monthly basis the sea is being dug for sand removal in order to make it possible for the ship to off load onshore. This again is another aspect of total assimilation and neglect of the English region by the francophone powerful autocrats. What are the so called south West chief conference doing? Since they present themselves as the mouth piece of the south west people. In fact what meaningful things have this gentle men of the south west chief conference done for this province? All they know is to visit the Prime Minister and received their own share of the envelopes and present the problems of the province on paper, something which they know cannot be fruitful. Again where are the sons and daughters of this Anglophone region who claimed to be prominent members of Government? Can’t they also fight and ensure that God’s reality be done? All they know is to fight and kill themselves for the position of the Prime Minister. In fact, it has just been proven that our representatives are toothless bull dogs. How can the Government prefer to be loosing billions of CFA just to ensure that sand is dug out of the sea port in Douala and Kribi when we have a natural one here in Limbe that could help us save the money and used it for other developmental projects? I have been talking lately with a host of persons and just this aspect of manipulating the deep sea port project to Kribi is making the younger generations of Anglophone origin asking why? But Why? Reasons hard to finalize. May be someone should respond to this my article and give logical and conclusive reasons for taking the deep sea project to Kribi. I think the Government should do everything in her power to wipe away this tendency of Anglophone/Francophone hate politics.

            It is also alleged that Mr.Forjindam sacked came as a result of his fight to see the creation of the limbe shipyard project instead of Kribi. He also wanted to ensure that the deep sea port project stays in limbe but the Beti mafia could not allowed him breath. Ministers and state owned General Managers have been in power for two-three years embezzling billions upon billions but Forjindam who has been the longest state owned manager for over twenty years is being accused of embezzling just FCFA 970 million not alone but with his human resource manager Madam Rose Njoh meaning both of them share the cost of the money embezzled. What makes me worry is the political bad faith and under tone not even the embezzlement charges.  

  
    It is true that the Betis dominate and virtually sit and occupy almost all financially viable sectors of the Country’s Economy and since Chantier Naval has reach it apex of oozing out money, it is now time for one of theirs to sit on the Gold mine. The new General Manager  of Chantier Naval, Atoine Alo’o  Bikoro hitherto deputy general manager in charge of financial affairs, a post that was created and never existed in state corporations, was set in motion to complete the bad faith and evil intentions of the Beti click. Recalling that,  it was the same Bikoro who lead the audit team which finally saw Forjindam packing out of the corporation, though Forjindam wrote to the presidency and protested the irregularities found in the audit report, nothing has filtered out of the presidency. How can you ask a rival to audit the GM? Obviously there is bound to be bias just to give a dog a bad name to hang it. However let leave it to the court to decide whether he is guilty or innocent if and only if the court would not act according to the wing and caprices of the power that be.

    I think the Head of state who heaped a lot of praises to Forjindam for his good work at the helm of Chantier Naval should come out tall and ask for the audit report which he ordered be published so that the truth can be known rather than relying on the ill fated audit report done by the Board of Directors lead by the new GM. It is the responsibility of the Head of State to ensure that someone he praised some years ago, one who has contributed a lot to the nation is free from the so called Beti Mafia at the corporation, if that is done then the president must have been seen acting as the true father to all Cameroonian. After all it was the same Forjindam who started the all sing song of constitutional change to give the president life presidency till death do him part. He might just be paying to nature call......................

Mark Bara

Cameroon Anglophone Political Activist.

CHARLIE HEBDO ATTACKS: JE SUIS AFRICA "ALL LIVES MATTER EVEN THOSE IN NIGERIA"

Africa is one of the finest continent on earth. The continent is full with large natural resources yet one of the poorest continent in terms of livelihood and human development. This is so because a few greedy people have confisticated its wealth with tacit collaboration from the West who are geared towards protecting their interest only. My take is that it seems Africa is still in the dark ages, while other continent create regional alliances to create forces, Africa states are more of a unilaterally one state affair. The people across Africa do not feel for each other, there is no concern between the people. Despite our common colonial past and series of languages and our common way of doing things as Africans, we have still not found that bond and the need to collaborate to see into it that, the insecurity of one other country is a threat to the security of other countries.

Recently, we have seen the deadly attacks of Charlie Hebdo wherein 12 persons were dead. We saw how France responded. We have seen the response of the international community towards this attack. We have seen how the press reacted to these attacks. We have seen some African head of states sending messages of condolences to France ( fair enough)

The manner of response across the globe has been disproportional when we compare with other attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon etc and even with the open killings of African-Americans in USA. A terrorist is not only one who carries bombs and guns.

The EU in some days time would be meeting and there are already calls to toughen security laws. While I accept with whatever moves the EU might want to do after all they must be seen to protect their people and country. What is AU ( African Union) doing concerning Boko Haram attacks that has claimed thousands of life? The threat has shifted to Cameroon, what is really the response of AU to deal with this new found threats?

Recently, the President of Benin sets a day of mourning for the 12 Paris deaths while hundreds are being killed in Nigeria everyday and he has never said anything? It is clear that African francophone presidents are useless and house boys for France when two presidents (mali and niger) are going to france to join the march  when they have never shown any sympathy for any killings in Nigeria? Shame to francophone heads of state. How many African heads of state have shown sympathy to each other when terrorists struck? And you see the number of other western presidents going to France because of 12 deaths!!!! I am sorry for us Africans. Do not get me wrong, I condemn in strongest terms the attacks by these terrorist in the name of religion. I am looking more at the two side faces shown by world leaders in terms of other lives.

It is time for African leaders to come together now than ever to combat any threat posed to Africa. Africa leaders should not be turning attention elsewhere wherein the reciprocal love is not being shown.

May all lives lost as a result of terrorist attacks rest in peace.

Indeed Je Suis Africa.

Breaking the Silence:Hon. Ayah speaks out

Following his promotion last December as Advocate-General at the Supreme Court of Cameroon, which came shortly after his alleged election as the new National Chairman of the Southern Cameroons National Council(SCNC), Hon.Ayah, was  not immediately available  for inquisitive reporters  to get his reaction about his new status. Last Friday January 2, Recorder Editor Christopher Ambe  Christoper Ambe caught up with the Magistrate of Exceptional Class in Buea  for an exclusive interview. Hon. Ayah, who just returned from his native village of Akwaya, did not hesitate to speak out. Below are excerpts of our conversation:

RECORDER: Hon. Ayah, happy New Year.

Hon Ayah Paul: Thank you .Thank you for coming .Happy New Year to you in return.

Honorable, how would you as a politician describe the just-ended year 2014?

2014 was more of a fake year than otherwise in terms of politics. We have often said that there is no legality in what we call reunification in Cameroon. So the big event titled “The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Reunification of Cameroon” was really fake. As I have often said, our parliament has ceased to play the role of a parliament-because we don’t see a situation where Parliament is in session to enact the finance law and while they are still in session, the President of the Republic -after a cabinet meeting, comes out with they call Plan d’Urgence-that is, revenue outside the control of Parliament. The much I know is that the Cameroon Constitution provides that the President can, by ordinance, make use of revenue outside the budget; and subsequently, Parliament would meet and either endorse the ordinance or reject it. But I know no law anywhere where we can have two parallel budgets in a country: the one adopted by Parliament and the one adopted by the President of the country. This is violation of the Constitution. And when we put into practical terms, the investment budget of 2014 was executed at less than 35%, now if we have adopted a budget which is even higher in amount and the President has superimposed what they call Plan d’Urgence up to a thousand billion FCFA, I doubt where the President is going to get the people who will execute the budget and the Plan d’Urgence.The very people who could not execute the budget of 2014?  So to me, it is a paradox .In terms of political events, I would say nothing really happened in 2014.

What is your reaction to President Biya’s New Year Message?

I know the President has just made an end-of -year speech but everything in that speech is just routine. Countries around have gone to war over the years, yet they are developing. If Boko Haram-what they call a terrorist organization, is causing havoc, I don’t see how anyone can invoke it as a cause for our country not to develop. Indeed, 2014 was simply a year of contradictions.

A few days before the end of 2014, your name, I understand, was a subject of discussion in various newsrooms of the national media, because you were allegedly elected in absentia as National Chairman of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC); then shortly, in a answer to your cry, to be re-integrated into the Ministry of Justice after your 11 years in Parliament, President Paul Biya appointed or promoted you to the rank of Advocate-General at the Supreme Court. What is your reaction?

My reaction, first, is that I have decided not to say anything about SCNC in the time being. I may give you another opportunity to come for an interview on the SCNC on a subsequent date. So, I would not say anything in that regard now

As regards my going back to Ministry of Justice, I read a few write-ups which have no meaning. I think that, modesty demands that if somebody does not know, they should seek expert opinion. What I know is that the law of this country makes it possible to leave your department as a civil servant and work in another department; and the law provides for detachment. (I have heard the word secodment, but I have not seen it in an English dictionary. So I prefer detachment) When you are so detached,at the end of your period of detachment, the law provides that you come back to your former department as of right; the law on the election of Members of Parliament equally provides that for all the time you are in Parliament if you are a member of the judiciary, you are on detachment; which is  to say what? For my eleven years in Parliament I was on detachment and as a matter of law and at the end of my mandate, I had to go back to my ministry of origin as of right. This is a matter of law as I have said and I, as a man of law should not be the first man to go against that law.

I would have been re-absorbed in the Ministry of Justice as soon as my mandate came to an end in September 2013 in accordance with the law, but for one reason or the other that was not the case and I had to wait for fifteen months.

Probably as some people have indicated it was because the Judicial Council had to meet to re-absorb me. I entered Parliament as Vice-President of the Court of Appeal here in Buea and therefore a magistrate of the bench, and I could not be absorbed until the Judicial Council had to say something about it. So is the law and I have simply complied with it.

Honourable Justice Ayah, conscious of some landmark judgments that you have passed, many people would have preferred that you be appointed as a judge at the Supreme Court. Are you happy with your appointment as Advocate-General?

In the Cameroon judiciary things are not as they are in the Anglophone system. The position of Advocate-General may be translated simply as Deputy Attorney-General in the Anglo-Saxon system. With the English system-Common Law, everybody is a lawyer. They practice the law (and the judges sitting up there) and when you shine, you are now raised from down there to the bench, and once you are raised to the bench you remain there until retirement or death or whatever. In the Cameroonian system, you can be on the bench this year and next year you go to the Legal Department. Or, you are in the Legal Department and the next time you are on the bench. I don’t know what criteria they use but so it is!

The fact, however, remains that in my career I was essentially on the bench. For my twenty-four years before entering Parliament, I was on the bench for twenty years and in the Legal Department for just four years. So whatever they used to keep me on the bench I wouldn’t know and whatever they have used now to put me in the Legal Department I wouldn’t know either; but the point is that wherever you are you do justice!

I have done my best I think many people might have seen what I tried to do.So, wherever I am I would render justice to everybody without fear or favor. The public can count on me.

Conscious of the courage and dynamism in your leadership  some people feel that you should have turned down your appointment as Advocate-General, and continue as a politician and Secretary-General of Peoples Action Party(PAP).As Advocate-General ,could you still practice politics?

Let me say something. We do a lot of talking in the country with little action and people draw conclusions with very little knowledge of the real situation on the field. I was member of the judiciary; my people cried out and I got into politics. Now I have gone  back to the judiciary-because I have a choice either not to go or to go.I applied to go on early retirement and my application was turned down .But just sitting down and saying I will continue in politics does not make sense. 

These are the first people to cry that you cannot do politics without money. And If I have stayed for 15 months without a franc I don’t know what politics I would have done without a source of income. So, the choice is entirely mine and I think that it is better for me to build my career. Those who heard the appointment and those who are reading me would understand that, I was raised to the highest point in the Judiciary; I was raised to Index 1300, backdated to July 1, 2012, which means that by now in accordance with the law-the statute on the Judiciary I have clocked Index 1400.I don’t see how I opted for a career and all of a sudden I would turn away in favor of politics and lose what may help me in the end. What may help me in the end in the sense that, my pension would be calculated on my index level. So, I have to prepare my future. You cannot work for the society without being alive, without having the means to work.

So working for the society is one thing, but you have to work for yourself as another thing. And, without working for yourself, you cannot work for society. My Priest recently told me that the only useful person is the person who is alive.

I don’t see how I can do politics without a means of livelihood.

For all the time I have been in politics I have received very little support from Cameroonians in terms of material support. For the whole presidential election, all the money anybody gave me here in Cameroon amounted to almost one hundred thousand Francs-as presidential candidate. So when people say you have the dynamics to lead in politics, they are paying lip-service; If they give you the means to do that ,of course you would do it but they do all the talking, but very little ,practically.

Now, Can I do politics as an advocate –general of the Supreme Court?

I am well aware that I have two impediments: One is the issue of neutrality. In fact, I prefer impartiality. And then, you must be reserved. Reserved in the sense that if a matter crops up and you have expressed an opinion about the matter and if it eventually comes before you, you must decline jurisdiction. So there you have those two impediments. But as much as I have read in the law in this country, only people in uniform and who carry guns, and administrators are barred from practicing politics while they are civil servants. I have not seen anything that precludes a magistrate from doing politics.

Again, as a member of the Legal Department, as a legal officer, you don’t take final decisions. You submit, the person who takes the final decision is the person presiding. Again, you have the possibility of self-recusal (a legal jargon), that is you say that ‘I have an interest and so I cannot hear it, I cannot prosecute it or I cannot represent the state with regards of the matter’. So, those possibilities are there.Everyhting put together as I have explained, there is nothing that bars a magistrate of the Legal Department from practicing politics.

Would you not consider giving up the position of Secretary-General of People’s Action Party (PAP) so that you concentrate better on your career for now?

I will think about that. But for the time being I cannot give an outright answer .People at times look at political parties in Cameroon in terms of individuals. A political party is a group of people; so one person, perhaps, not leading does not mean that it is the end of the party. I agree entirely that in respect of PAP a good many people came forward and joined because they knew me and bought my ideas. But now that I have reduced the ideas into writing, they are there to guide the rest of the people just in case I decide to step aside

I was forced to step into politics and perhaps I have some satisfaction that, I answered my people’s call. I have just come back form Akwaya.Today I can drive to Akwaya, without passing through Nigeria; today,Akwaya is connected to the rest of the world by telephone network; they are working on the water supply which we built ourselves between 1969 and 1971.I think what Akwaya town lacks at the moment is just electricity. So I left Akwaya high up there from the ground. At that time I was alone, but today Akwaya has a senator and an MP.Together, they should be able to carry on from where I left.

Let me take you back to your salary situation. For some 15 months ago you went without your monthly salary and the people who want you to lead in the political domain, I mean your supporters (apart from your family) did not come to your assistance. What is your salary situation now?

In fact, this is the sixteenth month without a salary; It is true that I received nothing from anybody except from my family relations. The situation now may change because as I said my promotion was backdated to 2012, which is to say that I should be expecting some arrears. So we are looking forward to a better tomorrow. At the moment, the situation has not changed where I was in the last 15 months.

( First Published in The RECORDER Newspaper, Cameroon, of January 8, 2015 )