Paul Eric Kingue: Imprisoned without a Crime

Paul Eric Kingue

There is no single standard for what makes a political prisoner or whether someone’s arrest is politically motivated, biased, or retaliatory in nature. However, Paul Eric Kingue, ex-mayor of Njombé-Penja, has been described as one whose arrest and detention was politically motivated. Given that there is no unanimously established definition for political prisoners, people who have held political offices and or have advocated for certain causes have in several instances are often tagged names to be hanged. As mayor, Paul Eric Kingue stood against the obnoxious economic gansterism of French plantations in his council area. (In some instances, the use of violence does not prevent some prisoners from receiving a political-prisoner designation, although this is a controversial and divisive issue.)

Last week by the Supreme Court freed Eric Kingue after seven years of unlawful detention in the Nkongsamba and Douala prisons. It should be recalled that he was arrested in 2008 for allegedly orchestrating the protest against French plantations for tax fraud. On July 16, 2015 Paul Eric Kingue was released by the Supreme Court in Yaounde.

You know politics is a game of interest and seemingly Paul Eric Kingue lost interest in the CPDM party where he was elected mayor. And since politicians are what they are; he is quoted to have declared his intentions to continue active politics. Since only a fool cannot run away from a rattle snake, Paul Eric just declared instantly that the marriage with the CPDM is ended.

We believe that the freedom to express one’s opinion is of paramount importance not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment. The case of Eric Kingue abounds high. However, it is a sine qua non   to the full development and self-fulfillment of human personality in society. Tongues have been waging as to whether it is right for someone to suffer any consequences from the State for exercising freedom of expression. Is to whether Cameroon is a "market place of ideas and opinions" where the best solutions are freely discussed and argued about remains another misery.

We believe that a government which does not know what the people feel and think is in a dangerous position; and a government that muzzles free speech runs a risk of destroying the creative instincts of its people.

We also believe that legal restraints upon individual freedom of expression should only be tolerated where they are absolutely necessary to prevent infliction of actual harm or to secure the liberties of others. What will be the next step now that evidences are clear that the French plantation owners did connive with some high profile state personalities to defraud the state of its taxes? A suivre

Obama Warns African Leaders Who Refuse to Quit Power

Speaking to African leaders at the African Union Headquarters in Ethiopia today July 28th, President Obama asked African leaders to leave office whenever their tenure expires. U.S President, Barrack Obama, has asked African leaders to leave office whenever their tenure comes to an end. He shaded President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe who has been in power since 31 December 1987, and Burundi President, Pierre Nkurunziza, who also has been in power since 2005.
While speaking to African leaders at the African Union Headquarters in Ethiopia today, July 28th, below is what President Obama said on the matter;

"I am in my second term. Its been an extraordinary privilege for me to serve as President of the United States. I love my work but under our constitution I cannot run again. I actually think I am a pretty good president. I think if I ran I could win. But I can't. So there is a lot that I will like to do to keep America moving but the law is the law and no one person is above the law. Not even the president. And I will be honest with you. I am looking forward to life after being president. I wouldn't have such a big security detail all the time. It means I can go take a walk. I can spend time with my family. I can find other ways to serve. I can visit Africa more often.
The funny thing is I don't understand why people want to stay so long especially when they have got a lot of money. When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife as we have seen in Burundi. Sometimes you hear a leader say well I am the only person who can hold this nation together. If that's true, then that leader has failed to build their nation. You look at Nelson Mandela. Madiba like George Washington forged a lasting legacy not only because of what they did in office but because they were wiling to leave office, transfer power peacefully.

Hear him: I'll be frank with you, it can't just be America that's talking about these things. Fellow African countries have to talk about these things. (Applause.) Just as other countries championed your break from colonialism, our nations must all raise our voices when universal rights are being denied. For if we truly believe that Africans are equal in dignity, then Africans have an equal right to freedoms that are universal -- that’s a principle we all have to defend. (Applause.) And it's not just a Western idea; it's a human idea.

I have to also say that Africa’s democratic progress is also at risk when leaders refuse to step aside when their terms end. (Applause.) Now, let me be honest with you -- I do not understand this. (Laughter.) I am in my second term. It has been an extraordinary privilege for me to serve as President of the United States. I cannot imagine a greater honor or a more interesting job. I love my work. But under our Constitution, I cannot run again. (Laughter and applause.) I can't run again. I actually think I'm a pretty good President -- I think if I ran I could win. (Laughter and applause.) But I can't.

So there’s a lot that I'd like to do to keep America moving, but the law is the law. (Applause.) And no one person is above the law. Not even the President. (Applause.) And I'll be honest with you -- I’m looking forward to life after being President. (Laughter.) I won't have such a big security detail all the time. (Laughter.) It means I can go take a walk. I can spend time with my family. I can find other ways to serve. I can visit Africa more often. (Applause.) The point is, I don't understand why people want to stay so long. (Laughter.) Especially when they’ve got a lot of money. (Laughter and applause.)

When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife -- as we’ve seen in Burundi. (Applause.) And this is often just a first step down a perilous path. And sometimes you’ll hear leaders say, well, I'm the only person who can hold this nation together. (Laughter.) If that's true, then that leader has failed to truly build their nation. (Applause.)

You look at Nelson Mandela -- Madiba, like George Washington, forged a lasting legacy not only because of what they did in office, but because they were willing to leave office and transfer power peacefully. (Applause.) And just as the African Union has condemned coups and illegitimate transfers of power, the AU’s authority and strong voice can also help the people of Africa ensure that their leaders abide by term limits and their constitutions. (Applause.) Nobody should be president for life.

And your country is better off if you have new blood and new ideas. (Applause.) I'm still a pretty young man, but I know that somebody with new energy and new insights will be good for my country. (Applause.) It will be good for yours, too, in some cases.

Hon. Njingum Musa, Computer Scientist Solving Hardware Problems Without Electric Meter

Cameroonian Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets: The Case of Hon. Njingum Musa

Hon. Njingum Musa

Hon. Njingum Musa, the MP for Ngoketunjia North in the North West Region is one and one politician that has proven beyond reasonable doubts that once you tell a story that begins, ends and centres around around your political doctrine, it can be believed by everyone no matter how senseless and untrue it is. He calls himself "Islami Musa" and or "Baba Musa" others call him "Anabi Musa". Meet him when he is distributing micro grants, you may think you have met one of those Nigerian preachers distributing miracles, signs and wonders along the streets like bonbon. In fact, a computer expert of the 19th century i have observed through him will always remain precise, even in the way he talks. Is it just me that notices that some of them (i mean the politicians) speak like they are trying to solve computer hardware problems without an electric meter? It is good packaging though.Hon. Njingum Musa is a Muslim and they adore him. When he wants to do something he does it correctly. Of late, Hon. Njingum said the gifts he donated to Muslims at fasting was estimated at above FCFA 18 million. One wonders whether it is an accumulation of micro grants or that he dolled the gombo from his pocket. 

Meet The Quarrelsome (Bda II Mayor) Balick Fidelis in Small Money, Big Change

Cameroon Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets: The Case of Bamenda II Mayor

Balick Awah Fidelis

 One politician who seduces my grin is the quarrelsome mayor of Bamenda II Council, Balick Awah Fidelis. After all, i will not call it faith but rather the hidden arms of a workaholic man who supposedly scores several shots as an exemplary council manager, Rene Sadi said it not me. If you want to learn how to be an arrogant Lord every time you look back at your trappings, Bamenda II Council is all you need for your schooling. One thing I've so much admired from the Bamenda II Mayor is how to brag without bragging. It reminds me of some people who automatically get the license to insult you by beginning their insult with "I don't mean to be rude or insult you" and then lands on you: bang-bang that you what you are not. 

Balick Awah Fidelis is one politician who has distinguished himself. The construction of the Bamenda II Council hall made him to stand out of the madding crowd. The Small Money, Big Change project which he initiated with councilors is another giant initiative that is changing lives in his municipality. But very often he wears arrogance and complains every other time. Maybe because he entered the council on SDF ticket given that Sofa Dong Finish party has a license to always complaining. Many have even described him as the quarrelsome mayor.

Meet Hon. Abe Michale (MP for Ako/Misaje) the Daniel Comes to Politics

Cameroonian Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets: Meet Hon. Abe the Daniel Comes to Politics(1)

Hon. Abe Michael

The Member of Parliament for Ako/Misaje Special Constituency, Hon. Abe Michael is the only politician who reminds me of Psalms 23. But i do not know whether politicians go to church to avoid idleness or they do so as believers. In fact, what amuses me about Hon. Abe Michael Ndra is the fact that as someone who is committed to the Word of God, he turn to choose politics. An average religious Cameroonian will rather be concerned about who and what is said about their pastor than be concerned about the politician who changes telephone numbers on daily bases or refuses to pick calls. However, if our politicians were to confess side by side in a public show, I will rather choose to listen to the sound of the bluing wind than waste my ears. Hon. Abe has reached the apex of politics and the level where he can tell people stories and they'll believe it to be true whether or not it is a lie. Politics as someone rightly said makes strange postmaster, and he just confirmed that he is a Daniel come to politics. The Ako/Misaje Special Constituency is the largest in Donga Mantung given that he (Hon. Abe) represents two sub Division. When he was voted into Parliament, he immediately created a committee to manage his micro grants. The committee we gathered is still at the primary stage even though he has spent more than two years in Parliament. But Hon. Abe took the population of Ako by surprise when he declared during his homecoming that he is bound to work with the mayor, and that any other politician that steps between them will be held responsible for dividing the people of Mbembe. "We mus work as a team to bring about development because after all, we remain brothers and sisters". Abe's gesture killed the deep rooted politics of hate that had served as traffic jam to development....(To be continued)

To be continued

Rt. Senator Achidi Achu Caught in "Njangi Politics"

Cameroonian Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets:

Achidi Achu

 m behave like the ultimate icon of pulpitarian glamour. Achi Achu who has failed in his political engagement with councilors after they were voted into office in 2013, has been caught in his own trap. Councilors who oted them to senate were heavily disappointed that Simon Achidi Achu could pay back the "njangi" they played him by giving their votes. 

Rt. Senator Achidi Achu Simon alias "Politics na njangi" has reached a political stardom that makes hi

Whenever i see him, i always ask myself the stupid question whether politicians have in their dictionary of words, retirement. Even though i pity him for the heavy burden of always having forty winks in meetings, the Old Fox as he is fondly called apparently enjoys the euphoria of being honoured as captain of “CPDM politicodustry” in the North West Region. Some stupid politicians even come to him for appointments when seemingly he needs it more than them. For that reason, I envy him as a political strategist who other politicians wish to be like and even more. One of my friends recently described him in Ndop as the alpha-senator with an uncanny “extort-ordinary tact" that sometimes arrogates self as a traditional (He did so in Bafia, i hear). I was told that his personal person has appointed him as “special adviser” of the North West Fons Union-NOWEFU. When I listened to Nfon Mukete exonerating himself in the Anglophone court of history, I felt humiliation for Achidi Achu who kindly plays the game of the mastiff. What is more awe-inspiring than the verity that an adult in the 21st century could give a deaf ear to what everyone is crying about and complaining bitterly? It is only a question I am asking. Oh sorry, I remember that when he was appointed Prime Minister, and at a certain point Northwesterners glamoured for the Ring Road, he said his appointment was already the ring road. Let me caught it short here

Senators Die with their Micro Grants-Senator Fon Teche Says

Cameroonian Politicians and Their Individualistic Tenets: The Case of Fon Teche, Senate Bureau Member

Fon Teche

“Nothing fine pass politics” especially when you have the good fortune to occupy an influential position in “Chop People Dem Money” CPDM party. "You ko de talk with alot of authority". Those who said that traditional rulers are not suppose to play active politics must always regret when they see Fon Teche Njei. HRH Senator Fon Teche Njei is senate Bureau member. He occupies the position of Secretary, a very influential position that commands respect. Whether you like it or not, Fon Teche became senator thanks to his being Section President and at the same time, President of North West Fons Union-NOWEFU.

On Monday July 13, North West senators stormed the Divisional headquarters of Donga Mantung Division to say thank you to councilors who voted some of them. You know politicians are what they are. They always claim to know everything including what they have little or no knowledge about. During the question and answer session, a councilor from Nwa wanted to know what happened to late Senator Jikong’s micro project grants. Fon Teche stood up and said that in the senate “when a senator dies, he dies with his micro project grant”. He did not end there, he continued that the senate is just new and the “constitution” did not provide such an article. Chai…ekiee. Could it hae been that the truth was being slaughtered or that it was limited knowledge? When I know that in the Lower House when Hon. Bujong died, Hon. Fobi was assigned to manage his grants and when Hon. Chemo died, Hon Awudu was chosen as the closest MP to manage his micro project grants. Whenever I keep insisting that when wrong people are into politics there is bound to be a wrong political approach in everything they do, say, some people think am so critical. What can you say about this..eeeh?

Meet Ekema Patrick, The Mr. Everybody at the Helm of Buea Council

Cameroonian Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets: The Case of Ekema Patrick, Buea Mayor

Ekema Patrick

I have observed that politics is the only game where there is no solidarity among its players. Those who joined it without having in mind that in politics instead of making friends, you make more enemies end up wearing “complaining gowns” like the Mayor of Buea Council, Patrick Ekema. When President Paul Biya visited Buea, one man who caught my admiration was the shaking mayor of Buea, Patrick Ekema. I personally admired him because he played the role of Mr. Everybody. Political stardom is like Ebola virus that kills it host. Of late, the Mayor of Buea has shown preliminary symptoms of political drunkenness in his approaches. He seems to have problems almost with all his former political allies. For example, Senator Mbella Moki and one other female politician whose name I have just forgotten. OMG!!!, I mean Hon. Monjowa Lifaka.
Patrick Ekema from all indications and when measured from his recent interviews is suspicious of everyone around him especially those who turn around in “Chop People Dem Money” party uniforms struggling to enter into Inoni shoes. In fact, in my village when you see a man in the market with a pregnant goat, know that there is a pregnant problem in the family. Ekema’s political problems have made him to stir and shake yesterday’s untouchables in Fako but for how long will he continue with the media war. There is one insect that I admire the most. That insect is the cricket because it stands tall on its feet to invite predators. Ekema every now and then is on mountain tops telling everyone that cares to give an ear how and why his political allies of yesterday are kicking him from behind. I hope soon he will remind everyone why he is trying to create new villages in Bakweri land known as Wonjuko or something like that. .Ekieee, while his detractors are having sleepless night, Ekema continue to grab awards and titles for his trappings. The latest of all is the new title "JANEA". The wonder boy of Buea is making his mark in politics though (To be continued)

Meet Elvis Ngole Ngole the CPDM Vuvuzela

Cameroonian Politicians and Their Individualistic Tenets: Ngole Ngole, The Vuvuzela (1)

Elvis Ngole Ngole

One politician I used to enjoy the way he talks is this man from Kupemuaneguba. Whenever I hear him talk the Chop People Dem Money thing I always asked myself whether it is politics that changes people or it is people that change politics. Prof. Ngolle Ngolle Elvis you not have observed, which I take the pleasure to, is caught between political use and political use changes. You know politics is a funny game, because if you don’t play it well, it ends up playing you. The other day I was a little embarrassed when I heard him admitting that there is an Anglophone problem in Cameroon. But as political scientist, he would babble and ramble, over and over. Hear him: “But let me tell you something as somebody who was a political science student and not as a professor of Political Science; the phraseology ‘Anglophone problem’ is somehow misplaced. In Political Science, when you refer to something as a problem or as an issue, it means that there is historical relevance; meaning historically, it had been ignored, has been talked about, has been treated but has not received an answer. In Political Science, when you talk of something as an issue or a problem, it means it is an issue that is long-standing and contemporary, but sees no solution or answer in sight. In constitutional terms, it means that issue has not been dealt with constitutionally; it has not been shelved by the constitution. But whatever angle you consider it a problem; whether there is injustice or there is inequity or someone is not appointed, it is good to consider the historical, political and constitutional aspects of it… I don’t support marginalization like my party National Chairman, President Biya”. Grammar!!!!

Cameroonian Politicians and Their Individual Trappings: The Case of Akwa Patrick

Cameroonian Politicians and their Individualistic Tenets: The

Akwa Patrick

What I like about politics is the sentimental and caustic paranoia of fingering those who refuse to participate in the politics of the contest of mediocrity as bigots and cowards. Some of them do this in defiance to Chinua Achebe advice that those whose palm kernels were cracked by the gods must remain humble. Akwa Patrick is a very humble man I ever met. Soft-spoken and level-headed, I would say he was before entering into active politics.
Unfortunately, the fanatic mind-set of Menchum elite in politics with long outstanding individual madness has caught all. Some politicians have no engagement of idea, just ad hominem and vague rhetorics. Akwa Patrick is now a Daniel come to politics in Weh village. Trying to break yesterday’s record in order not to sound like a broken record holder is what he is out for. As the new electoral process inches into another decisive stage, my friend is making another attempt of overdrives to raise Chop People Dem Money’s electability through football. But the paradox is that Akwa Patrick who happens to be Secretary General in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable in my knowledge is still to plant a single tree in Menchum Division, when land use and land use changes is hitting hard. Youths, I hear are kicking the air in a mutli-million tournament when they have barely potable water at the turn of the tap. Yet, a typical Akwa political supporter, upon reading the headline of a news and article, he/she has already decided upon the curses and abuses to render on the newspaper, writer, article and then those of opposing political divide. Menchum like Donga Mantung Division is beyond doubt clueless bunches and we need a change in mid-set and not a political “politilies”. Of what use is a political change when the people are clearly not in tune with reasoning and deciphering of issues eh?

Party Chairman Arrested for Organizing Own Wake Keep in Bamenda

Cameroonian Politicians and The Individual Buffoonery: Case of Rev. Kisob Bertin

Politics is an art of the impossible they say. Rev. Bertin Kisob, chairman of the Cameroon Party for Social Justice was arrested yesterday July 22, 2015 in Bamenda for organizing and participating at his own wake-keep. He was arrested by elements of the Special branch in Bamenda. Rev. Kisob’s political madness is that every time he jokes with death. Not long ago, Kisob announced he was dead and this week he resurfaced with another scheme announcing his own wake-keep. The idea of people pronounced death in politics is nothing new. The first Nigerian President, Namdi Azikikwe is said to have died 9 times before finally kicking the bucket. But the idea of living persons sitting and presiding at owns wake keep is the newest political psychosis and the greatest buffoonery ever. The Bamenda self proclaimed political prophet is surely the price Cameroon have to pay for the creation of over 300 political parties. Cameroon Party for Social Justice’s Re. Kisob claims he initiated the “Biya Must Go” slogan and is going to stage a protest in Yaounde on July 29, 2015. Ahead of the “Biya Must Go” protest, Rev. Kisob decided to organize his own wake keep on grounds that he might be arrested in Yaounde during the march. But what makes Kisob a political buffoon is that while predicting his own death on July 29, he is planning to stage another protest in Douala on August 26^th surely after death. In a Press release Kisob wrote "

Copy of my Political Will since I know I will surely die on Wednesday, the 29/07/2015 at about 11 am in front of Post Centrale in Yaoundé, during the launching of the last phase of my Nationwide Campaign: ‘’BIYA AND HIS ENTIRE GOVERNMENT MUST GO, BECAUSE THEY ARE INCOMPETENT, OLD, VISIONLESS, NEO-COLONIAL, UNJUST AND UNPRODUCTIVE’’.

The wake-keeping with my body still alive will take place on Tuesday, the 21/07/2015 as from 7PM at the Parliament opposite the Eden Newspaper Bamenda and a Special Press Briefing open to Representatives Of all Diplomatic Missions In Cameroon and other Opinion Leaders, will take place few minutes before the beginning of the manifestation on the 29/07/2015 in front of Poste Central in Yaoundé. I have the honour to give you this day a copy of my Political Will containing my last political positions since I know I will surely die on Wednesday, the 29/07/2015 at about 11 am in front of Poste Centrale in Yaoundé, during the launching of the last phase of my Nationwide Campaign: ‘’BIYA AND HIS ENTIRE GOVERNMENT MUST GO, BECAUSE THEY ARE INCOMPETENT, OLD, VISIONLESS, NEO-COLONIAL, UNJUST AND UNPRODUCTIVE.