By Chief A.S. Ngwana
On the first of January 1960, East Cameroon, the former French Cameroon became independent and was known as the Republic of Cameroon.
On the first of October 1961, West Cameroon, the former British Southern Cameroon, became independent and unified with the Republic of Cameroon to form the FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON.
These are the most important dates in the history of Cameroon. These are the dates Cameroonians, French speaking and English speaking, threw off the shackles of Colonial imperialism and became independent.
How can we forget these dates in our history, in the history of Cameroon?
On Unification, the first of October was celebrated yearly as a public holiday. The First of October is so important to Cameroon, because without the first of October 1961, Cameroon would have been two different countries, the Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Southern Cameroon. But thank God, Cameroon is one Nation.
The First of October will remain a National Day and must be declared a National Public holiday.
Finally, we must not forget that unification and independence were based on federalism, so for the smooth existence and unity of Cameroon as a corporate unit, we must return to the Federal system of government.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Think Before You Speak
Do your words get you into trouble? Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t? Do you say the wrong thing at the wrong time? Here is how to use your tongue wisely!
By Gareth Fraser
A while back, I offended someone very close to me. I fell victim to saying something I wished I hadn’t. I said the wrong thing at the worst possible time. The real problem was that I didn’t think before I spoke. I speedily apologized to this person and sorted out the mess that my words had gotten me into.
Do the words you speak have a direct impact on the lives of others? Read James 3:2-10. These scriptures trumpet a resounding YES! James tells us that the tongue is “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Man can tame the beasts of the field but cannot tame his tongue. All it takes is one or two ill-placed words, and you have offended someone, started a rumor, gossiped or criticized, and eroded a portion of your character. You and I really need to be aware of just how serious this problem is. The bridling of our tongue takes effort—a conscious, daily, minute-by-minute effort—to think before we speak.
Speaking the right words at the right time can mean the difference between success and failure. The application of God’s principles on this subject will greatly improve your ability to get along with others and help you develop further friendships.
How Do Your Words Affect Others?
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7). Ill-spoken words cause strife and contention between ourselves and others. Some of us may speak “like the piercings of a sword …” (Proverbs 12:18).
We must be aware of what we are saying and how we are saying it, lest unknowingly—or, worse yet, knowingly—we offend others.
Examine how you use your tongue.
Just as we can hurt others with our words, so can we speak soothing and beneficial words that build, uplift and strengthen those around us. The correct use of these words takes the wisdom of God: “… but the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18). “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life …. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 15:4; 16:24). Soothing and beneficial words can actually be health to our bones. Think about that!
Speaking such words in sincerity will serve to keep our minds better focused on living the “give way,” the way Herbert W. Armstrong described as outflowing love one toward another. We must be living this way of life.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). These are the kinds of words we must be speaking: fitly spoken words.
Each day we come into contact with family, friends, teachers, employees or maybe local church members. What we say and how we say it affects not only them, but also us—either positively or negatively. And once spoken, we can’t take our words back!
The son of King David, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:11-12), fully understood the vital importance of being careful with words. He gave us specific, canonized instructions about what to say and what not to say, how to say it and when to say it.
A Time to Speak
King Solomon showed us that there is a time for everything. He instructed us that there is both “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).
Should we just say the first thing that comes into our mind—or think about it first? “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20). “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28). “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
Humanly it is tempting, especially when we are angry, to speak the first thought that comes into our minds. But don’t! Wait! Stop for a few seconds, and think about what you should say. You may decide to say nothing and wait for a better opportunity to respond. Be sure of this: Whatever you say must fit the occasion. Remember, God wants us to speak words fitly spoken.
Fitly spoken words can provide us with true godly joy and delight—and at the same time, keep us out of trouble. “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! … Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 15:23; 21:23).
Your words can also calm tensions. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). By remaining calm and not raising your voice, you can avoid frivolous quarrels and friction.
Solomon stressed the importance of speaking the truth at all times. He said, “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish” (Proverbs 19:9). “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. … Lying lips are abomination to the [Eternal]: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:19, 22).
Telling the truth is vitally important to God. He made sure to write it in His own handwriting on the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). Satan injects the temptation to deceive others, to twist the facts in favor of oneself. “Honesty is the best policy,” even when it hurts. You will be known by those around you for either your honesty or dishonesty.
Be sure not to enter into rash or hasty promises that you know you will not be able to honor. Think before you promise to do something you may have to back out of, making yourself a liar and damaging your credibility.
Difficult People
Some individuals, it seems, are always talking, rarely allowing others the chance to contribute to a conversation.
King Solomon tells us that a person who spares his words is wise. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27-28).
If you are the type who dominates conversations, be sure to stop and think before you speak. Ask yourself the question, “Is my comment going to be uplifting, helpful and edifying?” If you are in doubt, don’t speak, just listen. Become a better listener and thinker.
Most people who talk a lot are not good at listening to others because they are too preoccupied with thinking about what they are going to say next. They miss the important details within the conversation and often interrupt, wanting to inject their own comments, often answering a matter before they even know the real issues. What does God think about this? “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13).
Becoming a good listener goes a long way toward building true friendships, and you will find you’ll learn a great deal more about others in the process.
We have all met boasters: those individuals who brag about themselves, their abilities, their families or their lofty (likely unattainable) future plans. Do you fit this description? We all must constantly examine ourselves, testing, proving and overcoming. We should all think before we begin “tooting our own horn” (James 3:5). “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1), but rather “[l]et another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (verse 2). How much more rewarding and satisfying it is to receive recognition from someone else’s lips than our own self-serving words! You’ll find that people will want to spend more time with you because your main topic of conversation is not yourself or your own interests and abilities. Others will be more likely to believe good words spoken about you by the lips of others than by your own lips.
Avoid Certain Topics
It is best to avoid certain topics of conversation. “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). Do you appear pure at church services and then display improper conduct, humor or conversation in private? Verse 4, in the Moffatt, reads: “No, nor indecent, silly, or scurrilous [vulgar, abusive] talk—all that is improper.”
A wise person will refrain from criticizing or putting down people and gossiping about them. “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:12-13). Gossiping can cause great harm; it serves no benefit. “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28; see also Proverbs 17:9 and 26:20-21). Through gossip, one can damage the reputation of another, often unjustly, and even separate the best of friends in the process.
Before repeating a matter, be sure it is truthful and will not harm the person you are talking about. Remember, think before you speak. If you know of something that could damage the credibility and reputation of another person, don’t repeat it. If you cannot say something positive about another person, why say anything at all?
Encourage Others
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
We should be striving always to build up and encourage others. Display a genuine outflowing concern for the good and welfare of others. Help and encourage those around you to do their best, excelling in all areas of life. By esteeming others more highly than ourselves, we will be less inclined to point out their faults and personal shortcomings. When dealing with difficult people, be sure to set the standard and move the conversation to a higher plane than the “self.”
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Here we are instructed in an invaluable principle we all must apply in our daily speaking opportunities. Simply, we should treat other people the same way we would like to be treated. People tend to treat us the same way we treat them. Being sincerely friendly, honest, unselfish and encouraging to others will motivate them to provide us with the same courtesy.
King David was very careful about how he spoke and what he spoke about. He said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me” (Psalm 39:1). David made sure he looked to God, as we all must, for the essential assistance in controlling the tongue. He asked God humbly for His help: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Just as David did, we must ask God for wisdom to control our speech (James 1:5).
Ask God daily for this wisdom to say the right words at the right time, speaking fitly spoken words that edify and uplift. God will give us this wisdom if we sincerely desire it and are striving to do those things that please Him (1 John 3:22).
The individual who thinks before he or she speaks will receive the assured benefits and blessings God offers us. Look at some of those blessings, promised in Scripture: “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11). “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right” (Proverbs 16:13). “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3). “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).
If we are careful in what we say, we will enjoy true peace of mind, knowing that we have not offended others by careless or unkind remarks. We will be working toward the fulfillment of Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Our speech is important to God. Christ said that it is a direct reflection of what we spend our time thinking about (Matthew 12:34).
Let’s strive both individually and collectively to guard our mouths. When you do this, you will be one who speaks fitly spoken words. So make sure you think before you speak
Courtesy: the www.thetrumpet.com
By Gareth Fraser
A while back, I offended someone very close to me. I fell victim to saying something I wished I hadn’t. I said the wrong thing at the worst possible time. The real problem was that I didn’t think before I spoke. I speedily apologized to this person and sorted out the mess that my words had gotten me into.
Do the words you speak have a direct impact on the lives of others? Read James 3:2-10. These scriptures trumpet a resounding YES! James tells us that the tongue is “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Man can tame the beasts of the field but cannot tame his tongue. All it takes is one or two ill-placed words, and you have offended someone, started a rumor, gossiped or criticized, and eroded a portion of your character. You and I really need to be aware of just how serious this problem is. The bridling of our tongue takes effort—a conscious, daily, minute-by-minute effort—to think before we speak.
Speaking the right words at the right time can mean the difference between success and failure. The application of God’s principles on this subject will greatly improve your ability to get along with others and help you develop further friendships.
How Do Your Words Affect Others?
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7). Ill-spoken words cause strife and contention between ourselves and others. Some of us may speak “like the piercings of a sword …” (Proverbs 12:18).
We must be aware of what we are saying and how we are saying it, lest unknowingly—or, worse yet, knowingly—we offend others.
Examine how you use your tongue.
Just as we can hurt others with our words, so can we speak soothing and beneficial words that build, uplift and strengthen those around us. The correct use of these words takes the wisdom of God: “… but the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18). “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life …. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 15:4; 16:24). Soothing and beneficial words can actually be health to our bones. Think about that!
Speaking such words in sincerity will serve to keep our minds better focused on living the “give way,” the way Herbert W. Armstrong described as outflowing love one toward another. We must be living this way of life.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). These are the kinds of words we must be speaking: fitly spoken words.
Each day we come into contact with family, friends, teachers, employees or maybe local church members. What we say and how we say it affects not only them, but also us—either positively or negatively. And once spoken, we can’t take our words back!
The son of King David, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:11-12), fully understood the vital importance of being careful with words. He gave us specific, canonized instructions about what to say and what not to say, how to say it and when to say it.
A Time to Speak
King Solomon showed us that there is a time for everything. He instructed us that there is both “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).
Should we just say the first thing that comes into our mind—or think about it first? “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20). “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28). “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
Humanly it is tempting, especially when we are angry, to speak the first thought that comes into our minds. But don’t! Wait! Stop for a few seconds, and think about what you should say. You may decide to say nothing and wait for a better opportunity to respond. Be sure of this: Whatever you say must fit the occasion. Remember, God wants us to speak words fitly spoken.
Fitly spoken words can provide us with true godly joy and delight—and at the same time, keep us out of trouble. “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! … Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 15:23; 21:23).
Your words can also calm tensions. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). By remaining calm and not raising your voice, you can avoid frivolous quarrels and friction.
Solomon stressed the importance of speaking the truth at all times. He said, “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish” (Proverbs 19:9). “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. … Lying lips are abomination to the [Eternal]: but they that deal truly are his delight” (Proverbs 12:19, 22).
Telling the truth is vitally important to God. He made sure to write it in His own handwriting on the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). Satan injects the temptation to deceive others, to twist the facts in favor of oneself. “Honesty is the best policy,” even when it hurts. You will be known by those around you for either your honesty or dishonesty.
Be sure not to enter into rash or hasty promises that you know you will not be able to honor. Think before you promise to do something you may have to back out of, making yourself a liar and damaging your credibility.
Difficult People
Some individuals, it seems, are always talking, rarely allowing others the chance to contribute to a conversation.
King Solomon tells us that a person who spares his words is wise. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27-28).
If you are the type who dominates conversations, be sure to stop and think before you speak. Ask yourself the question, “Is my comment going to be uplifting, helpful and edifying?” If you are in doubt, don’t speak, just listen. Become a better listener and thinker.
Most people who talk a lot are not good at listening to others because they are too preoccupied with thinking about what they are going to say next. They miss the important details within the conversation and often interrupt, wanting to inject their own comments, often answering a matter before they even know the real issues. What does God think about this? “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13).
Becoming a good listener goes a long way toward building true friendships, and you will find you’ll learn a great deal more about others in the process.
We have all met boasters: those individuals who brag about themselves, their abilities, their families or their lofty (likely unattainable) future plans. Do you fit this description? We all must constantly examine ourselves, testing, proving and overcoming. We should all think before we begin “tooting our own horn” (James 3:5). “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1), but rather “[l]et another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (verse 2). How much more rewarding and satisfying it is to receive recognition from someone else’s lips than our own self-serving words! You’ll find that people will want to spend more time with you because your main topic of conversation is not yourself or your own interests and abilities. Others will be more likely to believe good words spoken about you by the lips of others than by your own lips.
Avoid Certain Topics
It is best to avoid certain topics of conversation. “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). Do you appear pure at church services and then display improper conduct, humor or conversation in private? Verse 4, in the Moffatt, reads: “No, nor indecent, silly, or scurrilous [vulgar, abusive] talk—all that is improper.”
A wise person will refrain from criticizing or putting down people and gossiping about them. “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:12-13). Gossiping can cause great harm; it serves no benefit. “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28; see also Proverbs 17:9 and 26:20-21). Through gossip, one can damage the reputation of another, often unjustly, and even separate the best of friends in the process.
Before repeating a matter, be sure it is truthful and will not harm the person you are talking about. Remember, think before you speak. If you know of something that could damage the credibility and reputation of another person, don’t repeat it. If you cannot say something positive about another person, why say anything at all?
Encourage Others
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
We should be striving always to build up and encourage others. Display a genuine outflowing concern for the good and welfare of others. Help and encourage those around you to do their best, excelling in all areas of life. By esteeming others more highly than ourselves, we will be less inclined to point out their faults and personal shortcomings. When dealing with difficult people, be sure to set the standard and move the conversation to a higher plane than the “self.”
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Here we are instructed in an invaluable principle we all must apply in our daily speaking opportunities. Simply, we should treat other people the same way we would like to be treated. People tend to treat us the same way we treat them. Being sincerely friendly, honest, unselfish and encouraging to others will motivate them to provide us with the same courtesy.
King David was very careful about how he spoke and what he spoke about. He said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me” (Psalm 39:1). David made sure he looked to God, as we all must, for the essential assistance in controlling the tongue. He asked God humbly for His help: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Just as David did, we must ask God for wisdom to control our speech (James 1:5).
Ask God daily for this wisdom to say the right words at the right time, speaking fitly spoken words that edify and uplift. God will give us this wisdom if we sincerely desire it and are striving to do those things that please Him (1 John 3:22).
The individual who thinks before he or she speaks will receive the assured benefits and blessings God offers us. Look at some of those blessings, promised in Scripture: “He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11). “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right” (Proverbs 16:13). “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3). “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).
If we are careful in what we say, we will enjoy true peace of mind, knowing that we have not offended others by careless or unkind remarks. We will be working toward the fulfillment of Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Our speech is important to God. Christ said that it is a direct reflection of what we spend our time thinking about (Matthew 12:34).
Let’s strive both individually and collectively to guard our mouths. When you do this, you will be one who speaks fitly spoken words. So make sure you think before you speak
Courtesy: the www.thetrumpet.com
Update :The Uncompleted Decolonization of the UN trust territory of Br Cameroons
By Mola NJOH LITUMBE,
Senior Cameroonian Citizen, Politician & Opinion Leader
The UN Trusteeship Council executed a trust Agreement on 13 December 1946 with Britain over a clearly defined territory known as Br. Cameroons that was located between Nigeria and another UN trust territory then known as French Cameroun that gained sovereign independence on January 1, 1960. By the terms of the Trusteeship Agreement, Britain undertook to lead the territory of Br Cameroons and its inhabitants ultimately to self-government or independence, in accordance with Art 76b of the UN Charter.
2. On December 12, 1960 the UN passed the landmark Res. 1514(XV) which enjoined member states that were administering non-self-governing territories to unconditionally transfer all powers to the inhabitants of those territories, that inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence, and that any attempt at partial or total disruption of the national unity or territorial integrity of a non-self-governing territory was incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
3. Three days later, on December 15, 1960 the UN passed Res. 1541(XV) which stated that short of gaining outright independence, a non-self-governing territory could be deemed to have attained independence (viz. reached a full measure of self-government) by either (i) freely associating with an independent state or (ii) integrating with an independent state. Thus, the concept of attaining independence by joining was defined, and the terms for doing so clearly spelt out in the relevant Resolution 1541(XV), Principles VII, VIII and IX.
4. While the granting of outright sovereignty to colonial peoples was the direct route to attaining self-determination, independence by joining may be regarded as the alternate route to attaining sovereignty. The non-self-governing territory gains its independence in so doing, so Res. 1541(XV) spells out clearly the rights and obligations of the parties in such a political matrimony. The non-self-governing territory is usually the weaker partner in such a venture, so both parties assume the rights and obligations prescribed in the Resolution in much the same way as two persons who desire to enter into wedlock are bound by the terms prescribed by law. In the case of two countries that desire to unite, it is implied that they do so in conformity with the laid down conditions prescribed first by the UN Charter Art. 102 and with UN Res. 1541(XV). The idea of the sovereign state treating the joining partner as unequal is contrary to Res. 1541(XV) and the principle laid down in Res. 1514(XV) of December 12, 1960 which states emphatically that “the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the United Nations Charter, and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and co-operation …” The goal of taking the alternate route is still independence, and that is why UN Res. 1541(XV) prescribes the methodology of gaining independence by joining, and the assumed rights and obligations of the parties in such a political enterprise.
5. It must be emphasized that in these discussions, we are dealing with the United Nations Organization, the foremost international body that has a written Constitution or Charter to which all its members are subject. LRC became a member of the UN on 20 September 1960 while Nigeria followed suit on 7 October 1960. Britain became a member as far back as 24 October 1945. As the balkanization of Br Cameroons occurred in 1961, Nigeria, LRC and Britain were subject to the mandatory provisions of UN Charter Art. 102. It is therefore safe to say that any act of a UN member state that contravenes the Articles of the Charter is unconstitutional and therefore inadmissible.
6. The governing provision of the Charter as regards a member state of the UN that seeks to enter into Agreement with another territory, is Art. 102, which states thus:
“Art. 102 (1) Every Treaty and every international agreement entered into by any member of the United Nations after the present Charter comes into force shall as soon as possible be registered with the secretariat [of the UN] and published by it.
(2) No party to any such treaty or international agreement which has not been registered in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article may invoke that treaty or agreement before any organ of the United Nations.”
It will be observed that there are no exceptions for the non-compliance with the above Charter Article.
7. Taking the case of the UN trust territory of Br Cameroons, the territory was denied, rightly or wrongly, sovereign independence. A UN supervised plebiscite was conducted on 11/12 February 1961 to ascertain the democratic option of the inhabitants as to whether they wished to join either Nigeria or La Republique du Cameroun (LRC) (not both). It is very strange to note that the votes for the one trust territory were not tallied to determine the democratic option of the inhabitants, but a portion of the trust territory was ceded to Nigeria while the other part was ceded to La Republique du Cameroun. Apart from there being no Agreements governing the terms of these so-called unions as prescribed by UN Charter Art. 102, we find the perplexing situation by which one of the parties (LRC) cites Nigeria before the ICJ (an organ of the UN) claiming title over Bakassi that is located in the territory of Br Cameroons, without first tendering proof that subsequent to its (LRC’s) independence on January 1, 1960 it entered into a Union Treaty with the territory in which Bakassi is located, to justify its alleged claim of title over Bakassi. In the result, judgment for LRC over Bakassi was obtained by default. It amounted to using the ICJ as a smokescreen for a flagrant and blatant infringement of Art. 102 of the UN Charter. The whole enterprise was consequently unconstitutional and an abuse of process.
8. It is therefore important that the ICJ should pronounce on whether or not the UN trust territory of Br. Cameroons or any part thereof, attained independence at all in accordance with Art. 76b of the UN Charter, or must be deemed to have so done, pursuant to General Assembly Res. 1541(XV). To this end, the Secretary-General of the United Nations is respectfully invited, on examining the merits of this case, to request the President of the Trusteeship Council to convene a meeting of Council, to consider the serious complaint that in the light of unfolding evidence, the UN trust territory of Br Cameroons did not actually attain independence, so that the Trusteeship Council which has locus, refers the matter to the ICJ for an advisory opinion.
9. In the alternative, the UN Secretary-General, acting on his own motion, should commence discreet consultations with Nigeria and La Republique du Cameroun, and explain to both that they should endeavour to comply with the terms of joining prescribed by the UN Charter Art. 102, by negotiating under UN auspices, directly with the inhabitants of the territory of Br Cameroons as prescribed by UN General Assembly Res. 1608(XV), and file a copy of any Agreement(s) reached at the UN secretariat, otherwise their claim to governance over portions of Br Cameroons territory offends the statutory provisions of Art. 102 of the UN Charter which, as UN Secretary-General, he is sworn to uphold and defend. Failing that, Nigeria and LRC who annexed portions of Br Cameroons, should be persuaded to have their claims of sovereignty over Br Cameroons tested at the ICJ where they both have locus. The Secretary-General of the UN has a role to play, first because an Article of the Charter is infringed, and second because of the non-compliance with UN General Assembly 1608(XV) of April 21, 1961.
10. If the above recommendations are favourably considered, this would accord with the principle of Preventive Diplomacy, for the UN should not wait until more blood is shed before intervening. A gathering political storm in the West/Central African sub-region would then have been diffused.
Senior Cameroonian Citizen, Politician & Opinion Leader
The UN Trusteeship Council executed a trust Agreement on 13 December 1946 with Britain over a clearly defined territory known as Br. Cameroons that was located between Nigeria and another UN trust territory then known as French Cameroun that gained sovereign independence on January 1, 1960. By the terms of the Trusteeship Agreement, Britain undertook to lead the territory of Br Cameroons and its inhabitants ultimately to self-government or independence, in accordance with Art 76b of the UN Charter.
2. On December 12, 1960 the UN passed the landmark Res. 1514(XV) which enjoined member states that were administering non-self-governing territories to unconditionally transfer all powers to the inhabitants of those territories, that inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence, and that any attempt at partial or total disruption of the national unity or territorial integrity of a non-self-governing territory was incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
3. Three days later, on December 15, 1960 the UN passed Res. 1541(XV) which stated that short of gaining outright independence, a non-self-governing territory could be deemed to have attained independence (viz. reached a full measure of self-government) by either (i) freely associating with an independent state or (ii) integrating with an independent state. Thus, the concept of attaining independence by joining was defined, and the terms for doing so clearly spelt out in the relevant Resolution 1541(XV), Principles VII, VIII and IX.
4. While the granting of outright sovereignty to colonial peoples was the direct route to attaining self-determination, independence by joining may be regarded as the alternate route to attaining sovereignty. The non-self-governing territory gains its independence in so doing, so Res. 1541(XV) spells out clearly the rights and obligations of the parties in such a political matrimony. The non-self-governing territory is usually the weaker partner in such a venture, so both parties assume the rights and obligations prescribed in the Resolution in much the same way as two persons who desire to enter into wedlock are bound by the terms prescribed by law. In the case of two countries that desire to unite, it is implied that they do so in conformity with the laid down conditions prescribed first by the UN Charter Art. 102 and with UN Res. 1541(XV). The idea of the sovereign state treating the joining partner as unequal is contrary to Res. 1541(XV) and the principle laid down in Res. 1514(XV) of December 12, 1960 which states emphatically that “the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, is contrary to the United Nations Charter, and is an impediment to the promotion of world peace and co-operation …” The goal of taking the alternate route is still independence, and that is why UN Res. 1541(XV) prescribes the methodology of gaining independence by joining, and the assumed rights and obligations of the parties in such a political enterprise.
5. It must be emphasized that in these discussions, we are dealing with the United Nations Organization, the foremost international body that has a written Constitution or Charter to which all its members are subject. LRC became a member of the UN on 20 September 1960 while Nigeria followed suit on 7 October 1960. Britain became a member as far back as 24 October 1945. As the balkanization of Br Cameroons occurred in 1961, Nigeria, LRC and Britain were subject to the mandatory provisions of UN Charter Art. 102. It is therefore safe to say that any act of a UN member state that contravenes the Articles of the Charter is unconstitutional and therefore inadmissible.
6. The governing provision of the Charter as regards a member state of the UN that seeks to enter into Agreement with another territory, is Art. 102, which states thus:
“Art. 102 (1) Every Treaty and every international agreement entered into by any member of the United Nations after the present Charter comes into force shall as soon as possible be registered with the secretariat [of the UN] and published by it.
(2) No party to any such treaty or international agreement which has not been registered in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article may invoke that treaty or agreement before any organ of the United Nations.”
It will be observed that there are no exceptions for the non-compliance with the above Charter Article.
7. Taking the case of the UN trust territory of Br Cameroons, the territory was denied, rightly or wrongly, sovereign independence. A UN supervised plebiscite was conducted on 11/12 February 1961 to ascertain the democratic option of the inhabitants as to whether they wished to join either Nigeria or La Republique du Cameroun (LRC) (not both). It is very strange to note that the votes for the one trust territory were not tallied to determine the democratic option of the inhabitants, but a portion of the trust territory was ceded to Nigeria while the other part was ceded to La Republique du Cameroun. Apart from there being no Agreements governing the terms of these so-called unions as prescribed by UN Charter Art. 102, we find the perplexing situation by which one of the parties (LRC) cites Nigeria before the ICJ (an organ of the UN) claiming title over Bakassi that is located in the territory of Br Cameroons, without first tendering proof that subsequent to its (LRC’s) independence on January 1, 1960 it entered into a Union Treaty with the territory in which Bakassi is located, to justify its alleged claim of title over Bakassi. In the result, judgment for LRC over Bakassi was obtained by default. It amounted to using the ICJ as a smokescreen for a flagrant and blatant infringement of Art. 102 of the UN Charter. The whole enterprise was consequently unconstitutional and an abuse of process.
8. It is therefore important that the ICJ should pronounce on whether or not the UN trust territory of Br. Cameroons or any part thereof, attained independence at all in accordance with Art. 76b of the UN Charter, or must be deemed to have so done, pursuant to General Assembly Res. 1541(XV). To this end, the Secretary-General of the United Nations is respectfully invited, on examining the merits of this case, to request the President of the Trusteeship Council to convene a meeting of Council, to consider the serious complaint that in the light of unfolding evidence, the UN trust territory of Br Cameroons did not actually attain independence, so that the Trusteeship Council which has locus, refers the matter to the ICJ for an advisory opinion.
9. In the alternative, the UN Secretary-General, acting on his own motion, should commence discreet consultations with Nigeria and La Republique du Cameroun, and explain to both that they should endeavour to comply with the terms of joining prescribed by the UN Charter Art. 102, by negotiating under UN auspices, directly with the inhabitants of the territory of Br Cameroons as prescribed by UN General Assembly Res. 1608(XV), and file a copy of any Agreement(s) reached at the UN secretariat, otherwise their claim to governance over portions of Br Cameroons territory offends the statutory provisions of Art. 102 of the UN Charter which, as UN Secretary-General, he is sworn to uphold and defend. Failing that, Nigeria and LRC who annexed portions of Br Cameroons, should be persuaded to have their claims of sovereignty over Br Cameroons tested at the ICJ where they both have locus. The Secretary-General of the UN has a role to play, first because an Article of the Charter is infringed, and second because of the non-compliance with UN General Assembly 1608(XV) of April 21, 1961.
10. If the above recommendations are favourably considered, this would accord with the principle of Preventive Diplomacy, for the UN should not wait until more blood is shed before intervening. A gathering political storm in the West/Central African sub-region would then have been diffused.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Cameroon 's Operation Epervier: Who Is Fooling Who?
By Tazoacha Asonganyi in Yaounde.
What is going on in Cameroon codenamed "Operation Epervier" has become a source of much fun. It is well known that mismanagement, corruption, and the embezzlement of public funds have been going on for a very long time, and that most barons of the CPDM regime are tainted with these ills. It is in full knowledge of this fact that there is no total onslaught against the scourges, since it would destroy all the barons and cronies... and with them, the regime! Better to play fast and lose with the expectant population: offer as the visible part of a huge corruption iceberg, selective probing, arrest, detention, trial, and imprisonment of some of the barons, most of whom are being humbled with temporary defeat for their involvement in a subterranean power game.
The recent outing of business magnet Yves Michel Fotso and the subsequent reaction of Biyiti Bi Essam, the Communication Minister, confirm the dictum that no secret is ever a secret! All tight secrets eventually become public knowledge because those in the know each usually tell one or two close confidants, so the information slowly spreads until sooner or later, the secret becomes known by all. This is why most of what Fotso said was already public knowledge. The response of the regime we are witnessing has more to do with the fickle nature of power in our setting than a determined effort to fight corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
The role of the Minister of Communication is not to stand in for the Attorney General but to ensure that the people are informed about the activities of the government; it is also to guard and promote the marketplace of ideas. Debate on public issues should never be inhibited on the unproven assumption that it will influence the course of justice; it is indecent for government to prohibit expression simply because it disagrees with the ideas expressed.
Further, at the end of the recent visit of the IMF evaluation team to Cameroon, Essimi Menye, the Minister of Finance declared over CRTV that the comings and goings of people from the international body are testimony of their effort to walk us like babies until we can know how to walk! Put in the context of the fight against corruption, we can say that corruption was allowed to go unpunished for over 20 years because, like babies, we did not know that it would spread and clog the whole system! And in spite of all the "help" to get us to walk, we have refused to see the importance of article 66 of the constitution on the declaration of assets, to the fight against corruption!
These ministers are making these declarations in a country where in the ‘50s and ‘60s there existed in one part of the country, a Commissions of Enquiry Ordinance (Cap 36 of the 1958 laws) which empowered the Prime Minister to appoint a commission of inquiry into any department of government to investigate possible wrongdoing, like corruption, embezzlement of public funds, favouritism, and others. Using these powers, the PM appointed such commissions, especially into the affairs of West Cameroon Department of Lands and Surveys (notice No. 90 in West Cameroon Gazette No. 13, Vol. 7 of 1 April 1967), into the activities of the West Cameroon Development Agency as from 1959 (notice No. 61 published in West Cameroon Gazette No. 14, Vol. 8 on 27 March 1968), and into the West Cameroon Electricity Corporation (notice No. 98 published in West Cameroon Gazette No. 20, Volume 8 of 30 April 1968).
The appointment of the commissions was always accompanied by terms of reference that always had the following proviso: "The sessions of the Commission will be open to members of the public. Any person who has any information that may be of assistance to the Commission should communicate such information to the Secretary of the Commission, Division of State Development, Prime Minister’s Office, Buea. Any person who wishes to give evidence before the Commission should also contact the Secretary to the Commission".
The commissions used as guiding documents, two important companions of every public servant, namely, the "General Orders" and the "Financial Instructions". Their findings were submitted to the PM, and then made available to the general public. When wrongdoing was established, the files were transferred to the judiciary for due process to take its course.
"Operation epervier" is an attempt to fool the rest of us. Nearly fifty years after these Commissions, Biyiti Bi Essam is wrong in giving the impression that public debate on corruption issues would influence the course of justice; but Essimi Menye may be right in saying that we are not different from babies being taught how to walk! Babies or no babies, it is good for the regime to keep in mind that it is possible for future leaders of Cameroon to audit the goings-on in any area of government in Cameroon, during any chosen period since independence.
What is going on in Cameroon codenamed "Operation Epervier" has become a source of much fun. It is well known that mismanagement, corruption, and the embezzlement of public funds have been going on for a very long time, and that most barons of the CPDM regime are tainted with these ills. It is in full knowledge of this fact that there is no total onslaught against the scourges, since it would destroy all the barons and cronies... and with them, the regime! Better to play fast and lose with the expectant population: offer as the visible part of a huge corruption iceberg, selective probing, arrest, detention, trial, and imprisonment of some of the barons, most of whom are being humbled with temporary defeat for their involvement in a subterranean power game.
The recent outing of business magnet Yves Michel Fotso and the subsequent reaction of Biyiti Bi Essam, the Communication Minister, confirm the dictum that no secret is ever a secret! All tight secrets eventually become public knowledge because those in the know each usually tell one or two close confidants, so the information slowly spreads until sooner or later, the secret becomes known by all. This is why most of what Fotso said was already public knowledge. The response of the regime we are witnessing has more to do with the fickle nature of power in our setting than a determined effort to fight corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
The role of the Minister of Communication is not to stand in for the Attorney General but to ensure that the people are informed about the activities of the government; it is also to guard and promote the marketplace of ideas. Debate on public issues should never be inhibited on the unproven assumption that it will influence the course of justice; it is indecent for government to prohibit expression simply because it disagrees with the ideas expressed.
Further, at the end of the recent visit of the IMF evaluation team to Cameroon, Essimi Menye, the Minister of Finance declared over CRTV that the comings and goings of people from the international body are testimony of their effort to walk us like babies until we can know how to walk! Put in the context of the fight against corruption, we can say that corruption was allowed to go unpunished for over 20 years because, like babies, we did not know that it would spread and clog the whole system! And in spite of all the "help" to get us to walk, we have refused to see the importance of article 66 of the constitution on the declaration of assets, to the fight against corruption!
These ministers are making these declarations in a country where in the ‘50s and ‘60s there existed in one part of the country, a Commissions of Enquiry Ordinance (Cap 36 of the 1958 laws) which empowered the Prime Minister to appoint a commission of inquiry into any department of government to investigate possible wrongdoing, like corruption, embezzlement of public funds, favouritism, and others. Using these powers, the PM appointed such commissions, especially into the affairs of West Cameroon Department of Lands and Surveys (notice No. 90 in West Cameroon Gazette No. 13, Vol. 7 of 1 April 1967), into the activities of the West Cameroon Development Agency as from 1959 (notice No. 61 published in West Cameroon Gazette No. 14, Vol. 8 on 27 March 1968), and into the West Cameroon Electricity Corporation (notice No. 98 published in West Cameroon Gazette No. 20, Volume 8 of 30 April 1968).
The appointment of the commissions was always accompanied by terms of reference that always had the following proviso: "The sessions of the Commission will be open to members of the public. Any person who has any information that may be of assistance to the Commission should communicate such information to the Secretary of the Commission, Division of State Development, Prime Minister’s Office, Buea. Any person who wishes to give evidence before the Commission should also contact the Secretary to the Commission".
The commissions used as guiding documents, two important companions of every public servant, namely, the "General Orders" and the "Financial Instructions". Their findings were submitted to the PM, and then made available to the general public. When wrongdoing was established, the files were transferred to the judiciary for due process to take its course.
"Operation epervier" is an attempt to fool the rest of us. Nearly fifty years after these Commissions, Biyiti Bi Essam is wrong in giving the impression that public debate on corruption issues would influence the course of justice; but Essimi Menye may be right in saying that we are not different from babies being taught how to walk! Babies or no babies, it is good for the regime to keep in mind that it is possible for future leaders of Cameroon to audit the goings-on in any area of government in Cameroon, during any chosen period since independence.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Italian Comedian Faces Prosecution for Insulting the Pope
Italy is attempting to invoke a fascist-era law in order to penalize those who insult the pope.
Italian comedian Sabrina Guzzanti is facing possible prosecution and a prison term of five years for saying Pope Benedict xvi would go to hell and be tormented by homosexual demons.
For making these controversial remarks at an anti-politics rally in Rome, Guzzanti could be tried at the hands of Rome’s prosecutor, Giovanni Ferrara. If Ferrara obtains the authorization from the Italian justice minister that he has requested, he will start proceedings against Guzzanti for “vilification” of the pope. Under Italian law, courts are allowed to sentence people to up to five years in prison for “offending the honor” of the pope, the same punishment as offending the honor of the Italian president.
Another satirist at the same anti-politics rally insulted Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, but charges against him have been dropped after authorities deemed the comments to be straightforward satire. Apparently the pope was the only figure they felt like defending.
The interesting thing about this whole situation is that Ferrara has to invoke the Lateran Treaty in order to enforce this law. The Lateran Treaty was a concord between Italy and the Vatican signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Gasparri and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1929.
The civil government of Rome is attempting to bring into play a fascist-era law to justify imprisoning a secular comedian for insulting the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Paolo Guzzanti, Ms. Guzzanti’s father and a center-right Italian member of parliament, called the move “a return to the Middle Ages.”
Italy is indeed starting to return to the medieval practice of inviting Catholicism to dictate governmental policies and national politics. The separation between church and state is beginning to crumble. Watch for the Italian government to take an even harder line against those who insult or work against the Vatican hierarchy.
Courtesy:www.theTrumpet.com
Italian comedian Sabrina Guzzanti is facing possible prosecution and a prison term of five years for saying Pope Benedict xvi would go to hell and be tormented by homosexual demons.
For making these controversial remarks at an anti-politics rally in Rome, Guzzanti could be tried at the hands of Rome’s prosecutor, Giovanni Ferrara. If Ferrara obtains the authorization from the Italian justice minister that he has requested, he will start proceedings against Guzzanti for “vilification” of the pope. Under Italian law, courts are allowed to sentence people to up to five years in prison for “offending the honor” of the pope, the same punishment as offending the honor of the Italian president.
Another satirist at the same anti-politics rally insulted Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, but charges against him have been dropped after authorities deemed the comments to be straightforward satire. Apparently the pope was the only figure they felt like defending.
The interesting thing about this whole situation is that Ferrara has to invoke the Lateran Treaty in order to enforce this law. The Lateran Treaty was a concord between Italy and the Vatican signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Gasparri and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1929.
The civil government of Rome is attempting to bring into play a fascist-era law to justify imprisoning a secular comedian for insulting the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Paolo Guzzanti, Ms. Guzzanti’s father and a center-right Italian member of parliament, called the move “a return to the Middle Ages.”
Italy is indeed starting to return to the medieval practice of inviting Catholicism to dictate governmental policies and national politics. The separation between church and state is beginning to crumble. Watch for the Italian government to take an even harder line against those who insult or work against the Vatican hierarchy.
Courtesy:www.theTrumpet.com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Cameroon:The Heron's Publisher Is Dead
By Christopher Ambe shu
Ezieh Christopher Andu ,38, former reporter for The Herald Newspaper,Cameroon and Publisher-editor of The Heron newspaper,Cameroon died today 16 september 2008 in the morning at the Bamenda General Hospital,Northwest of Cameroon.
Mr Ezieh practiced journalism in Cameroon for more than 15 years before his death
He was bedridden for more than one year ,following a ghastly motor/road accident along the Tiko-Douala road that left him with an injured spinal cord.
The spinal cord was immediately operated upon at the Douala Referral Hospital.
But recovery was frighteningly slow.
Mr Ezieh got involved in the fatal accident while returning to Buea from Yaounde,capital of Cameroon where he had gone to follow up the payment of The Heron's bills to the tune of several millions of FCFA with CAMTEL.
But even as he was bedridden ( apparently to the knowledge of CAMTEL management) all efforts to get the bills settled were futile,despite his critical condition that needed adequate financial support.
Picture:Ezieh Christopher Andu on wheelchair after the accident
Mr Ezieh was considered by many as a critical journalist with raw courage .His paper had a column ,called The Unexpected in which he used his pen sharply to comment on topical issues and holders of public office who faulter in the execution of their functions. In fact,he was nicknamed The Unexpected,after his column
He was President of Cameroon English-Speaking Jouranlists' Association(CAMASEJ ) Buea Chapter when he was badly hit by the road accident, but was recently replaced due to his prolonged incapacity
He has died leaving behind a young wife with one child, family members,colleagues, friends and well wishers,thousands of readers to mourn and remember him
Ezieh Christopher Andu ,38, former reporter for The Herald Newspaper,Cameroon and Publisher-editor of The Heron newspaper,Cameroon died today 16 september 2008 in the morning at the Bamenda General Hospital,Northwest of Cameroon.
Mr Ezieh practiced journalism in Cameroon for more than 15 years before his death
He was bedridden for more than one year ,following a ghastly motor/road accident along the Tiko-Douala road that left him with an injured spinal cord.
The spinal cord was immediately operated upon at the Douala Referral Hospital.
But recovery was frighteningly slow.
Mr Ezieh got involved in the fatal accident while returning to Buea from Yaounde,capital of Cameroon where he had gone to follow up the payment of The Heron's bills to the tune of several millions of FCFA with CAMTEL.
But even as he was bedridden ( apparently to the knowledge of CAMTEL management) all efforts to get the bills settled were futile,despite his critical condition that needed adequate financial support.
Picture:Ezieh Christopher Andu on wheelchair after the accident
Mr Ezieh was considered by many as a critical journalist with raw courage .His paper had a column ,called The Unexpected in which he used his pen sharply to comment on topical issues and holders of public office who faulter in the execution of their functions. In fact,he was nicknamed The Unexpected,after his column
He was President of Cameroon English-Speaking Jouranlists' Association(CAMASEJ ) Buea Chapter when he was badly hit by the road accident, but was recently replaced due to his prolonged incapacity
He has died leaving behind a young wife with one child, family members,colleagues, friends and well wishers,thousands of readers to mourn and remember him
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Cameroon: Local Entrepreneurs Drilled on Business Success
By Christopher Ambe Shu
Worried that many Cameroonians try to do profitable business but end up not succeeding because they lack ,among other things, the how-to go-about -it knowledge, Dr Ernest L .Molua, a young but dynamic economist and University of Buea don has been running a series of seminars intended to produce successful business managers, at all levels. .
Last weekend the Fakoship Plaza Conference Hall in Buea-Cameroon became small as far more than the expected participants turned-up for one of such seminars, organized under the theme “Raising Capital and Financing Your Business.”
Seminar organizer Dr Molua described the come together as “a highly-focused and practically interactive gathering intended to provide in -depth instruction for young and senior entrepreneurs”.
The seminar, attended by about 100 business persons and managers, young and old , was organized under the auspices of Molua International Services and The Entrepreneur Media Group-all outfits with Dr Ernest L. Molua as Chief Executive Officer,CEO.
Picture: Dr Molua at a ceremony donating books to a student as part of his effort to empower Cameroonians
“Our mission is to educate business persons to succeed in their investment ventures”, said Dr Molua, who presented a paper titled “Conceiving a business plan and scientific business management methods”. “If they succeed the pleasure is not only ours, it is also theirs”
He stressed that there was that urgent need for people engaged in business to be updated on the right ways to success.
Dr Molua advised the participants on the merits of partnership in business.
“Partnership is very impotant.But choose the right partners. Your partnership must be legal so that nobody should be exploited by another”
Other presentations included: ‘Sourcing for finance for your business by Bang Carlson, manager, Buea Police Credit Union and “Applying for a Business Loan’ by Buea Branch Manager of Loans and Savings Microfinance (GECEFIC)
A business consultant, Loius Tazifor, was also present to provide free advisory services to participants on record keeping and accounting for profit
At the end of the one-day seminar, participants addressed a word of thanks to the seminar organizer for thinking about them and helping to improve their lot.
“There are very few people like Dr. Molua in the world today who would freely give their knowledge to others. We are grateful to him, for we learned much at the seminar”, said one participant.
Dr Molua promised to continue running more of such seminars as part of his contribution to the empowerment of Cameroonians and to nation-building.
Worried that many Cameroonians try to do profitable business but end up not succeeding because they lack ,among other things, the how-to go-about -it knowledge, Dr Ernest L .Molua, a young but dynamic economist and University of Buea don has been running a series of seminars intended to produce successful business managers, at all levels. .
Last weekend the Fakoship Plaza Conference Hall in Buea-Cameroon became small as far more than the expected participants turned-up for one of such seminars, organized under the theme “Raising Capital and Financing Your Business.”
Seminar organizer Dr Molua described the come together as “a highly-focused and practically interactive gathering intended to provide in -depth instruction for young and senior entrepreneurs”.
The seminar, attended by about 100 business persons and managers, young and old , was organized under the auspices of Molua International Services and The Entrepreneur Media Group-all outfits with Dr Ernest L. Molua as Chief Executive Officer,CEO.
Picture: Dr Molua at a ceremony donating books to a student as part of his effort to empower Cameroonians
“Our mission is to educate business persons to succeed in their investment ventures”, said Dr Molua, who presented a paper titled “Conceiving a business plan and scientific business management methods”. “If they succeed the pleasure is not only ours, it is also theirs”
He stressed that there was that urgent need for people engaged in business to be updated on the right ways to success.
Dr Molua advised the participants on the merits of partnership in business.
“Partnership is very impotant.But choose the right partners. Your partnership must be legal so that nobody should be exploited by another”
Other presentations included: ‘Sourcing for finance for your business by Bang Carlson, manager, Buea Police Credit Union and “Applying for a Business Loan’ by Buea Branch Manager of Loans and Savings Microfinance (GECEFIC)
A business consultant, Loius Tazifor, was also present to provide free advisory services to participants on record keeping and accounting for profit
At the end of the one-day seminar, participants addressed a word of thanks to the seminar organizer for thinking about them and helping to improve their lot.
“There are very few people like Dr. Molua in the world today who would freely give their knowledge to others. We are grateful to him, for we learned much at the seminar”, said one participant.
Dr Molua promised to continue running more of such seminars as part of his contribution to the empowerment of Cameroonians and to nation-building.
World Bank pulls out of Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project
WASHINGTON: The World Bank said Tuesday it has withdrawn financing of a Chad-Cameroon pipeline because the Chadian government failed to honor an agreement to use some oil revenues for poverty reduction. The Chadian government "fully" prepaid the loan as of September 5, the development lender said in a statement. The withdrawal of the World Bank capped years of tension with Chad since the signing of an initial agreement in 2001 to provide financing to support development of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline. The deal included a specific agreement that substantial oil revenues would be directed to poverty reduction. "Over the years, Chad failed to comply with key requirements of this agreement. A new agreement was signed in 2006, but once again the government did not allocate adequate resources critical for poverty reduction -- in education, health, infrastructure, rural development and governance," the World Bank said. "Regrettably, it became evident that the arrangements that had underpinned the Bank's involvement in the Chad/Cameroon pipeline project were not working. The Bank therefore concluded that it could not continue to support this project under these circumstances." The World Bank said it had clearly conveyed the risk of failing to comply with the agreement to the Chadian government, including its development partners. The Chadian government agreed to prepay all pipeline-related financed during discussions held in Ndjamena in late August, it said. The Bank offered to work with Chad if the government supports poverty reduction. "If the government of Chad wishes to focus its energies on a program to support inclusive development to overcome poverty, assist displaced people, and improve governance and effectiveness to achieve results, the World Bank is willing to work with Chad to assist."
Courtesy:Economic Times,India 10 September 2008
Courtesy:Economic Times,India 10 September 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Power to The People.
By Tazoacha Asonganyi in Yaounde.
Democracy is usually defined as government by the people for the people. In spite of this definition, many "democratic" political parties around the world proclaim as their principal mission, the giving of power to the people, for good reason. Judged within our own context in Cameroon, the definition is an abstraction managed by those in power to protect their positions while leaving the people with the illusion of power. It is one of the distortions of politics to which the people have fallen victim.
Those who coined the above definition adopted constitutionalism as the trunk road of democracy. And the constitution, wherever, whenever and however it is drafted and adopted, always has as its opening statement the redundant "We the People...", to give the impression that it is the product of the will of the people. The people are said to retain sovereignty, to constitute the state that they authorise to act on their behalf, to be omnipresent, to only delegate their power to legitimate political representatives for specific ends.
The reality, however, is something else! In Cameroon, the constitution ends up being just rules and procedures to regulate the affairs of those who have power – the "legitimate representatives" of the people - giving the impression to the powerless people that there is wisdom and justness in their powerlessness.
In whatever manner the "legitimate representatives" obtain the delegation of power from the people, once they get on the stage, the people remain just pawns in their political "power" game. The people no longer say what they say; they say what their representatives say they have said. They no longer are what they are; they are what their representatives say they are.
In the end, the people count for nothing except to go through the mill of pre-established and well regulated rules and procedures to keep those who have "power" in power! Former pillars of the "power" structure like Ahidjo who are no more, are remembered through some lifeless, harmless gadget - a football field, a road, an airport – that bears their name. But some like Um, even lifeless, remain a threat! Such remembrance does not depend on the opinion of the people; it all depends on what the name brings to mind: continuity or change; colonialism or independence; neo-colonialism or freedom!
"Power" in our country is little more than ephemeral – manipulative, tenuous, fluid, and threatened – because it is not derived from an empowered people. It is more about indulgence – big chauffeured-cars, guards, servants, embezzlement, corruption, greed – or the liberty to bully, humiliate, take revenge. It is permanently under siege, under the spell of evictions and successions. Such "power" derives from invisible, neo-colonial forces whose interests are at variance with the interests of the people. From their position of empty power, the "powerful" celebrate the fulfilment of petty ambitions, and engage in narrow, selfish calculations.
The only thing that actually links the people to "legitimate representatives" is election – the vote. Yet, this professed value of democracy and freedom is undermined in Cameroon, and in the process, the people are undermined. We have moved from election to election, leaving the people in anguish after each cycle, while the "powerful" go about their business as if they enjoy the confidence of the people!
In principle, empowering the people is supposed to mean providing them with health, education and skills to produce goods and services, providing them with regulated markets for their goods and services, providing them with infrastructure for moving the sweat of their labour from farms and industries to markets, providing them with opportunities for gainful work, providing and enforcing protective legal frameworks in an open system, providing a social net to cushion incidental missteps and mishaps.
Empowering the people means providing them with an electoral system that allows them to get rid of unrepresentative "legitimate representatives", unpopular governments, and ineffective party leaders in a rapid and direct manner. When empowered people vote, they expect that the representatives that come on stage will move the country or the grouping in the direction they want it to go; they feel that their votes count, that they can influence the decisions that affect their lives.
Central to the success of democracy and the economic and social development it brings, is the total engagement of an empowered people to make things happen according to their will. The sovereign people are the only significant, long-term threat to the hegemony of the "powerful" that confiscate their power.
Democracy is usually defined as government by the people for the people. In spite of this definition, many "democratic" political parties around the world proclaim as their principal mission, the giving of power to the people, for good reason. Judged within our own context in Cameroon, the definition is an abstraction managed by those in power to protect their positions while leaving the people with the illusion of power. It is one of the distortions of politics to which the people have fallen victim.
Those who coined the above definition adopted constitutionalism as the trunk road of democracy. And the constitution, wherever, whenever and however it is drafted and adopted, always has as its opening statement the redundant "We the People...", to give the impression that it is the product of the will of the people. The people are said to retain sovereignty, to constitute the state that they authorise to act on their behalf, to be omnipresent, to only delegate their power to legitimate political representatives for specific ends.
The reality, however, is something else! In Cameroon, the constitution ends up being just rules and procedures to regulate the affairs of those who have power – the "legitimate representatives" of the people - giving the impression to the powerless people that there is wisdom and justness in their powerlessness.
In whatever manner the "legitimate representatives" obtain the delegation of power from the people, once they get on the stage, the people remain just pawns in their political "power" game. The people no longer say what they say; they say what their representatives say they have said. They no longer are what they are; they are what their representatives say they are.
In the end, the people count for nothing except to go through the mill of pre-established and well regulated rules and procedures to keep those who have "power" in power! Former pillars of the "power" structure like Ahidjo who are no more, are remembered through some lifeless, harmless gadget - a football field, a road, an airport – that bears their name. But some like Um, even lifeless, remain a threat! Such remembrance does not depend on the opinion of the people; it all depends on what the name brings to mind: continuity or change; colonialism or independence; neo-colonialism or freedom!
"Power" in our country is little more than ephemeral – manipulative, tenuous, fluid, and threatened – because it is not derived from an empowered people. It is more about indulgence – big chauffeured-cars, guards, servants, embezzlement, corruption, greed – or the liberty to bully, humiliate, take revenge. It is permanently under siege, under the spell of evictions and successions. Such "power" derives from invisible, neo-colonial forces whose interests are at variance with the interests of the people. From their position of empty power, the "powerful" celebrate the fulfilment of petty ambitions, and engage in narrow, selfish calculations.
The only thing that actually links the people to "legitimate representatives" is election – the vote. Yet, this professed value of democracy and freedom is undermined in Cameroon, and in the process, the people are undermined. We have moved from election to election, leaving the people in anguish after each cycle, while the "powerful" go about their business as if they enjoy the confidence of the people!
In principle, empowering the people is supposed to mean providing them with health, education and skills to produce goods and services, providing them with regulated markets for their goods and services, providing them with infrastructure for moving the sweat of their labour from farms and industries to markets, providing them with opportunities for gainful work, providing and enforcing protective legal frameworks in an open system, providing a social net to cushion incidental missteps and mishaps.
Empowering the people means providing them with an electoral system that allows them to get rid of unrepresentative "legitimate representatives", unpopular governments, and ineffective party leaders in a rapid and direct manner. When empowered people vote, they expect that the representatives that come on stage will move the country or the grouping in the direction they want it to go; they feel that their votes count, that they can influence the decisions that affect their lives.
Central to the success of democracy and the economic and social development it brings, is the total engagement of an empowered people to make things happen according to their will. The sovereign people are the only significant, long-term threat to the hegemony of the "powerful" that confiscate their power.
Cameroon: Huge Tree-Planting Project on Course
75,000 Trees to be Planted Soon in Southwest
Cameroon September 4, 2008 , launched Government’s huge tree-planting campaign in the Southwest province.
Ngolle Ngolle, who himself publicly planted a tree, announced that some 75000 trees will soon be planted in the Southwest province covering a total area of about 250ha
“ In so doing we will all fulfill our moral obligation of ensuring that current and future generations live in a conducive environment”,
Tree-planting, the minister noted, has become a national and international obligation. “At global level about 50% of wood traded internationally today comes form planted trees”, he disclosed
He said his ministry may soon transfer the management of some state forest reserves to local councils.
The mayor announced he had already planted 3,700 trees along some streets within the Buea municipality. “Today’s event complements and encourages our efforts in transforming and structuring the landscape and image of our municipality”, he remarked
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