Two Meta Fons Kidnapped, "Meta War Chambers", Fons, Others Condemn Act

 Two Meta Fons Kidnapped, "Meta War Chambers", Fons, Others Condemn Act 

Mbengwi has been seemingly calm and peaceful on a surface level but underneath, a spade of kidnappings and other security threats rage on. Those who fall victim have often privately negotiated their way out of the "lion's den"

Kidnapping for ransom has been adopted as a new way of making money. Non state armed groups locally known as Amba Boys said to be fighting for the restoration of the statehood of their country they call "Ambazonia" have continued to pounce on potential victims they often accuse of wrong doings. When negotiations are done, money changes hands, the victim is freed and the next hunt starts.

L: H.R.H Teghenicha of Zang Tabi (Meta Clan Head
R: H.R.H Fongu of Ku

The fon of Zang Tabi village, the seat of the Meta people was recently kidnapped on Thursday August 28 by the fighters, tortured and later released. The act provoked the release of condemnation audio messages from alleged "Ambazonia" activists abroad said to be the ones calling the shots on the ground (Meta land). The condemnation audio messages have been interpreted in some quarters as a confirmation of the inequality of humans. Those holding such a view wonder why such audio messages were never released to condemn the kidnap and torture of the fons of Mbemi and Wumnemburg in December last year and other Meta fons that have fallen prey to these fighters.

The Zang Tabi incidence was preceded by the kidnap of the Fon of Ku, H.R.H Fongu Henry on Tuesday August 26th. At press time, his whereabout remains unknown as he's still held incommunicado. The audio messages all condemned only the kidnap of the fon of Zang Tabi, H.R.H Teghenicha said to be the Clan Head of Meta with nothing mentioned about the fon of Ku whom Mbengwi Online learnt this wasn't the first time he was experiencing such humiliation.

The audio messages that have gone viral on many WhatsApp groups were recorded in the Meta language. The speakers, seven in number (6 males and one female) avoided introducing themselves but for that the message is coming from "Cham Bit Mitah" meaning The Meta War Chambers. The first speaker said "The Widikum tribe, Meta people at home and out, this message is coming from the Meta War Chambers that's out of the country. We greet you all on this day, 28 August 2020. This, we are doing with a heavy heart following the recent macabre act carried out by our fighters in the palace of Zang Tabi. Our fighters misbehaved to the point of kidnapping our father, the clan head of the Meta people, tortured him about a day ago. When we learnt of the incidence we became so worried and resolved that we won't stay mute without addressing it. We plead on the Meta people at home to  give us sometime to talk to these boys (the fighters) to go apologise because we never sent them and when that'll be done, the fon can then cleanse them... We are so very sorry because this is an abominable act our children have done."

The second speaker, the lone female voice on her part said "You guys have sent your hands where you shouldn't have. The Meta clan head suffered from your hands. That's something very bad. We hereby  distance ourselves from the act. You guys have smashed shit and all Meta people  are currently with wood ash in their palms in readiness to curse those who've smashed shit. They say your hand won't get bitter if you don't touch bitter leaves. The way Ambazonia wants to fix the country is such that nobody should be above the law, not even a fon but before accusing one of failing the law, you must prove. Those who touched the fon should know that before they can work again in Meta, before they can protect Meta again, before they can carry guns again, they must first go back and apologise to the fon of Zang else if the Meta people throw this wood ash in their palms at you, that gun you carry will turn and face you."

The third speaker on his part said "That's why we had instructed you that before you engage any mission, let us know so as to guide you but you said no, you'll grow on your own. Now you've smashed shit and all Meta people are with wood ash in their palms now ready to throw at you. You guys should rush back to the palace immediately and apologise. Before going call us. You know those who are talking and how to reach us."

The fourth speaker said in his own audio that "Know that we are the ones supporting these children, our fighters, in doing ground operations. The lessons we teach them are good ones but from time to time they keep going astray. I want to say those our brothers that took their hands and touched the fon with, the first thing is that it's so bad and you guys must make amends immediately. Just go back and apologise. I'm mentioning your names for the Meta people to know that you; Millipede, Dada and A2 must go back to meet the fon and apologise. We can't say whether you guys did this act because you wanted money or a stick (gun) from the fon. There are just two things you must do; either accept to  continue fighting to protect the Meta people or you simply remove your shoes, uniforms, strip off that name of  Ambazonia fighter and back out, look for somewhere and start working your farm. That's what we are telling you, that this thing you've done is an abomination. It's brought us shame and disgrace to your brothers fighting with all their good heart. We don't want thieves among us and we will never let such happen. Are you guys not ashamed for carrying out such an act? This war we're fighting today wasn't called by us but by the enemy and why we're fighting is because we don't like what the oppressor has been doing to us. These are the very oppressions we are rather oppressing our own people with. There's no difference. If we turn our people against us, then we've lost the war. If those you're supposed to be fighting to protect turn against you, your days will be short on earth. I thus plead with all Meta people at home and out to stay calm while we sort out this issue. Report to us those fighters on the grown that are going wayward. All of us will work together to ensure our fighters on the ground fight in honesty and fight the way we want. I thank you all very much."

The other speakers with a very good mastery of the Meta language used proverbs to pass across their own message.  "Know that you don't bite a bullet. Those who have ears, let them hear" warned one of them. "Who gave instructions to the fighters to go touch the fon? Who are these fighters flying without knowing their boundaries? Does it mean a snake wants to start drinking tea not knowing what tea will do to its mouth?" another wondered. "Let this be made clear to all Meta people that anyone that touched the fon with his hands because he's a fighter, woe betides him. He that touched the "Kwihfor" (a dreaded masquerade) of the Meta people with his hands, let that hand get rotten. I'm saying that from now henceforth, if you dare touch any fon again, may that hand get rotten. These ones that have touched the clan head, well, wait to hear from the "Kwihfor". You've touched the comb of a wasp. It'll stink your ears and eyes. This is a warning note I'm sounding that should any  fon in Meta be touched again, the " Kwihfor" will speak" he ended his own message.

The last speaker on his part, speaking as a man with grey hair lamented that "The rain has fallen without dark clouds. The fighters have dirtied the water from above. They've defecated in their loin. Go and clean your linen immediately before this shit starts smelling people"

Apart from the viral audio messages from members of the Meta War Chambers, other condemnations have also been pronounced by individuals like U.S based  Walters Ndi, coordinator of MECUDA International WhatsApp group who posted that "Bongob of the Meta clan, we condemn in the strongest term every act of adoption and threat to our Meta fons/fathers and palaces. I know we have influential bongob in this house who can ensure that this does not happen again. Please do yourself and us the Meta people a favour and stop this abomination from happening again. It's unacceptable."

The Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA) is yet to officially react on the subject. Mbengwi Online notes that they've never officially reacted to the past kidnappings and torture of some Meta fons. Condemnations have however been made on individuals basis not as the associayion. The Ku Cultural and Development Association (KUCUDA) and the Zang Tabi Cultural and Development Association (ZATACUDA) have also on their part not sent out any official press release condemning the act. 

However, the Meta Fons' Union (MEFU) is said to have reacted  via an official communique signed by its president, H.R.H Fominyen of Nyen. In the release, the fons said:

"We the Fons of Meta, observe with regrets the recent spade of abduction and torture of two of ours. In the recent past the Fons of Kai, Njimetu, Bessi Fomukong, Ngwokwong,  Mbemi and Wumneburg had been taken, tortured and humiliated.  It has happened again. On Aug 25, 2020,  H.R.H the fon of Zang Tabi was taken away, tortured and released only after being badly injured. As we write,  H.R.H the fon of Ku is still being held and undergoing torture.  To have touched a Fon is disrespectful.  To have laid torture on a Fon is even abominable.  We deplore these acts with the greatest indignation and call on the children keeping the Fon, who indeed are evidently of Meta stock, to unconditionally and without delay, release the Fon. We call on these persons to equally table an apology to the Meta people for having carried out such an abominable act. We call for calm from all the people of Meta and for them to stay strong in the light of these happening as we seek a redress to them. Signed - Fons of Meta"

Eneo Re-energizes Mbengwi, Tongues Wag Over Supposed Minister's Influence

Eneo Re-energizes Mbengwi, Tongues Wag Over Supposed Minister's Influence

Despite facing enormous challenges in service delivery in the NW region stemming from the ongoing Anglophone Crisis,  Eneo Cameroon has reinstated constant energy flow in Mbengwi, Momo's divisional headquarters at least for now, after over half a year of unbearable constant hourly, daily and weekly incessant power cuts that hardened the already hard socioeconomic situation of the subdivision's inhabitants. At times, users slept in the dark continuously for months. 

Eneo Carrying Out Maintenance in Mbengwi

Since Tuesday the 18th of August 2018 till the time of this report, power supply has been stable in Mbengwi 24/7. With the situation seemingly regularised, the municipal mayor, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam took to a couple of WhatsApp groups hosting sons and daughters from the Meta clan (Mbengwi) round the globe and posted that "On behalf of everyone in Mbengwi and it's environs, I'm extending sincere thanks and gratitude to Her Excellency Mbah Acha Rose for keeping her words. She promised regularising the electricity situation of Mbengwi and I bet you, we have not had power cut for close to 5 days now. Bravo Mami. We are behind you"

The pronouncement set tongues wagging and provoked verbal commotion mostly in the MECUDA WhatsApp forum. Opinions became divided on the subject with some praising the minister like Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia, the M.P for Mbengwi who posted that "That is the spirit of development. Thank you Your Excellency for always being there for your people. We say more grease to your elbows. This is just the beginning of many good things to come."

To others, the information didn't go well in their ears. A certain Cal rather quizzed that "Is the minister we are thanking the minister of energy? So villages with no minister will always remain in darkness?" His view was supported by Amboh Gordon who added that "This patronage politicking will not help us in any way" and seconded by John Ndum Fogwe who found it shameful that only a minister can provide light. 

Reactions culminating to arguments flooded the forum within hours. Commenting from the praising side, Asongwed Emmanuel said "We thank the Almighty God for giving us a minister. We are happy for her willingness in solving most of our problems." Cal on his part saw things from a different angle. "She is a state minister appointed to work for a country and not a tribe" he jerked and went further to inquire that "Who is going to give light in Ikiliwindi or Malende? Will they stay without light until the day they get a minister from their village?"

The debate went on and on with each person defending their sides while others stayed mute, just observing. Talking on the positive impact of the gesture, UK based Fonjong Derick  said "At least I have been able to talk to my mother and dear ones in Mbengwi these days with no complains of lack of current to charge phones"

The major worry of the few that saw the initiative differently from the majority was that Minister Mbah Acha shouldn't be seen as the brain behind any little good thing that happens in Mbengwi. Such persons are worried that even when the mayor or parliamentarian does something on the ground, they always end up giving credit to the minister. To justify his whistle blowing (watchdog) role, Amboh Gordon clarified that "No one won't be happy when the minister does something good and profitable to the community. But when the Mayor and MP keep on attributing any action they take to the minister it makes them infantile and shows that they can't stand on their own without the minister."

Schooling the rest on information management, Cal explained that not all information must come out to the public. Hear him, "If it is true that Mbengwi now has constant supply of electricity because of the intervention of madam minister, did we need to make it public? What is more important? The light or the influence behind it?" He ended his lessons with the take home message that when you have information about something, you have to decide which to store, which to share, how and when to share it, to whom and through which means?

Mbah Acha Rose, Cameroon's Minister of Supreme State Control, Supposed Brain Behind Stable Energy Supply in Mbengwi

The debate spread to other groups with a majority praising the initiative and pleading that as the minister has started, she should continue with her interventions to see that schools resume in Mbengwi and most importantly that she follows up to ensure the current project to rehabilitate the stretch of road Checkpoint to Mbon and from there to Africa Petroleum with pavement bricks is completely realised.

To better get clarified on what intervention Minister Mbah Acha actually did for regular supply of electricity in the subdivision, Mbengwi Online contacted the mayor, Ndangsa Kennedy. In response, he said "When the light situation in Mbengwi was unbearable, I went to Yaounde for a visit and by then, the minister was already aware of the reality on the ground. She told me she will contact the "Big Man" of Eneo. She did actually call him in my presence and he came, they discussed and I heard her telling him she can't have light in Yaoundé and her people back home are in darkness for months. I guess after that discussion, the "Big Man" called his regional subordinates to look into the light situation of Mbengwi. That's why we are having steady supply now at a time when even some parts of Bamenda keep experiencing interruption or low voltage." Mbengwi Online also contacted the regional office of eneo but they will not react on the subject.

During the second quarterly meeting of the Momo Divisional Participatory Follow-up Committee for the evaluation of public investment projects that held on Thursday July 16 2020, the electricity situation in Mbengwi came under review at the end of which the committee's president, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia said, "The problem is currently top on the table of H.E Mbah Acha Rose of the Supreme State Audit who is a developer and bulldozer that takes priority of her people's wellbeing in Momo division especially the headquarters. In no distant time, it'll be looked into as she's given assurances of having gotten in touch with the competent service for a fixed solution" About a month after, Mbengwi is now enjoying constant electricity supply night and day.

Mile 18 in particular, the economic hub of the subdivision had suffered the most as in the past, light used to be supplied for at least few hours yet Mile18 will never have. Economic operators became more impoverished especially those that depend on electricity to generate income for livelihood. All mills, saloons cold stores became grounded but for those who could afford generators or solar electrification. Even the lone radio station in Mbengwi, Rainbow Radio went off air because of the situation rendering its hundreds of listeners deformed as they hadn't again access to information, education and entertainment. 

With the situation now rectified, many users have been heaving a sigh of relief. While those out of the ground exchange on WhatsApp on whether or not credit should be given to the minister, the direct beneficiaries on the are now experiencing a betterment in their lives and a little improvement in income.

Man Cheats Death After Eating "White Man Food"

 Man Cheats Death After Eating "White Man Food"

Pa Martin Agwo, estimated to be in his 80s lives in Mbengbu, a tiny quarter under Njindom village of the Meta clan, Mbengwi central subdivision. From time to time, he's been falling critically sick but will later recover. 

Pa Martin Agwo on his Sick Bed in Mbengbu

In the Month of July 2020, as usual, he fell sick again. His situation became so critical that all his children and other family members were called and notified to be ready to travel home as Pa Martin may soon breathe his last. He could no longer walk, became bedridden for weeks and excreted blood.

It was during this period that U.S based Ndakwa Carine Mah who hails from Mbengwi had sent home a financial package for food items to be bought and distributed to some old suffering persons. That's how Pa Martin became earmarked as a potential beneficiary.

Apart from having passion for journalism, this reporter also has passion for humanitarian works. He's run such errands for Germany based Princess Njokom Vashti and Douala based Bih Jenny Annoh, both daughters of Mbengwi that decided to reach out to the old back home. 

Pa & Grandson (the Reporter) Weeks After

Carine was thus the third individual to assign this reporter run such an errand. On Saturday July 25th 2020, Pa Martin was visited with a package of food stuffs made up of Irish potatoes, rice, fish, tomatoes, onions, maggi, salt, firewood etc. He was met in bed almost counting his last days and when notified food has been sent by a concerned someone from the U.S for him to eat and get well soon so that more will be brought,  he mustered the last remaining energy to ask "So I'm going to eat white man food?" 

Few weeks later, Pa Martin's health situation improved, reversing from critical to better. Now, he's regained his feet, talks and laughs. While eating his "White man food", he was also being attended to medically by practitioners from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Wumnemburg, Njindom parish. 

U.S Based Ndakwa Carine Mah, the Donor

On Sunday August 9th, Pa was again visited and this time around, with a chicken still from Carine. He was marvelled and took some time to play with the bird knowing fully well it'll end on his table for consumption. Having been explained who sent the items, he then made a static revelation. 

Pa Martin it should be noted is this reporter's grandfather. He revealed that on 6th September 1999 when he took his grandson (myself) to the newly opened Saint Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive College, Mbengwi, it was the late Pa Ndakwa, Carine's father that assisted him to pay his grandson's fees since he (Pa Ndakwa) was knowledgeable enough. 

He said Pa Ndakwa had come to pay the fees of his daughter and when he saw Pa, he collected his own money, took to the bursary and paid both at once. Then I told him "It's that girl that has sent to you these items." Growing together as schoolmates and friend both Carine and myself had never known of this story not until 21 years after. 

Pa Martin Playing With the Bird that Will End on his Dining Table

In appreciating she that thought of him with a good heart, Pa Martin said "I thank her very much. A good child is the one that fetches wood and water for the father. You are now my daughter. I love you so much because of this honour that's brought me joy. The sickness that disturbed me has gone. I pray to see you whenever you'll come back home."

Apart from Pa Martin Agwo of Mbengbu, the donor also extended a hand of fellowship to other beneficiaries. In Barakwe village, there lives Ni Ngu Alfred, visually impaired for close to 20 years now. A similar package was also offered to him and in appreciation, he said, "May God bless her abundantly for this assistance she's provided to me. I'm very happy"

Ni Ngu Alfred of Barakwe

120 Years Old Pa Fomukong Jonas of Barakwe

Same wishes were made by 120 years old Pa Fomukong Jonas, still from Barakwe. Upon arriving his compound to offer his package, he told Carine's messenger (this reporter) that he had a vision the night before in which he saw goodies being brought to him. He was so marvelled that the revelation just came to fruition. Pa Fomukong couldn't stay calm seeing the goodies before him. He said 

In almost every little corner across Mbengwi, there are old suffering people. Some live lonely and isolated lives while a few have caretakers like grand children or other family relatives. As efforts to mitigate the suffering many victims of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis go through, there is need to give special attention to the elderly. From findings, many need food, wood and medication. 

Just as there are such old persons in need of food, so too are they few good Samaritans who want to reach out to them but don't know who to contact. After reading this, at least you now know one person on the ground you can contact to render you such a service. I'll gladly do because I love humanitarian works too.

Package Each Beneficiary Received

Manna Falls in Barakwe, the Rainbow Village

Manna Falls in Barakwe, the Rainbow Village

Humanitarian assistance consisting of bags of rice, salt and cartons of soap, maggi, sachet tomato alongside packets of biscuits and pallets of soft drinks for children all worth FCFA 300.000 has been distributed to villagers in Barakwe, the Rainbow village located in the Tondig (Lower Medig) zone of the Meta clan, about some 3km from Mbengwi central town.

Distribution Exercise

Meeting in the community hall on Thursday 6th August 2020, the over 100 mothers, fathers, youths and children each backed home a modicum of the symbolic gift from the heart of U.K based Jake Mayah, an illustrious and concerned son of the soil that thought of the land of his birth during this crisis period. 

Present to hand over the items was the people's traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Barrister Teghen Humphrey who called for unity among his subjects, encouraging them to exercise restrain and handle their differences amicably since based on the nature of his profession, he's hardly in the village to be handling such matters. 

H.R.H Barrister Teghen Humphrey, Fon of Barakwe

The ceremony and the entire village was committed into God's hands by Rev. Pastor Mujem John of Wumnemburg Parish, Meta presbytery who encouraged the spirit of giving through the addage, "The hand that gives never lacks." The Man of God also saluted the commitment of the villagers in developing their ancestral land as they've erected a very big church house, a community hall and are soon engaging into a palace construction project. 

Some of the beneficiaries took turns to appreciate the fon and the donor. Teghen Rachael said, "We've really been lacking these items due to no income generating sources like jobs to make money and procure them. So we're really happy for the items and we thank our uncle so much. May God bless him" George Tabeng on his part regretted that they of Barakwe are hardly targeted when assistance comes in from aid agencies and the government reason why such a donation from their son resident abroad coming in through their fon fills their hearts with so much joy. 

The Fon & Subjects

The donor, Jake Mayah is son of late George Mayah, a reputable Meta language broadcaster that worked for Radio Buea, South West Region in the yesteryears, a traditionalist, an investor and a pillar of Barakwe village. Today, his children have grown to also gain influence in their respective areas like their late dad. Vivian Mayah, sister to Jake is current national president of the Barakwe Cultural and Development Association (BACUDA)

Way back in 2015 during the association's Annual General Meeting, Jake flew home and promised five million francs to electrify the village. The anglophone crisis soon came and disrupted his plans. Fortunately, Barakwe was recently selected as beneficiary of a rural electrification project by the state whose execution phase is ongoing. Since the villagers had also nursed plans of erecting a befitting palace structure for their fon, Jake Mayah has again promised to divert the 5 millions francs earlier promised this time around for the palace project expected to kick start in the nearest future. 

Dilapidated Barakwe Palace

From the plan, the people of Barakwe wish to build the best palace in the Meta clan for their fon that will serve as a "come and see" touristy site. Cornered by Mbengwi Online at the end of the ceremony, H.R.H Barrister Teghen Humphrey said "I seize this opportunity to call on our sons and daughters out of the country and those within to join us build a better Barakwe for all." He also thanked the youths, men, women, elders and all the villagers for their committed spirit towards development irrespective of their few differences. He promised to set the pace in the construction of the palace hoping his subjects step in.

The Barakwe women present after showering praises on their leader for his tactfulness in handling conflicts and steadfastness in steering the development of the village offered him a bag of their farm produce with an undertone message that they want the queen mother with the princes and princesses in the village. From findings, all villagers know and are so attached to their fon but there exists a wide gap between the villagers especially the women and the palace queen (the fon's wife). The young children in Barakwe don't know the young offsprings of the fon they should've been playing and familiarising themselves with. The fon attested to the women he's gotten their message and obviously something will be done to meet their demand. 

Donation Ground, Barakwe Community Hall

Barakwe, though one of the tiniest villages in Meta is nicknamed the rainbow village having moto as "One Spirit". Traditionally, 90% of the villagers from children to the elderly are dancers of Mukonge, an energetic Meta dance. The fon himself is a super drummer of the dance. The development strength of Barakwe lies in its labour force made up of carpenters, electricians, plumbers and builders, mostly among the male youthful population. Once there's a project, all they need is raw materials and within the twinkle of an eye, work is over.

Pa Fomukong Jonas, the Oldest Man in Barakwe, 120 years Still Walks Around

Presbyterian Church in Cameroon Barakwe Congregation

Gymnastics at Meta Fon's Meeting With Mayor

Gymnastics at Meta Fon's Meeting With Mayor

The executive of the Mbengwi council, represented by the mayor, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, his first deputy, Fonjong Doreen Anwi and the council's Secretary General, Ndokonyi Musa Gwianguh has held an acquaintance meeting with traditional authorities of the Meta clan, Friday  July 31st 2020 in the council hall.

While opening the meeting, the mayor said his first reason is to acknowledge the fons as custodians of the land and secondly, to apologise to them on behalf of the government for all the loses they've incurred in the course of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. He regretted that all this while, most fons no longer reside in their palaces due to threats, bitter experiences in the hands of either of the both armed parties in the conflict or material and human loses they've incurred.

Session

Mayor Ndangsa Kennedy also cautioned the fons not to quite because of their experiences, that there are many other locals that have had their own very bitter experiences too from the crisis but haven't escaped. "If we all go out, who do we expect to come and control the land for us? he sort to know. "I am on a mission to build this municipality. I need to know all my fathers. That's why you all need to brainstorm with me your son to look for a way forward for Mbengwi, our land" he added.

In presenting a situational analysis of the municipality since the advent of the crisis, the Mbengwi Council's Secretary General, Ndokonyi Musa Gwianguh regretted that he met Mbengwi in peace, in 2014 when he was appointed but not long afterwards, it got swallowed by violence before his naked eyes. Looking at the other side of the coin, he said "We are blessed in this municipality because this was the only council out of Mezam Division that didn't close its doors or markets throughout the crisis, thanks to the dynamic approach of various stakeholders in handling the crisis here."  

Ndokonyi Musa also assessed the socio-economic life of the municipality which to him experienced disruptions as they've been uncalled for killings of humans, inhabitants could no longer bury the dead as before, no more marriages and other fanfare occasions, businesses either witnessed a drastic drop in income or completely closed down, thus retarding life and the communal spirit seized to exist causing a decrease in feeding and living standards.

Revenue Recovery: Sheds Sealed by the Council

In effect, traders in the Mbon market stopped paying rents for over 3 years thus indebting the council that as a result couldn't pay workers because revenue wasn't generated. The council recently decided to embark on a revenue recovery exercise in the Mbon market, sealing several shops whose owners were almost taking council sheds for their personal property. Before doing this, the S.G said taking into consideration the crisis, the executive sat and decided to cancel owed rents for one year six months. 

Politically, the council's scribe pinpointed that they've been conventional and unconventional attacks on individuals as people used the crisis for political gains or scores settling thus disrupting family unity, at times forcing family heads to flee. Summarily put, he said "We have been living under tension for four years" He however remarked that on a positive note, despite all these challenges, the administrative account of the council has been steadily increasing from about 300 to over 600 million at moment. "As divine custodians of this land, your contributions are indispensable for this council executive to develop Mbengwi municipality" Musa told the fons as he ended his assessment.

When room was given to the traditional authorities to air their minds, a majority had two major concerns; school resumption and development. The fon of Bessi, H.R.H Fomukong Wilfred affirmed that they've been suffering for these four years with their children not going to school but expressed doubts with effective school resumption in October as is being preached now because to him no guide has been issued as to the process of implementation of the academic calendar. 

The fon of Ku, H.R.H Fonguh Henry on his part affirmed that there's nobody who doesn't want his/her child to go to school but wished an enabling environment is created by the government because according to him, "The psychological feeling in a school environment is what helps a child to learn" Security wise, he said "Even the calm that reigns now is still an uneasy one" He ended with a proposal for suggestion boxes to be installed in and around the council building so that more better ideas from both the fons and the population could be written and dropped inside to avoid people being victimised for their opinions shared in public.

In response to this, the mayor reminded all present that the solution has to come from them because in his words "We are the government" He then reminded them that most government schools were built by the community and so being their money, they must ensure it's protected and put to appropriate use. Having been a victim of kidnap, Mayor Ndangsa attested that frustration is one of the main reasons why most young boys joint the struggle and are today using it to make money. "For how long shall we continue giving them money?" he wondered.

To the fon of Chenam, H.R.H Mukom Daniel, economic empowerment of the fighters will play the magic. "By empowering them, you own and gain control over them " the fon said and proposed that the council should flood villages through the palaces with micro projects. His view was corroborated by the fon of Njaah, H.R.H Asanga Martin who said "There's no other medicine than to get these guys occupied" It has been observed that most of the youths still passing around for Amba Boys (local appellation for separatist fighters) are no longer there for the Ambazonia war of independence but because of hunger, idleness and frustration.

Thus, involving them in activities that will occupy them and generate income for their pockets will free their minds from thinking about kidnaps for ransoms, harassments and threats. Reports from most interior villages hold that a good number of the fighters have come to self realisation that the Ambazonia dream is a mirage and have turned their backs against the struggle. Such are now involved in sand and stone digging, farming, firewood fetching plus other mean jobs just to make ends meet. They can no longer regain normal life in Mbengwi central like doing business or riding commercial bikes because of fear.

Tembe Abraham Muki represented the fon of Gundom. In his opinion, the problem stems from themselves. That each time a group seats and strategize on how to resolve the crisis or maybe propose ways for schools to resume, one of the attendees will go and leak the plan to either the separatists or the military thus endangering the life of he/she that gave the idea and the next thing will be threatening calls or kidnap. To him, if plans could be drawn, implemented and kept a secret, the crisis will be over.

Among the attendees was the erstwhile mayor of the Mbengwi Council Fonanih Johnas Asah who sat in as representative of the fon of Mbengwi. To him, any talk on school resumption must first start with the questions "Is it an absolute necessity that our children should go to school? If yes, how do we convince those against it? How do we deal with the diaspora that keeps making great promises to these guys on the ground, making them see heaven tomorrow?" His current counterpart in response affirmed that sometimes back he also carried peace plants and marched on the streets but had to backpedal when he came to self realisation that it was a farfetched dream and those spearheading it have ever since been using the struggle for personal financial, material and political gains through scores settling, kidnaps, killings, threats etc.

Ndangsa wished all those in the villages especially the half educated ones could be discouraged from watching the Ambazonia Broadcasting Channel (ABC) which to him is a pure propaganda channel still inciting the Amba Boys and giving false hope to viewers. To strike a deal with the fighters on the ground to produce an enabling environment for schools to resume, Ndangsa said "You can't force somebody with a gun to buy your opinion and so the only way out is to lobby and negotiate because at the end of the day, they remain humans, still with some sense of reasoning" He went on to task the fons to go back and mobilise their communities to clean the schools and get set their children for resumption.

In addition, he called community work to be organised to clean palaces, markets, roads and squares. He disclosed that the council will soon be organising a cleanest village competition and such are the areas that will be evaluated. Moreover, he revealed that a consignment of 350 solar street lights will soon be arriving the municipality and his plan is to see that all villages in the entire municipality have at least one planted at their  squares.

H.R.H Barrister Teghen Humphrey, the fon of Barakwe, in contributing his own quota to the deliberations opined that the solution to all what was being discussed lies above, that until the president of the republic calls for a ceasefire and reorganises an effective dialogue session, little or nothing may change. Pertaining to school resumption, to him, while calling on parents to get their kids ready for school, the council should also recruit teachers and get them ready to go teach mostly in those remote schools that will be lacking teachers. Concerning development, the fon requested that the council executive must endeavour that all villages feel their impact through execution of projects without political linings. 

While almost all the blame went on Amba Boys, the former deputy mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Fobang Roland who was recently kidnapped in Njah-Etu and kept in the fighter's detention camp for days begged to differ. From his experience and exchange with the boys, he said they too are rather blaming the fons for abandoning them, their palaces, villages and subjects to go seek refuge elsewhere to the point where they are now instead solving matters the fons and their traditional councils would've been handling. "The simple thing to do is just to listen to them and also talk to them" he opined.   

The last reaction came from H.R.H Mbacham Enoch of Wumnemburg who said, "First things first, my brothers that escaped should all return to their palaces and stay there." He added that the mayor should involve the fons in council sessions and constantly talk with them or their village development association presidents. This idea was bought by the mayor who immediately concluded that they shall be holding quarterly meetings till the end of the crisis, meaning the second meeting will come up in October. 

While closing the session, the 1st deputy mayor, Fonjong Doreen Anwi pleaded with the fons to help guide them, the council executive to work better. "I have the conviction that our children will return to school and in effect, the economy will regain steam and life return to normal" she ended. Before departure, the fons visited the offices of the two mayors where they poured their blessings on them after being assured the doors will always be open for the royal authorities to pass by with any proposals on how to move the municipality forward.