Ndungated Website continues to receive tributes to the loss of late Hon. John Ategwa.Here is a rundown of the tributes and testimonies:1) Professor Tazoacha Asonganyi Although I have not seen Hon (Chief) Ategwa - Fuateh
-for some time now, I never knew that he was sick
until yesterday evening. Then I learned about his
death from a friend this morning around 9 am... and
confirmed it by phone from another friend! It seems
that as we were talking about him yesterday, he was
breathing his last breathe!
Hon Ategwa will be remembered as the first Principal
of the present GHS Menji. The solid foundation he left
there allowed the building of one of the very
reputable Government High Schools in
Cameroon.
He will also be remembered for his honesty and
forthrightness in politics. He was the first
Parliamentarian of Lebialem following the return of
multiparty politics to
Cameroon in 1990. He served
from 1992 - 1997. He can be said to be the only MP of
the era to have been voted throug what we can describe
in retrospect as "free and fair" elections...
During his mandate, he met Lebialem people
indiscriminately - without party considerations - to
ask for advice and discuss political issues. Although
he stood Parliamentary elections in 1997 and lost, he
was the one that ensured that the real winner actually
won. Following the elections and the usual rigging,
the CPDM candidate was declared winner. It is he who
collaborated with the SDF by providing his own polling
station results that corroborated those of the SDF and
convinced the Divisional Counting Commission to write
the report that allowed the
Supreme Court to cancel
the Lebialem results and give victory to Hon.
Ndobegang who was the rightful winner. Lebialem's was
the only result reversed in the
Supreme Court!
During his stay in Yaounde when he worked for the
Ministry before his retirement, he was always
available for advice and discussion as usual. Since he
had a "free phone", his office was alway like a
beehive - 99.99% Lebialem people! Indeed, he was a
very generous man!
There is no doubt that we shall all miss him! We can
only join the family in prayers for his soul to rest
in perfect peace.
My sincere condolences to his dear wife, his children,
brothers and sisters, and his extended family.
Tazoacha Asonganyi & Family.
2)
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO SISTER MARY MARTIN AND FAMILY
My family and I are deeply saddened about the loss of your husband, the illustrious Hon/Chief John Ategwa Fuateh.
A few months ago you were kind to join us in mourning my dad; but little did we ever imagine that you would be experiencing this terrible pain in such a short time interval.
I am sure the Okoyong Old Girls Association from the 50s, 60s, and later; plus the entire Njentse, Lebialem, Cameroonian and world-wide communities, (including the ones in Spain) will join you in expressing their shock and sympathies on the passing of a great person who gave his 110% for the betterment of his community and the world. Many of his, and your, former students will definitely feel the same emptiness and loss.
May the good and compassionate Lord Almighty grant him eternal rest.
Chris Ajua
(Mbe Asaba Nkem Ajua)
3) It is very sad to learn of the passing away of our beloved Hon. John Ategwa to eternity. Death is a path that we shall all undertake. However, the foot prints, love, kindheartedness, honesty, and selfless contribution we make to our community and the life of others' will remain eternal. Hon John Ategwa exhibited those characteristics during his time as Principal, Parliamentarian, father, and advisor to the Lebialem people. There is no doubt that we shall all miss him! It will be very vital to join his family in prayers during this special time for his forgiveness and safe journey to eternity. I extend my sincere condolences to his dear wife, children,brothers and sisters, and his entire family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Rolland Nkemazeh
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
4) Hon. Dr. Michael Ndobegang.The news that Fuateh has gone on this long trip that our chiefs undertake once in a lifetime, the same news about the death of Hon. John Ategwa, first Lebialem MP following the re-introduction of multi party politics in
Cameroon, was so hard to bear for many of us.
For some, that we only heard about his death is even more frightening, especially for one who had served us all. But it reminds me of the way many who have been at the service of Lebialem in politics have often gone.
Fuateh was variously rated as a Chief. Sure. Hon. Ategwa was variously rated as a politician. That too, was to be expected. I would rather talk about the person I knew, not the one people talked to me about. A man and a politician who demonstrated that he knew why and how the will of his own people ought to be respected. Someone who knew how to bow out in the game of politics. That was the sign of a very "big" man, someone who was a permanent winner.
Hon. Ategwa, (and I note that Prof. Asonganyi has already said this) did not mind that he had lost the elections in 1997. He knew that Lebialem people had won, because they had spoken. He was proud and happy that he had had the chance to serve Lebialem. He respected the verdict from the polls. But he was stunned and embarrased by what his fellow brethren were about to do to betray the people's will. He helped in every way possible to ensure that the post-polling day rigging that is usually carried out by these post and favour seeking "elite" of the ruling party was brought to nought. After all was done, he was so happy that he did not get carried by the wrong thoughts. He did not show any bitterness or or act the spoiler. He put no price for his supprt for the right.He was only too eager to see the will of our people respected.He promised his total collaboration to the one who succeeded him at the National Assembly, and that collaboration was there all through the mandate that ended in 2002.
Mafua Ndem's Focolare Movement has a branch in the Movement called "The Movement For Unity in Politics". I do not know if Hon. Ategwa knew about it or belonged to it.The central and unifying element in that Movement is not about winning, it is about serving. It calls on all its adherents to remember that politics is not so much about political parties as it is about how we use politics to respect the general will, and serve the common good.
Its position is that we do not have to belong to the same party to be together. That it is not necessary that only our individual parties must win. During and after each political competition we just need to understand why we are in it to be able to continue to love and respect one another and the people we serve; and not seek to please some alien master who does not really give a damn about our people, except that he can point to the falsified will of our people to beef up his vanity.
Hon. Ategwa's digified solidarity with Lebialem people as demonsrated during the 1997 parliamentary election raises him above the heap. For this and more in the domain of education, we should remember him well. I know what I am talking about, I was the one elected to the National Asembly as Lebialem's MP after Hon. Ategwa.
I maintained in my own way my relationship with Hon. Fuateh. I was humnbled by his availability when I was MP. I remember this day when I was at an outing in Ndungatet. He was there and was proud to talk to the population (very glowingly, I dare add) about my performance in and out of the Assembly.
I may not have seen him very often, especially after he retired from the civil service and left Yaounde.But we kept in touch somehow.As he exists, it is our fervent wish that we get more Lebialem people in politics who would like Lebialem always to be the winner. Humble people who go in to politics to serve, and who are eager to respect some basic rules, so that harmony, not bitterness reigns in Lebialem after elections. Who says that we cannot make Lebialem an island of peace after every electoral consultation? That can happen if we all borrow a leaf from Hon. Ategwa.
As he exits, let us remember him and the family he leaves behind. Because he left us something that we can emulate.
Adieu, Chief, and Fare thee well.
Dr. Michael Ndobegang.
5)
On behalf of LECDA-USA and the entire Lebialem Community in USA, the Board of Trustees will like to express its deepest condolence to the wife and children of Honorable Ategwa, as well as to the Sinju’s family, following the sojourn of Chief Forteh to the land of our ancestors.
As a pioneer principal of what has grown to the today G.B.H.S. Fontem, and as pioneer parliamentarian of Lebialem Division, Honorable Ategwa surmounted the mammoth obstacles which are unavoidable stock in trade of pioneering and he also buttressed the foundation of the current trend of Lebialem development agenda which LECDA-USA is pursuing.
LECDA-USA will continue to work with all partners of development to ensure that the legacy of those who have struggled to move Lebialem Division forward will have their prints on the sand of time. May God bring the desired comfort to the family of Honorable Ategwa.
Stephen Fomeche
CEO LECDA-USA Inc.
6)My dear Brethren;
Since yesterday March 14TH, when I learned about the passing away of Honorable John Ategwa (Chief Forteh), it has really been difficult for me to swallow this hard pill! So, death does not fear anyone??? So, Great people must always travel together. Lebialem, mourning Mafua Ndem Chiara and Honorable Ategwa back to back! Lord, we need your Help. Amen.
Two years ago, I had a stop over at my late Dad's house at Ndungatet. Amazingly, Honorable was present amongst the dignitaries who were around at Ndungatet. In the presence of about forty to fifty people, I had a small reception that night with my Ndungatet family. Honorable, as a Father was there, and also poured out the Traditional Libation for the Ancestors!
Through, his supervisions and that of his dear wife Sister Mary, everything went well. I am so sad, because I have not had the time of expressing my gratitude to you, Chief. Just to learn that, the cold hands of death have come to cease you from our midst! You were born to Lead, and you showed this throughout life!
Uncle(as i used to call you), your memories will always remain in me!
As you make that Faithful Journey to join your Ancestors, may you always be there for the welbeing of the Lebialem Land especially Ndungatet! Let your spirit be felt as you were a man of peace, and fostering education on all Lebialemer! In fact, you were born to Lead, and you showed this throughout life! You thought us too that in Politics, Lebialem should not put all their eggs in one basket; because we are all for the welbeing of our beautiful land! A man of few words, but of action!
My deepest condolences goes to your dearest wife/friend Mrs. Mary Ategwa, Dr. Kitts Motaze Sinju, Fidelis A. Sinju, and to ALL the Sinju Family; Home and Abroad!
Though, I shall not be there at Ndungatet for the funeral, know that I am with you all in spirit!
Elizabeth Morfaw Ngwa.
USA
7) With deep respect and honour the National Executive
council and the National mobilisation committee of
Government Bilingual High School Fontem wish to
appreciate the concern of all GBHS FESANS on the
passing to eternal glory of their piooneer principal-
H.R.H. (Hon) Ategwa John. May his gentle soul rest ion
peace.
-Considering the role of Hon Ategwa towards the
educational empowerment of many sons and daughter of
LEBIALEM AND Upper Bayangi,
-Mindful of the high discipline he enforced on his
students during his tenure as the principal which till
date many FESANS are known for,
Considering that the varied nature of the young people
that he brought together between 1981 - 1986 in the
then GSS Fontem are today reaping the fruits of his
labour,
-Mindful of the fact that people have rights to their
opinions and some are well known for intepreting good
initiates in ways that suits their reasonings,
Acknowledging the fact that Hon Ategwa humbled himself
so much and went through many difficulties to prepare
for a brighter future for many sons and daughters of
Lebielem;
- Some members of GBHS FESA resident in and around
Menji had an emergency meeting chaired by the
National President (Mr Fuanjia Michael)and resolved as
follows;
-That all FESANS should in their various prayers
commit the soul of our Departed president to God
almighty.
That GBHS FESANS should book mass in thanksgiving for
the life of Honourable Ategwa in their various
communities.
That GBHS FESANS in
Cameroon should turn up en mass to
bit Hon Ategwa final farewell to eternal home of glory
scheduled for March 30th 2007
-That GBHS FESANS should endeavour to participate
actively during preparatory activities toward the
final journey of our pioneer principal on earth.
-That GBHS FESANS will concertedly demonstrated their
love for our pioneer principal by registering and
dancing one traditional dance during the funeral
ceremony scheduled for 31 march.
-That GBHS FESANS wish to support the family towards
giving our pioneer principal a befeating burial. Sa
such the National Executive Council and the National
Mobilisation committee are hereby appealing on GBHS
FESANS Ffor free will donations. Benevolent donors
should send their contributions to :
Mr Fuanjia Michael(2nd Batch)
National President
(+23796383814)
Mr Temuhale Julius (3rd Batch)
National Treasurer
(+23777770071)
Mr Fobellah Defang Walters
National mobilisation officer
+23777000702)
Contributors should endeavouir to contact them before
28th March 2008.
Burial programme;
FRIDAY 29TH MARCH = REMOVAL OF CORPSAE/ WAKE KEEPING
SDATURDAY 30TH MARCH = BURIAL AND WAKE KEEPING
SUNDAY 31ST MARCH = MASS AND FUNERAL CELEBRATION
May the gentle soul of Hon Ategwa John rest in peace
amen.
AGWUNG-FOBELLAH DOMINIC
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
GBHS FESAN MOBILISATION COMMITTEE
Yaoundé is in a frenzy of high-level diplomatic consultations over Monday’s attack and abduction of Cameroonian soldiers and the Divisional Officer of Kumbo Abedimo, Felix Morfaw Fonya by some yet to be identified assailants in the Bakassi peninsular. A meeting convened yesterday by the Minister of External Relations, Ayissi Eyebe on the instructions of the head of state, brought together African diplomats represented in Yaounde under the umbrella of the African Union to examine the issues at stake. 
