Eden Radio Responds to Fako SDO, Upholds Journalistic Integrity

Eden Radio, Limbe, has issued a robust response to a cautionary letter from the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako Division, Viang Mekala. The SDO had raised concerns over the station’s reporting on the Limbe City Council, accusing it of inciting public unrest. The radio station firmly defended its editorial practices, asserting that its reporting adheres to the highest standards of journalism in Cameroon.

In the letter dated September 13, 2024, the SDO expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as Eden Radio’s “persistence against all actions carried out by the Limbe City Council and particularly the City Mayor.” Mekala’s caution pointed to allegations that Eden Radio broadcasts were stirring resistance among traders and the general public against tax recovery efforts and other actions taken by the City Council. The SDO called for the radio station to respect journalistic ethics and objectivity, warning that failure to do so could lead to social unrest in Limbe.

Eden Radio’s Rebuttal

In a detailed response dated September 20, 2024, and signed by its General Manager, Ebot Nzohngandembou, Eden Radio rejected the SDO’s claims. He emphasised that their reporting is “accurate, fair, and in accordance with the ethics and deontology of journalism in Cameroon.” The station maintained that it does not create news but reports on factual events, particularly those involving the Limbe City Council, a public institution.

Eden Radio cited several examples of their investigative work on the Council’s actions:

• The station reported on the sealing of the office of the First Deputy Limbe City Mayor for over 10 months, calling it an abuse of power. This action was only reversed after intervention from local authorities.
• Eden Radio also covered the controversial relocation of a clandestine motor park near seven schools, highlighting safety concerns for children in the area. Despite the move, issues regarding the well-being of students remain unresolved.
• The station has repeatedly reported on illegal construction in Limbe, particularly on waterways and under high-tension power lines, despite multiple warnings from local stakeholders.
• Eden Radio has been vocal about the poor state of garbage collection in the city, which has left Limbe in neglect for the past two years, prompting even the Minister of Secondary Education to comment on the town’s deteriorating cleanliness.

Exposing Alleged Corruption

The radio station further detailed allegations of corruption within the Limbe City Council, including claims of extortion from traders, mismanagement of public funds, and irregularities in the allocation of market stalls. According to Eden Radio, these unresolved issues are all part of the council’s budget, with taxpayers’ money being spent on projects that remain incomplete or nonexistent.

Eden Radio stressed that its primary duty is to serve the public interest by holding officials accountable and keeping the community informed about matters of governance. “We have continuously served the public interest by holding authorities accountable,” the station stated, underscoring its commitment to ensuring transparency and good governance.

Commitment to Objective Journalism

The station’s flagship programme, Nation Building, is also addressed in the rebuttal. It is described as a platform where “government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders discuss important topics affecting the community.” Eden Radio reaffirmed its dedication to objective journalism and called on the SDO to prioritise the rule of law while working towards the betterment of Limbe.

Ebot Nzohngandembou concluded the letter by expressing hope that the SDO would continue to maintain law and order in the city, as he has done in the past, and emphasised that Eden Radio’s operations are entirely apolitical. The station reiterated its mission to “build a better nation” and contribute to the realisation of the Cameroonian dream of making the country “the land of promise, land of glory.”

Despite the SDO’s warnings, Eden Radio has pledged to continue its work, upholding its responsibility to inform the public while adhering to professional journalistic standards.

Mimi Mefo Info