The former Desk Editor of the Post Newspaper, Abah Isidore, has reacted to the ban imposed on the Post Newspaper by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai.
The full text reads:
“Requiem For Journalism In Cameroon
The last remnant of a bold, authoritative, and independent press in Cameroon is being muzzled into asphyxiation in our very own eyes. Let’s all join the Hallelujah Journalism Fraternity.
The New Deal Government has successfully taken us back to the inglorious era of despotism, characterised by the Draconian press laws, where celebrated clerks, acting as administrators, would muzzle the press to quietude, especially those that have refused to act as political songbirds for corrupt administrators and politicians.
It is not surprising that the architect of this infamous decision is a serial land-grabber, whose land-grabbing racket was brought to the fore by the same newspaper that has been suspended indefinitely.
The press mirrors society. If a regime abhors coups, it must endeavour to govern well, ensure transparency and accountability, and above all, meet the needs and aspirations of the citizens. It should be held to account by the people through responsible journalism. I am certain not all press organs want to be apparatchiks of the regime.
As for the National Communication Council, are we surprised?
Their champagne party, too, would soon end.
You may not like what they do, but I think for three decades, this newspaper has led by its mantra: The Independent Newspaper at the Service of the People.”
