MY OTHER FATHER,

I grew up basking in your  attention and encouragement even at the tender age of 10, when I will accompany , my bioglogical father, Mr Robert Tamfuh to visit you in Buea, during the period when you held successive positions as  Secretary in State with different portfolios in the then West Cameroon Government. While looking forward to those visits I stood in awe of the power I guessed you welded at the time.

I remember that you never corrected CBC Soppo primary school teachers when they will give you progress reports about your childrens' performances in the different classes and talk about me as well.

 Papa, you  taught me the humility that should come with knowledge and the  restraint that must necessarily accompany power, being so knowledgeable and so powerful and yet showing concern for a mere child's education, welbeing  and upbringing. ou used to  discuss this with my father at length. I did not need words from you to the effect that you were then and have  remained to the end, my other father.  Your actions spoke louder than words.

In bidding you farewell papa, let me thank you for the affection you showered on lots of us whom you met along lifes road in general and me in particular. More important still, I will always cherish the opportunity you gave me to share some very special moments with you and our young mama each time you came to Yaoundé, and the possibility to also show you how I felt about being one of your other duaghters.  During one of those moments, and after answering your numerous questions about my job,  I remember you asking me if the authorities of this land knew I was your daughter, and I assured you they did. Then you seemed relieved and  satisfied. I am satisfied Papa,  that you considered me one of  your daughters, it is of little consequence  to me that the knowledge be made public.  Papa, Yaah Patience told me your issues took pride of place in my life over lots of things and she was so right. In her, we see alot of you, you know? Not only the physical ressemblance, even the political awareness. Remember we talked about it sometime ago as well.

By the way papa, remember how much you  wished the sufferings of our people could be allevaited to a great extent if the road leading to our division was good? Guess what, it is being fixed. You  will be passing  on one that is a tiny little bit like what you dreamed of for your people as a politician.

Travel safe, on your way to your final resting place, confident in the knowledge that the legacy of your unhihibited affection and unboundless love for many of God's children lives on.

FAREWELL MY OTHER FATHER.

One of your other daughters

Rose Tamfuh ép Tanyi -Mbianyor

A big political baobab has fallen in the death of Hon Samuel Ngeh Tamfu! What tribute can we pay him; what legacy can we ascribe to him? Or simply why was he really different?

This son of Nkambe town, or for the benefit of doubt let’s say this son of Taku Village in Donga Mantung Division will go down in Cameroon history as one of the emblematic figures of the North West Region of recent times who has been in active politics since the late fifties and who has been an operative in and witnessed the historic transformations and evolution of Cameroon and its institutions from the struggle for independence through independence and reunification up to this 2^nd Republic.

Here was a man who defended and who crusaded for the welfare of the people without discrimination and limitation. As a little primary school boy Pa Tamfu’s first son Rogers was my friend (is my friend) and we visited each other. At home Pa Tamfu was very hard on his children when they did not do the right thing, but out of the home he would defend these same children, when they got into trouble with all his strength. Later on in life I will also notice that, when he was with his native Donga-Mantung people, he will spare no hard words telling them his opinion on burning issues, but again out of the Division he would be an advocate and defender of the same people to a point where it looked an obsession. He would defend or advocate for the North West and South West Regions in the same manner when dealing at the national level. When he was out of Cameroon, he stood for the nation Cameroon, this evidenced during a tour of Japan, the USA and Canada after the 1992 presidential elections. This man knew which entity needed support at any point in time, this is a gift!

As regards his political philosophy and acknowledging it himself, so much later in life, that his many years spent with the opposition in both the Southern Cameroons House of Assembly and the West Cameroon House of Assembly (1961 - 1965) served neither him nor his people, Hon. Samuel Ngeh Tamfu, as a political strategist preferred to seek reform from within than from without the ruling Party, so as to remain at the center of decision making. Through such rational and political pragmatism he has largely succeeded to render great service to the nation and to his people. He was convinced this was right. I know this because he was a man when convinced about something, would push it through with all his might, he could be mistaken, but as soon as he realized that he was wrong would turn around and defend the right with same vigor. Let me say Pa Tamfu would impose democratic ideas or principles sometimes in the most undemocratic manner when he was convinced this was good for his community.

As a political tactician, Hon Tamfu scored high marks during his nine years as Member of the National Assembly of Cameroon, where as Vice- Chair of the powerful ruling CPDM Parliamentary Group, he placed his political savvy and tactics gleaned from his West Cameroon multiparty days at the disposal of his Group and the Nation. His counsel was highly solicited in mastering the delicate transition in Parliament from single party democracy to multiparty democracy! He himself in chit chat used to recall, with pride, honor, joy and satisfaction, some episodes of impasse on the floor of the National Assembly plenary and how the blockade would be raised through counsel offered in caucus! Check the role he would play during the March 1992 session and the 1996 sessions of the National Assembly, while verbatim records of the period in the Assembly are there to prove the stature of the man! He fondly quoted William Shakespeare’s “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life, is bound in shallows and in miseries.” He took it at the flood in the National Assembly at the right time and will be respected throughout his political life. Here then, is the man, who by virtue of the strength of his political savvy, convictions and patriotism, won high confidence in political circles, as seen first in his rise within the CNU and then the CPDM ranks as to be invested Member of the inner sanctum of the CPDM, that is the Political Bureau for many years until the 2011 CPDM Congress where he would become an Honorary Member of the CPDM Central Committee!

He always said the time he spent in active politics should earn him a Doctorate (PHD) in Political Science. He was conscious of the art of politics and he lived and played it. He is not only a PHD in politics but a Professor of applied politics if the discipline exists in academic circles.

While we miss Honorable Pa Tamfu for several reasons that others have talked about, I will like to emphasize on the confidence he inspired on those who knew him. As a biological father he inspired confidence on his children. As a father of Donga-Mantung politics, he made us feel at the top when discussing political matters with the others. As a baobab of North West and South West politics he made us from this end feel confident in politics and in national issues. This man was bold and courageous, so you felt safe with him but unsafe when facing him. We of Donga-Mantung learnt from him that politics could be practiced with boldness and straight forwardness and not necessarily through diplomacy, negotiations and through wangling.

In sum, a political giant has passed on in the person of Hon Samuel Ngeh Tamfu! He will be missed not only by family but by many friends and colleagues both in and out of politics who placed a premium on his invaluable advice and counsel. Indeed he was different!

May God bless us!

 

 

 

Shey Jones Yembe.

As a polygamist, he said he did not like it, but it was an incidence of marriage difficulties that took him that far. But he insisted all his children should love one another and have no conflicts or discrimination.  So the children grew up that way and you will not know who is who until you are told.  Love was our principal motivation and he insisted on hard work.   On long holidays before we arrive he has secretly programmed us.  We will have about three weeks harvesting, tying and hanging maize.  We will have about three weeks planting trees, and the rest of the time probably breaking wood.  By the time we realize, summer holidays is over and well-spent and we are ready to go back to school. He said he had enough money and motivation to give each person at least a Bachelor’s Degree. The rest, the person should labor for himself, though he actually sponsored those who were persistent above a Bachelors degree.  On his death bed there were still university scholars who were depending on him.  It was a miracle for him to use his stipend to sponsor so many people.  Many degree holders are in the family, including cousins, nephews, and family friends. He did all of this without discrimination.

Hon. Tamfuh was industrious, but also a man of rest.  Some mornings, until 9 am, you will see him wrapped in his blanket, awake, looking up the ceiling. He will seem to either be praying silently or meditating.  He could start delegating authority from as early as 6 am.  For example, he may call the driver and send to Ako, call the bricklayer and send to the building site, call the daughter for his breakfast, call a son to iron his clothes and so forth. By 10 am, people who were looking for him will start entering the house.  At other times, by 4am, the car is steaming for a journey to Bamenda or Yaounde, mostly for business or political reasons.  Before people get up from bed, he has gone.  As a politician, he spoke just a lot,  not because he must speak, but because he had what to say that helps people and change lives. People will come with family problems, academic problems, spiritual problems, professional problems.  He will buy drinks, entertain them, and solve the problems.  He was a West Cameroon, British-trained rugged politician.  Bribes did not penetrate him, but straightforward, ruthless and hard philosophy, that will cause a lazy person to run away from his environment.  He was clear on the point that the anti-corruption drive should start with the leaders of the nation, and that they could come to verify his assets too.  He could speak very calmly, but you will be sorry for the person on whom he landed for rebukes and correction.  He will tell you point blank in clear language where you went wrong and where you got to get things right.  If you had anger, you would not stay long in his environment of corrections.  And it did not matter who or where.  It may take another generation to get a political figure made of such steel ingredient.

He wanted everybody to be around in anything he was doing. He was a team leader, whether in family or business or politics.  He mobilized people for a course with such efficiency that they could follow happily and without questioning.  He did not fear how many people were in need around him.

He has been to many countries, but recently he was in the US to live with some his children , especially Patience, Edward and Emmanuel with their families.  His love for children and family was profound.  While there, he confessed his sins deeply, and said he had separated himself and the family from every idol.  He thus gave his life to Christ clearly during his final days, acknowledging God as creator, and Christ as the source of his forgiveness.  Thus while there for about a third time, his illness aggravated and he was brought back to the reference hospital where he slept on 28 March 2012.
 

(Written with permission and on behalf of the Tamfu family).

Mr. Henry Mimba Yembe,
Former General Manager of Del Monte Plantation, Tiko, and

Dr. Wilson Tamfu, Senior Lecturer in Law,
University of Buea, Cameroon.
Mr. Mimba: (237) 77828880
Dr. Wilson: (237) 74626387/(237) 97572201

Most ‘big’ people stay and associate only with ‘big’ people.  But S.N Tamfu loved and lived with poor, destitute and simple people in society.  Many would ask him “Why don’t you get a home in Yaounde and may be a government house?”. He said that he could not stay away from his people, farms, and community.  He lived in Nkambe all his life (after West Cameroon politics) and later when his health was disturbing him he came down to Taku in a secluded place where one would expect a man of such caliber to find it difficult to live. That was his simplicity.  He cared for old men, old women, children, and the sick and weak in society.  If he heard news of death, he rushed quickly to solve problems, such as buying coffin or drinks.  He did this to very many.  He would often take three or more days off to Ako or Abongshie where his farms are or in secluded places and worked.  He pioneered the road to the Nigerian borders through Ako and it has today become a major commercial road for big businesses.  At such border lands and villages you will find him charting with young people and suffering people.  He knew that nobody was totally useless so he sought every opportunity to see talents in people and develop them. If he saw an intelligent youth in a wrong location he may help to bring him or her to the city where the child can succeed. Many have this testimony.  

     As board member of SNH, the top oil company in Cameroon, he cooperated there for many years to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, fuel expansion in Cameroon,  the transformation of the petroleum sector, and the increase in petroleum wealth in Cameroon.  He believed that education was the most essential requirement for most families, and in this direction he helped many. He believed more in human investment and the training of persons with essential skills to earn a living and help society. But he made sure no one feels mean because he or she did not get degrees or riches like others.  He will tell you that whatever God ordained for you to have, nobody can stop it, and that too much materialism by individuals in a nation where many are poor is not justified.

(Written with permission and on behalf of the Tamfu family).

Mr. Henry Mimba Yembe,
Former General Manager of Del Monte Plantation, Tiko, and

Dr. Wilson Tamfu, Senior Lecturer in Law,
University of Buea, Cameroon.
Mr. Mimba: (237) 77828880
Dr. Wilson: (237) 74626387/(237) 97572201

 

     In his later years he was more philosophical. If you heard him, you will know he acknowledges the emptiness in material pursuit. Hon Tamfu once said; “When people complain that they don't get what they deserve, they don't know how fortunate they are.” He said some people actually get ruined because of certain attainments.  He said, “When you see a man with a very expensive car, costing about 40 times his monthly pay, do not envy him, or desire what he has, because you do not know how he got it.  So do not emulate them.”  But he was not against any genuine riches anyway.  He was a churchman, especially in his middle age. But when this wave of democracy started, he said that the moment he enters the church some pastors start abusing politicians, so he goes home wounded rather than blessed.  He found it wrong and said the church should rather pray for the right leaders, instead of condemning leaders.

    He stayed home most of the time supporting churches, missionaries, orphanages etc.  At one time he made a big financial gift to a catholic hospital in Bafoussam that rescued him on a sickness on his way back from Yaounde.  He prayed alone most of the time, spoke about God when he wanted.  He lived as a Baptist Christian, but believed in practical doing good  and  living right.  Helping the poor, making gifts, training youths in schools and other handiwork, was his strength. He did not frequent public drinking places. He had a clear goal for each day, and set out on it early enough, to be back home by 4 or 5 pm most of the time.

Hon Tamfu had a God-centered philosophy of life. He believed that if he helped many other people, his children will also receive God’s help and help from others. He constantly said he was practising the Bible, not merely preaching it.  It was a difficult philosophy, but he thrived on it. He thus sent many scholars to professional schools, contribute to the appointment of others as ministers, secretaries of state,  secretary generals, directors, etc.  He was a selfless politician. At a time when people were concerned to help only their sons and relatives, he constantly confessed he was a politician for everybody.  He was not egoistic. It is not the length of life lived, but what we achieve with our days, that matter.  He lived a fruitful life. He achieved double his years.

(Written with permission and on behalf of the Tamfu family).

Mr. Henry Mimba Yembe,
Former General Manager of Del Monte Plantation, Tiko, and

Dr. Wilson Tamfu, Senior Lecturer in Law,
University of Buea, Cameroon.
Mr. Mimba: (237) 77828880
Dr. Wilson: (237) 74626387/(237) 97572201

 

Sis Patience and the entire family, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Papa. This is a celebration of Papa's life for he did what God planned for him to do on this earth, and accomplished God's purpose for his life. Cherish the memories you shared with him for they will stay alive in your hearts. May God grant you all the strength you need at this time, and you will all be remembered in or prayers. May the soul of Papa rest in peace.

Sheila Ngayi-Melone and Family
Atlanta, GA

Dear Eddy and Petience

We regret the lost of our dear father and friend. May the Lord continue to protect and guide you within this sad period. He will give you all the energy you need for a good burial of Pa.
He has gone ahead marked with the sign of faith. May the good Lord forgive all his sins and take him to his bossom. We shall one day meet him when every tear will be wiped away.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Estella and Cajetan

Our hearts are saddened because our Baobab is no more.
We are all helpless because its irreversible
Life is short and death is sure ,
But its always painful when you loss a dear one like Papa.
He has left behind a legacy.
His story will be written and read by all.
His footprints are  clear for all to see on the sands of time.
He fought a great fight and finished the race at the appointed time set for him by his creator.
Go well Papa dear!
This is just a physical separation;
We will all meet one day to part no more  in eternity
You were a blessing to many of us.
We will miss you but will continue from where you made us reach.
To my Big sister Patience;
You did all you could but God had made it so.
He went smiling because he had a daughter like you.
Take heart my dear.
Pá´s death will be celebrated
because he was a Great Man of our Time.
May his soul find rest in God's Bossom
Adieu Pa Tamfu The Great!

Pa Tamfu, to many a Wimbum child, you were just that; Pa, uncle, grandpa. But you were also an institution; hard to imagine not to be here one day. However, we also knew that, that day will come, as it sure comes to us all. So we do not mourn but celebrate a richly lived and inpactful life. Go thee in peace Pa to meet your peers who went before you. To sister Patience, brother Edward and the rest of the immediate family, I join you to celebrate Pa's life and pray that you find confort in the fact that his legacy lives on. RIP Pa.