Yaounde—A Member of
Parliament with the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party,
Hon Wallang Richard Ebua has come under heavy criticisms from journalists in
the country for allegedly assaulting their colleague on duty.
According to Mua Patrick, Yaounde city
reporter of The Guardian Post daily
newspaper, the MP for Menchum South constituency in the Northwest region of the
country had accused him of writing critical articles that tarnish his image as
a lawmaker.
While the reporter was covering a meeting
organized by local officials of the ruling party in the constituency on Sunday
September 25, “the MP with the support of some of thugs attacked and brutalized
me at the Wum council hall,” Mua Patrick said.
“He (the MP) kicked me on my lower abdomen
before landing me three punches. I developed a swollen jaw and blood was oozing
out of my nostrils. Then the thugs he called lifted stones, threatening to
stone me and teach me a lesson,” the reporter explained saying he escaped and sought
medical attention in a private local clinic.
Not The First Time
Hon Wallang however argued that he did not
assault the reporter as he claims.
“It is just that it was out of temper, but I didn’t
touch him with my hand and those guys who came [the thugs] that they want to, I
mean that it will not end there, I warned them not to touch him. But he (Mua
Patrick) is going round amplifying the whole story,” the ruling party MP said
without disclosing what he did out of temper.
Hon Wallang says it was out of temper |
“I only told him that what he’s doing [writing
about the MP] is not good. And he replied to me that are you talking to a
child. Then I only asked him that Patrick, are you answering me like that. Then
I left,” Hon Wallang explained.
But Mua Patrick maintained it is not the
first time the lawmaker was ‘attacking’ him but has never brandished any of his
(Mua) articles that tarnished his image.
“He (the MP) once threatened my mother sometimes
in May that she should call me to order,” the journalist said adding that he’s
frustrated as he can’t take legal action against the lawmaker because of his
parliamentary immunity.
“Yes,
his mother is someone I respect, I told her to tell (warn) Patrick,” the MP
admitted.
Immediately Tender An Apology
The MP’s action has sparked outrage amongst
journalists in the country. MuaPatrick’s colleagues have relentlessly been
condemning the lawmaker’s action and demanding an apology from the latter.
“The act is not only barbaric and sickening
to the bones, but equally a display of insanity at its peak,” said Claudia
Nsono, journalist with HiTV in Buea who added that “such nasty unruly behavior
[of the MP] must be justified and in due time.”
Nfor Hanson Nchanji, a journalist with
Douala-based Equinoxe Television and advocate of press freedom described the act
as a ‘slap on the face of all journalists’ in the country.
“Having parliamentary immunity does not give
an MP the right to transform a journalist into a punching bag. I implore
journalism associations to take the matter personal,” he said.
Amindeh Blaise Atabong, journalist and
president of an advocacy group; Association of Combined Action to Protect and
Empower Journalists (ACAPEJ), also condemned the assault calling on the MP to
tender an apology.
“We call on Hon. Wallang Richard to
immediately tender an apology to the assaulted journalist as well as cover all
medical expenses and damages the journalist must have incurred from the MP’s
action. Authorities in Cameroon should also insure that the excesses of MPs who
have immunity should be checked,” Atabong said.
Mua Patrick’s employer, Mr Ngah Christian
Mbipgo, CEO of The Guardian Post
daily newspaper said he could not immediately comment for he is writing a
‘strongly worded letter’ to the Presidency, Prime Minister’s office and
Diplomatic Missions accredited to Cameroon.
Hon Wallang is serving his second five-year
mandate as Member of Parliament and may seek another term when legislative
elections are convened in 2018. The governing CPDM and the leading opposition
the SDF are the dominant political parties in the constituency.
By Ndi Eugene Ndi
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