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NEWS Dr. Tabe-Besong is Ngbe Sisuku. Besides the hometown throng, they also came from neighboring Ossing, Kembong, Ogomoko, Ewelle, Nchang, Eyanchang, Mamfe, and other environs to witness Dr. Tabe-Besong “sang Ngbe” (Ngbe processional ceremony with status staff of command) in the gaze of family members, special guests, (Sister Joan Essim and Dr. Dan Essim) well wishers, and the entire community. This was after he had completed the time honored rituals in “Etem Ngbe” (Ngbe secrete grove), and planted his own “Etae Ngbe” (Ngbe secret stone). It must be known that, long before Dr. Tabe-Besong could be allowed to come close to the munyiour, let alone touch it, Ngbe traditional rites, and libation ceremonies were performed to ascertain his eligibility and suitability. No sooner had these rites and rituals been deemed to be in perfect harmony with his ancestral linage, than Dr. Tabe-Besong was proclaimed “Asarika Yaninkot” or Sisuku – leader of Ngbe and bearer of status staff of command amidst a deafening roar, and exhalative salutation of “Sisuku Agwei! Sisuku Agwei!” from Ngbe and non-members alike. The ubiquitous, cultural vanguard and the universally acclaimed king of Manyu folklore, Bate Nico, was not to be out done. Flanked by his better half, Regina Nkongho and dancers, they held the entire throng captive with their traditional Manyu foot steps.
On the other hand, the afore-mentioned ceremony may soothe the shame of a notoriously bashful epoch in North America when it is sufficient for Ngbe charlatans to sojourn to Mamfe, and with no proper initiation, arrogate exorbitant Ngbe titles to themselves. Sisuku/Dr. Tabe-Besong’s initiation ceremony (video) is both a classic tutorial and narrative on the enthronement of an Ngbe Sisuku in Manyuland.
Nfor Atem F. Momanyi. For the Tabe-Besong Ngbe Lodge (Lodge # 13 in Nfuni). Ejagham Nation Showcase Manyu Culture In Metro D.C. By ManyuExpo.com Staff. Email: info@ManyuExpo.com Besides “celebrating Ejagham culture and heritage,” Ntuimfam Effim also asserts that, with a triple colonial/postcolonial heritage—German, British and French, the raison d’etre of this cultural fiesta is to offer visitors the experience of authentic Manyu culture without having to leave North America; to provide first timers with an enjoyable foray and introduction to some of the cultural cathedrals of Manyuland; build a cultural bridge that links third generation Manyulanders in North America to their ancestral roots; and to host a gathering for peoples of Ejagham descent now resident in North America to communion with their kinfolks. Besides metro D.C. (the genesis of Ejagham association in the USA), and now Atlanta, Georgia, one natural byproduct of this extravagant cultural outlay, it’s hoped, would be the formation of other satellite Ejagham associations through out the continent. More so, elaborate Ejagham cultural carnivals from Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, and a handful of other cities will all confluence in Silver Spring, MD, in the next several days to grace the occasion. Be that as it may, the Ejagham nation is fully aware of the fact that, (Besong F. A., 1990: Trading Activities in the Upper Cross River Basin), the homeland of Manyulanders is somewhere around the Upper Cross River Basin. In the Cross River Region in southeast Nigeria, and over into Cameroon, several ethnicities are found and among them the Ejagham. The oldest Cross River cultural icon may be the all-male Ngbe society of the Ejagham people. In Ejagham language Ngbe means “leopard.” Other indigenous historians also hold this view. For example, an Ejagham indigenous historian (Sandy Ojong Onor, 1994), from Nigeria holds the view that; the Cross River Region is homeland to the Ejagham Bantu groups.
From this point of origin, the people started migrating with time. Consequently, there is an abundance of both literature and early archeological evidence of the genesis of most of the cultural cathedrals of Manyuland traced their origin in and around the confluence of both the Manyu and Cross Rivers (Ejagham country). Masks and masquerades of secret societies appear in performances by accomplished dancers at funerals, initiations of new members, agricultural and other events. This cultural showcase will feature but not limited to the following performances: Ngbe, Angbu, Nkim, Ngunjoh, Obasinjom, Njom Ekpa, Manyu band dance,and Ndem. The Ejagham nation in the United States is in locked step with Margarett Mead who opined that; “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” ManyuExpo.com Rolls Out Red Carpet For Board Member. These not withstanding, she earned her stripes, implanted her paws, and donned her epaulet as she delved into the raw Manyu topography to make manifest the pristine treasures of Manyuland. She may as well be considered as the pre-eminent scholar and indigenous researcher in the untapped treasures of Manyu historiography. After taking more than a cursory glance at her handiwork and mile stone last week end, the Editorial Board of ManyuExpo.com morphed from what some cultural critics dubbed “an all boys club” by unanimously rolling out a welcome mat in honor of the versatile and ubiquitous Mrs. Ayukmbu nee Frida Agbor Besong. Nfor Atem F. Momanyi Nkanda Outdoors Ekandim Meg Takor Besong. It must be remembered that, if Ekandim Meg now rightfully sits on the evoh atuimfam/embo bafor (high status chair) donned in full Ngbe regalia, then it’s the case that, she did undergo the full gamut of initiation rituals last May and June in the western township of Besongabang, Manyu division. She also acquired membership into Nehwen – a fast growing esoteric society that adorned her the title of “Nfor Bahoreh.” On the other hand, many culturally challenged “connoisseurs” tend to confuse Manyangharoh (now defunct), a title once ascribed to honorary female Ngbe members in Banyang country with Ekandim Nkanda. The title of Manyangharoh like her male equivalence honorary Sessekou, was abolished by the Manyu All Ngbe Association in 1999. Ekandim Nkanda too sits, wines and dines with Ngbe Manyu elders, and is accorded all the rights and privileges of men of higher status-category. This august ceremony will also feature representatives from Ngbe Manyu from Cameroon. Furthermore, members of the Cross River Ekpe Society living in the USA through their leader, Etim Eyo, the Isung Nkanda of Anang Ekpe Lodge have indicated, via preliminary discussions with members of Ngbe Manyu North America Lodge to answer present too come Saturday, May 24, 2008. Their lofty goal is to bring both Ekpe/Ngbe society members together to rob minds, communion with one another, and also, work out modalities at organizing one mammoth Ekpe/Ngbe extravaganza sometime in the immediate future. The said plans are still in their infancy. More information on these and more will be yours periodically. Nfor Atem F. Momanyi. Rt. Justice Ekortarh Hans: A True Manyu Iroko Tree. By Nfor Atem F. Momanyi.
Rt. Justice Ekortarh Hans, a true Manyu patriot. The first Cameroonian to walk the legal corridor of Osajyfo/Dr. kwame Nkrumah's University of Ghana; the first Law School in Africa south of the Sahara. Like Chaucer's "Clarke of Oxenford," you stayed true to your professional and hypocritical oath; that of "Justice is blind." For more than one score and one decade on the bench, you rubbed shoulders with some smart mundane legal minds. You dialogued with former US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Just like Thurgood Marshall in the US, and as the guinea pig of Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence, you marshaled and synchronized the Anglo-Franco legal testament. To legal Anglophone scholars, you were our own Lawrence Tribe, the esteemed and internationally acclaimed Harvard University constitutional law professor. It's easy to wrap our hands around you not because of your personality, but what you stood for. Your avowed belief was that Manyu must speak with one voice for our dreams and aspirations to manifest. When the fire of destruction engulfed MECA Yaounde, as founding father, patron, consensus builder, and philanthropist, you quickly realized that, the only way to mitigate action, was to publicly repudiate Manyu dichotomy, and that, it was incumbent upon the silver heads to not only include, but, at least, listen to the views and concerns of all acrimonious parties. When some misinformed Manyu highly placed government apparatchiks, and whom hitherto, had not been Ngbe Manyu members, tried to gag our main cultural cathedral – Ngbe Manyu in the national capital, as the almanac and repository of Manyu culture, you treated this issue with third degree condensation, and spoke forcefully against this cultural embarrassment and blackmail. Instead of enjoying your golden years and retirement like many of your irk, your selflessness and love for Manyu held sway to occupying the MECA-USA high chair as resident representative in Cameroon. You were expendable – extended your time, resources and convenience toward the realization of the MPC in Mamfe – an endeavor you took personal even on your deathbed. For all its worth, instead of gratitude and appreciation from MECA-USA, we accused you of financial malfeasance. In typical fashion, you paid your way to the United States to clear your righteous name. When push came to shove, we hid our guilty faces under the table and also, failed to make it to the accusatory podium. No sooner had this shaming episode subsided, than we dragged your pious name into the red Manyu clay again. Just like before, rather than admit our improprieties and dishonesty; we woefully failed to say, "Etah! Sekaka Woh" (thank you) for a thankless job; rather than acknowledge your enduring sacrifice, we failed to exonerate your stainless name before your last breathe. In as much as you could not complete the ManyuExpo.com questionnaire we sent to you with regard to our history due to your attention to detail, and because the Almighty was knocking at your door, through anecdotic evidence, be rest assured that, for posterity, we will reconstruct your life story, and preach on the summit of Ndonti mountain. Manyu history is a vessel filled up in part in the faucets of your esteemed know-how. When the history ledger of Manyu is fully archived, your headstone will say: "Here lies a true Manyu patriot who spent his entire life fighting for all that is Manyu." As you communion with our departed forefathers, continue to keep an eagle eye on both Manyu and MECA-USA especially during these trying moments. Extend our profound gratitude to other Manyu luminaries and pantheons like Sampson Adewale George, Nfor Defang, P. I. Eno, Nfor Fongang "Eretemueh" Tayim, Nfor Takor Besong, Nfor Taberem, Ntuifah Tataw John Ayuk, Nfor Mbeng Besong, Ncha Simon Enow, Patrick Tataw Obenson, Nfor Adolph Defang Mengot, Nfor Arrey Solomon Ashu et al. We pray you persuade them to continue to keep an eagle eye on Manyu and MECA until the prevailing storm crests. Rt. Justice Ekortarh Hans, Manyu will forever be beholden to you. Adieus Pa Ekortarh! Goodbye mighty Manyu Iroko.
Obituary: Rtd Justice Ekortarh answers the final call
Pa Ekortarh distinguished himself as an advocate par excellence in his brilliant career on both sides of the bench. The late legal luminary bestrode Cameroon’s bi-jurial system like a Colossus and for over four decades contributed immeasurably to the development of Cameroon common law and jurisprudence. His illustrious career saw him through many high profile portfolios – Procureur Generale northwest province, Supreme Court Judge Yaoundé and private practice in Mamfe upon retirement from active public service. Private practice after public retirement was his way of giving back to his community. Pa Ekortarh’s profile even after his retirement continued to soar. He stood a firm fortress like the Rock of Gibraltar, never afraid to express his views on hot-button issues. Justice Ekortarh was a detribalized Cameroonian. He was never a King; he was a King-maker. He kept himself always in the background, mobilizing foot soldiers and warriors. He was the thinker; never a man for political activism, let alone a man for the political limelight. He sought no political office or favors for himself - never! His opinion commanded so much respect and he had an enchanting presence in whichever gathering you found him. You could not ignore or overlook him. The scion of Ejuingang was a man of tremendous community value and MECA-USA owes him a debt that even time will never be able to pay. Justice Ekortarh, as I knew him, was a very passionate and dogged man. He exuded immense energy and verve. He had an amiable and ebullient personage, he was full of life, and there were no dull moments with him. He gave his all to whatever cause he believed in. A perfectionist, he did not believe in half-measures. For him, there was nothing called impossible. He was tireless and irrepressible. As a practitioner of law, Justice Ekortarh was skilful and tenacious. I would describe him as a Wizard of Law and an Apostle of Justice. He walked majestically where angels feared to tread. Plans are underway to accord the late legal icon a befitting valedictory home-going.
We have started missing him and would continue to miss him. But we must be strong and courageous, and trust that the Lord would fill the vacuum that his death has created and that God would grant his soul eternal rest. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”{Proverbs 22:29.}Adieu, Justice!!! By Nfor Atem F. Momanyi.
The web addresses are: Political Observer and critic, Kima Tabong will catalogue the Kima Dynasty from the days of Count Puckler, the first German Civil Administrator of Ossidinge District (1901-1904) to Dr. Alfred Mansfeld (1904-1916); the British occupation viz a viz Manyu from 1916-1961; and keep an eye on such emblematic and iconic luminaries like Nfor Bekati, Nfor/Sessekou/Dr. Mengot Adolph Defang, Rtd. Justice Ekortarh Hans, Prof. Mbu-Agbor and many more. Ivy Leaguer, Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai will take the political pulse of Manyu from the days of Count Eugen von Zintgraff, the first recorded European to set foot on Manyuland in 1888 to the current millennium.
Meanwhile, our array of historians, archivists, commentators and writers are currently taking a panoramic view of the following reports:
Tabi Philip Drags MECA USA to Court. By Ebini Tambe 
According to the Writ Of Summons served on MECA –USA Council of Chiefs Coordinator, Chief Etta John of MECA Houston, current MECA-USA Chairman, Dr. Ako Peter of MECA-California, and witnessed by the Honorable Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Maryland, the afore-mentioned defendants are hereby summoned to file a written response by pleading or motion in the above court with 60 days after service of this summons upon them. Failure to respond within the time allowed may result in a default judgment or the granting of the relief sought against them.
Now comes the Plaintiff, Philip Tabi, by and through his counsel of record, Law Offices of Theodore Nkwenti, and for his Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive Relief and Declaratory Judgment, amongst other things states as follows:
i). Defendants Ako Peter and Etta John fraudulently allowed, facilitated and connived with several persons who by definition of the MECA-USA Constitution were not active members to participate in the electoral process in violation of the MECA – USA Constitution.
ii). That Defendants, Ako Peter and Etta John fraudulently allowed, facilitated and connived with several persons who were not active members to register on the floor of the convention and participate with a view to participate in the vote in violation of the MECA-USA Constitution.
iii). That the Defendants, Ako Peter and Etta John fraudulently allowed, facilitated and connived with several persons who had been suspended from other chapters and therefore did not meet the definition of a “member” pursuant to the MECA-USA Constitution.
iv). That despite Plaintiff’s complaints, the Council of Chiefs has set aside October 20, 2007 to inaugurate the newly elected members of the NEC, MECA-USA in violation of MECA-USA Constitution.
v). That MECA-USA is a 501(c) organization under IRS Code which benefits from the tax-exempt status of the US government and the state of Maryland.
vi). That the IRS mandates strict compliance with federal, state, local laws and the organization’ s own rules and regulations. That the IRS sanctions for violating the standard are severe, including the loss of tax-exempt status.
Mr. Egbe Solomon: A Hostile Witness. All MECA-USA observers fully well know that Philip Tabi’s inclusion of the out-gone Chairman of MECA-USA, Mr. Egbe Solomon, is a tactical ploy to veil the latter’s transparent role, and schemes in dragging MECA-USA to court, for but not limited to the following reasons:
a). Mr. Egbe Solomon’s checkered tenure as Chairman of MECA-USA ended on Saturday, July 07, 2007, Four Hours (4hrs) before the said MECA-USA Election, as such, he neither participated, nor openly had anything to do with the electoral process.
b). Mr. Egbe Solomon has refused to hand over to the current Ako Administration the association’s bank account records, official minutes, financial records (including MECA-USA credit card information) , all cultural artifacts like Angbu, Moninkim, Obasinjom, Emanyamkpe, and other articles he inherited from the Eyong Administration.
c). In Tabi Philip’s Writ Of Summons (Case No. 286747-V), no mention is made of any particular role Mr. Egbe Solomon played in Houston during the election.
d). In terms of Jurisdiction and Venue, Mr. Egbe Solomon’s Jurisdiction is also not mentioned.
e). If Mr. Egbe Solomon is a Defendant in Philip Tabi vs. MECA-USA Et Al, then why would he not filed the mandatory written response by pleading or motion as called for by the court in defense of MECA-USA?
d). If Mr. Egbe Solomon is not a hostile witness, then why does he continue to oppose the funding of the MECA-USA Legal Defense Fund?
e). The MECA-USA 501(c) document or status had expired in 2000. Mr. Egbe Solomon fraudulently revived the document on August 14, 2007 , more than one month after his mandate as Chairman had come to an end. Some of the questions that readily come to mind are: As Chairman from July 2003 to July 2007, why did he not revive the document if he cared so much about MECA-USA? With this in mind, is it fair to conclude that, as of Saturday, July 07, 2007 , MECA-USA was not a 501(c) organization? Is the law then retroactive?
The last time I checked, Philip Tabi should be the last person to talk about electoral fraud and connivance, because Chief/Major Agbor Fidelis of MECA-Georgia masterminded the greatest fraud ever in the history of MECA-USA. According to records in our keeping, and if need be will be used in court, the former MECA-Georgia Financial Secretary, Awu Dennis did e-mail his chapter’s comprehensive chapter list to Chief/Major Agbor who claimed at the time to be in Ohio, but for some unexplained reasons, he connived with Philip Tabi and appeared in Houston with a different list after adding non-existent members who also voted in Houston. Hence, Chief/Major Agbor has no standing when it comes to election irregularities and transparency.
Appeal to Chapters. It is for these reasons that I am appealing to all MECA-USA chapters to continue to contribute to the MECA-USA Legal Defense Fund. We will continue to defend the association, and if need be, MECA-USA too will hold all those found in violation of the statutes of the association, and those who cause an unnecessary burden to the letter of the law.
By Nfor Atem F. Momanyi. 
The President of Manyu All Ngbe Association, Sessekou Oben
Banabas Orock and his Secretary General, Sessekou Ebaiayuknso
Eyongashu were the Ngbe Manyu
ambassadors. Also present were the following
distinguished personalities: The
regent Chief of Okoyong, Nfor Emoh
Daniel, Sessekou Mbi Oben-Nchong and
Sessekou Taku Tanche Joseph.
Nkanda may be described as a linked
association, partly separate, partly dependent
upon Ngbe. In general form, it
would appear to be very similar to Ngbe,
but is of more recent introduction, is accredited
with considerable power, and
is said to require a great deal of money
to enter it. Banyang speak of Nkanda in
awed tones.
Nkanda also functions basically
as an esoteric club, a
highly elaborate one, but one
which caters primarily for
Ngbe Society, entertainment,
and common enjoyment of its
members. Unlike Ebongo that
represents the more pleasant
and publicly tolerant aspects
of Ngbe Society, Ehvaninkanda
(running Nkanda) is the
main Nkanda masquerade.
Nkanda, unlike Ngbe, is said to have some perculiar powers.
Unlike other masquerades, Ehvaninkanda demonstrates its
fi erceness, consequently, that of Ngbe too. It has the authority
and power to process from one end of the village/town to
the other with little or no regard for “quarter or jurisdictional
boundaries”. Its headhunter or pathfi nder through the use
of a circular leather restraint constantly restrains it. Should
Ehvaninkanda break out of its perpetual ring-like restraint,
it is believed mishap will befall non-Ngbe members.
CAMWREAD HONORS PATRICK TATAW OBENSON. By ManyuExpo staff writer.
In his book “Ako-Aya: Anthology” E. N. Ngwafor, Professor of Law and Head of Department of English Law, University of Yaounde, Cameroon describes Tataw Obenson as one who single-handedly successfully played the role of an opposition political party in a one party state.
In a chat with ManyuExpo, the President of CAMWREAD, Dr. Agbaw S. E., Professor of English and Director of Frederick Douglas Institute for Academic Excellence Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania, made it known that program highlights also included, panel sessions on Tataw Obenson, keynote presentation, exhibition of books, magazines, newspapers, skits, poetry readings, dramatic readings and cultural dances. More so, there was also be a banquet.
On the other hand, CAMWREAD is a non-profit, non-sectarian and non-political, literary and cultural organization designed to promote critical and cultural literacy among Cameroonians and other people of African descent in the United States and the Diaspora.
Still so, it’s often said that one must learn how to toot his/her horn because failure to do so, may result in the wrong notes being sounded by some one else. Never before has such a well-deserved tribute and honor been accorded to a colossal and monumental Manyu icon. This may be a harbinger of good things to come. Today it’s Tataw Obenson. Tomorrow it may be Sessekou/Chief/Dr. A. D. Mengot, and next tomorrow it may surely be my favorite politician, the shrewd S.A. George.
In as much as, we toot the horns of our iconic cathedrals, it must be remembered that, there is no known book written on any of them by one of us. We must learn to narrate our own history, if and only if, we want our story to be told on our own terms. Professor Ekema Agbaw must be thankfully thanked for this epic undertaking. It’s our hope and prayer that a well-deserved book on Tataw Obenson will be the natural out come of this symposium. As such, all sons, daughters and well-wishers of the land were encouraged to attend and patronize this unique occasion. ManyuExpo Editor-in-Chief, Nfor Atem F. Momanyi also presented an abstract on the life and contribution of Patrick Tataw Obenson to the Anglophone Cameroonian quest for cultural identity presently.
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This coincided with the enthronement of Dr. Tabe-Besong James of Dallas, Texas USA as the bona-fide Sisuku of the Ngbe lodge on Sunday, January 04, 2009 in the township of Nfuni, Manyu Division.
Also, Sam Moh Etok did his best to hold his own too. Njom Ekpa women from Nfuni, Glee club, Dynamic Sisters, Npok Ofu, and Simple Sisters all from the western city of Mamfe added spice, color, and a festive atmosphere to this august occasion. 
He opines that, the Ejagham originated from an ancient Ejagham kingdom and their ancient home being from the Upper Cross River Basin extending from the Ejagham salt mines of Cameroon to Calabar in the south eastern coast of Nigeria; and northwards to the Cross River area of the ancient Akwanshi monolith.
Were Manyuland’s extended metaphor and elaborated version of Wole Soyinka, our departed kinfolk Bate Besong to meander with us today, he would have unequivocally surmised that, her “repertory conveys a consistent message that harmony in thought and action is a sine qua non for progress and communality.” He would have equally opined that, her “pervasive sense” of the historical cathedrals of Manyuland is “a marked gradient in her” analysis on the linguistic evolution of Manyuland.
