Debates and counter arguments are yet to settle amongst members of the Cameroonian press corp and lovers of the media after more than 10 newspapers across the country published 2 stories with same caption on same day, Monday August 26th 2019.
Amongst these papers are renowned Leading Anglophone papers like The Guardian Post and The Median Newspaper. They had join other French Papers like Info Matin and L’Independence to question with same caption on their front pages Why Norway Should Harbour and Protect a murderous Terrorist, Ayaba Cho Lucas.
Meanwhile, more than five other French language papers amongst, Me Soir and Sans Detour, had published same story and another about another Pro Independence Activist of The Southern Cameroons, Mark Bareta, Based in Belgium, pitting him against Belgian Government for crimes in the Restive anglophone Cameroon.
These stories have rather been greeted with fear that the Cameroonian press is fast becoming a tool in the hands of the Cameroonian Government whose interest, the stories serve. The style of presentation betrays any iota of coincidence in both stories.
Though these 2 activists have been greatly involved in the calling for civil disobedience and acts of Terror in the Anglophone Cameroon, the timing, and focus these paper accorded the stories same day are considered by majority as unusual.
Some Newspaper Reporters have been quick to vindicate themselves, blaming their publishers and Editor-In- Chiefs for doing dirty deals to their detriments. They however have not been able to raise their voices for fear of losing their jobs. Some say the voice of the “Watchdogs” have been silenced by a huge influence of Government in Media Business.
Others have argued that it’s a norm and that Press men need to put food on that tables and so they have to use it for business. This accounts for why some Publishers have often boasted of having connections in Government and can deal with upright colleagues at will if they attempt putting them asunder with their “ungodly” financial sources for publications done.
The Cameroonian Press over the years has suffered censorship with some journalists incarcerated for speaking up. Others have simply gone on exile while some grow fat from publishing stories that take sides.
On World Press Freedom Days every May 3rd, these professionals have often cried foul and demanded redress of such issues. The major question remains, “Who is the problem of the ugly Press Practices in the Country. The Government or The Press Itself?”
After the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary The Press is considered FORTH ESTATE. It checks all the three above. Now many ask, “who will watch the watchdog?”
Mbaku Jude
Standard Mirror
STANDARD MIRROR 