Cameroon Post journalist interred

The Publisher and Editor-In -Chief of Cameroon Post International, Steve Lucey Sama, who passed on to glory last November 12, was buried Friday, November 21, in his native Balikumbat village in Ngoketunjia Division of the Northwest Region.

A nephew to the deceased, Bernard Sama, in his eulogy, said Sama’s life could be described as “Work, admission in hospital, discharge from hospital and work.” He narrated to mourners how the brave journalist began his downward journey to the world beyond in 2008.

“He was suffering from diabetes, hypertension and kidney dysfunction,” Bernard Sama revealed.

His health situation, his nephew said, worsened in 2009, when Sama was knocked down by an unidentified commercial bike rider, at City Chemist Roundabout. He sustained seven injuries on his legs. Due to kidney failure, he said, Sama started treatment at the Hemodialysis Centre at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, until last two weeks, when the kidney treatment machines failed, that his uncle died.

Senator Ignatius Dinga Bayen of Balikumbat lamented the great loss of a brave journalist like Sama and said the vacuum he has created will be difficult to fill.

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, on his part, said most often pretend a lot when somebody dies by “shedding crocodile tears.” Most often, such people cannot even offer a tablet of quinine or a plate of food.

“All of this is hypocrisy, help someone when he or she is still alive, not when he or she dies and you show-up with all types of food and drinks,” Ntumfor Halle.

Ntumfor described Sama as a fearless, courageous journalist, who contributed his own quota to nation building by publishing Cameroon Post International and prayed God to keep Sama in his bosom.

“After all, whether we run and hide, whatever we do and say, our own day is coming and I am very convinced Sama is comfortable with our Lord and Saviour,” Ntumfor averred.

Late Sama’s son, a Form 4 student, said, though his father was sick, he sent him to the most prestigious secondary school.

“You have always loved me and protected me even when you are sick. Your going has made me feel deserted, but I know God knows why. Daddy, I know you will always intercede for me and I will always pray for you. Rest in peace.”

The Publisher of Independence Observer Newspaper, Peterkins Manyong, who led a delegation of journalists to Balikumbat, said Sama’s death was like a bombshell. He said though Sama was sick, nobody ever thought he will depart so soon. He blamed Sama’s demise on the broken machines of the Bamenda Hemodialysis Unit.

Late Sama’s wife, Madam Anne, said death has come to shatter all plans they had: “You held my hands while dying and called me mother as you always do and tears ran down your cheeks, little did I know that was the end.”

In a terse, but soul-searching sermon, Rev. Divine John Vernyuy, told Christians to be ready at all times because death does not respect time and person.