By Ngembeni Wa Namaso
To the captors of DO Ewane,
A descendant of Chief RN Charley of Bakossi,
History binds us, as African peoples, in ways that transcend borders and time.
From the days of our forebears, who crisscrossed these lands of Cameroon and Nigeria to serve the common good, we have shared more than geography—we have shared blood, culture, and a deep brotherly love.
Today, that sacred bond is being tested in the most heart-wrenching manner.
DO Ewane of Idabato, a son of this cherished legacy, now languishes under captivity and torture in Nigeria.
This tragedy strikes at the very heart of the Pan-African ideals championed by men like Chief RN Charley, Honorable NN Mbile, EML Endeley, and JK Dibongue.
These leaders, who dedicated their lives to uniting and uplifting their people, would weep to see one of their own subjected to such indignity.
Please, Consider this history:
In 1948, Chief RN Charley, a revered ancestor of DO Ewane, faced British colonial oppression under DO Newington for simply refusing to attend a meeting in Nyassoso.
The Bakossi people's unity, supported by a network of African leaders and institutions—including the West African Pilot newspaper under Nnamdi Azikiwe and influential figures from Lagos, Enugu, and Calabar—ensured his release.
The Chief Secretary in Lagos, the Lieutenant Governor in Enugu, and even the Resident in Buea stood as reminders that injustice against one African was injustice against all Africans.
These efforts culminated in the High Court of Calabar ordering Chief RN Charley's freedom.
This is our shared history.
This is our shared pride. And this is the legacy that calls us now to act.
To those holding DO Ewane, we appeal to your conscience, your sense of African brotherhood, and your humanity.
This is not just a man you hold—it is the spirit of Pan-Africanism, the very essence of what binds us together as one people.
DO Ewane is not a commodity to be traded, nor a pawn in any political game.
He is a brother, a son of this soil, and a living embodiment of our shared heritage.
His suffering dishonors not only his family but also the noble memories of the leaders who fought for our collective dignity.
Let us remember the words of the Great Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose West African Pilot Newspaper once championed the release of Chief RN Charley:
"The redemption of Africa depends upon the actions of Africans."
Today, redemption lies in the simple act of releasing DO Ewane. It lies in proving that the Pan-African spirit—though battered—is not broken.
We urge you to release him immediately, unharmed, and to honor the memory of Chief RN Charley, who stood for justice and unity.
By doing so, you will not only right this wrong but also rekindle the flame of brotherhood that our ancestors fought so hard to nurture.
May this plea reach your hearts as the winds of history remind us of who we are and who we must strive to remain:
"one people united by love, respect, and a shared destiny".
Sincerely,
The Voice of Pan-African Unity
Ngembeni Wa Namaso is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He holds a PhD in Forest Policy and Economics He is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Comments