By Ephraim Njuh (UB Journalism Student on Internship)
Over 2000 people, most of them top government officials and members of the Cameroon Bar Association, Saturday, September 18, paid their last respects to Samuel Achu, eldest son of former PM, Simon Achidi Achu. The remains of Samuel Achu were buried in the family compound in Santa Subdivision.
Speaking at the funeral, Barrister Anthony Amazee, Northwest representative of the President of the Cameroon Bar Association, regretted the loss of a talented, humble and generous lawyer, who sometimes even borrowed money to assist friends in need.
Barrister Eta Besong Junior, Southwest representative of the Cameroon Bar Association, called upon the son of the deceased to receive his father’s legal wig. “I don’t know what you are reading in school, but this wig we are giving you today never dies, and whether by hook or by crook, we expect one of you - his children - to one day join us and continue your father’s good deeds,” Eta Besong said as he handed over the wig to the late lawyer’s son.
This act drew expressions of deep emotions from almost everyone present at the funeral. He said they were there to mourn Achu, their “beloved” colleague… but “we want to encourage you that all is not lost, for the Bar Association remains and what goes round, comes around,” he said.
Chief celebrant at the funeral, Pastor Gilbert Kimeng of the International Church of Christ, Cameroon, said death is the only way to seek the truth. He said: “The body, through death, is mortal, but becomes immortal at resurrection.”
Martin Tanyitiku, the Cameroon representative of the International Church of Christ, exhorted Achu as a true Christian in the church and an icon of worshipers. The congregation was called upon to pray to God to accept Achu’s soul.
The most touching in all the eulogies presented at the funeral, were those of Willy and Fanny; son and daughter of the deceased. They painted a picture of their father as loving, generous and caring.
They said it was unbelievable that he had gone to be seen no more. “I pray God to bestow upon me some of your qualities, even though I can’t be you,” Willy said.
Hon. Simon Achidi Achu said the massive turnout showed how his son was greatly loved, but God loved him more. Present at the funeral were the Minister of Scientific Research - Zacharie Perevet, Minister of Mines and Power - Henry Kibuh, the Secretary General at the Ministry of Territorial Administration - Mengue Meka, SDF Chairman - Ni John Fru Ndi, Ntumfor Nico Halle and a host of other personalities.
Samuel Achu, popularly known as Sammy Achu, was born in Santa, Mezam Division in 1963. He had his primary education in Yaounde before proceeding to CPC, Bali in 1986.
In 1993 he entered the University of Yaounde from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B). He did business for a while before going into private practice in 2001. In 2003 he became a member of the Cameroon Bar Associaation. Achu leaves behind his father, three children, several friends, relations and well wishers to mourn him.
What killed Sammy Achu?
Posted by: Es Mol | Thursday, 23 September 2004 at 08:09 AM