By Pegue Manga
A 
worker at the Buea Post Office, Delphine Talla, and her husband, Mr. Talla, Thursday, April 14, attacked The Post’s Buea City Reporter, Effa Tambenkongho, in her UB Street residence in Buea. The two were incensed by a report Effa had done on the Buea Post Office racket.
In the report titled “Post Office Scam Suspects Arrested,” (The Post newspaper issue No. 0658, of Friday, April 15, 2005), Effa reported that Mrs. Delphine Talla was detained in connection with the racket.
She also quoted her husband, Mr. Talla, as saying that the Post Office scam is nationwide and that his wife was innocent.This did not go down well with the couple who braved a blackout and heavy downpour that Thursday evening in search of Effa.
Their first stop was The Post editorial office at the Sandpit Junction. After failing to get Effa's telephone number, they retreated to a nearby newspaper stand where they bought a copy of the newspaper and read with the help of torchlight.
As they read the story, Talla agonised: "I did not say this. This was not supposed to be quoted," he fumed. Apparently unable to fathom the veracity of the report, the couple boarded a taxicab for Effa's residence in Molyko. It was about 10:00 pm.
There, they met the rather diminutive and benign reporter: "What did you write in this paper? What did you write?" Mr. Talla charged, brandishing a copy of The Post newspaper.
Delphine Talla cut in, screaming, "I have exposed them to the public. She threatened that the matter will not end there and promised to take it to the highest level," Effa told The Post.
Mr. Talla accused Effa of putting him in trouble and said she (Effa) would be called up to answer questions.After banging the top of a table, Mrs. Talla said the gendarmes are still investigating the matter and it was improper for Effa to have exposed it.
"This is just the beginning. It is just a warning and you should be ready to face the worst," she thundered.Throughout their ranting, Effa said she maintained her equanimity. Then the couple left, promising hell.
Effa told this reporter that she was surprised at the reaction of the Tallas."I did a thorough investigation. I attempted to talk to all those who were suspected of being involved in the scam," she explained.
"It is regrettable that Mrs. Talla, who probably has no knowledge of what journalism is all about, should be lecturing me on news reporting."
Asked if she was deterred by their reaction, Effa replied: "Far from that; this serves as a fortification. I remain unflinching and will pursue and publish my investigations, irrespective of whose ox is gored."
To her, the Tallas might have reacted in spontaneity, but they inadvertently committed what might turn out to be a big gaff.
The reporter intends to lodge the matter with the appropriate legal authorities.
hi young girl,
that is part of the professional life.do not bother about some of these folks who think that they can offer you a solid lecture in investgative journalism.
the problem in Cameroon is that everybody thinks they can do what you are doing.that is part of the Cameroonian illiteracy!some of these episodes make you to become a better reporter in the days ahead.continue to be what you have been taught by enow,george and co.remember that he who knows and knows not that he knows,is asleep.w got to wake him.on the other hand,he who knows and knows that he knows,stay awake and be a real man.
benjamin ayuk,
Alabama,USA.
Posted by: benjamin ayuk | Tuesday, 19 April 2005 at 10:02 PM
Hey, Effa!
I appreciate your courage and maturity in handling burning issues like the Buea Post Office crisis. You have done exactly what's expected of you as a journalist. I'm particular enchanted you stood grounds and promised to uncover some of the dirty businesses taking place in the Cameroonian Postal and savings arena.
I admire your braveness and determination. The Tallas have failed to accept the fact that you're a seasoned journalist and that the report you gave was a true situation of what is going on. Before God and man you have done a great job and would do more in due course. You deserve a special pat on the back.
Good to hear you'd take the matter of unlawful attack on your person to the court. Talking as a legal mind, it's unlawful and illegal to threaten somebody with words that are voilent and insultive. A claim of damages for trespass to the person and threat of life would definitely succeed against the Tallas. This will serve them right!
Thanks for making us overhere...far away from home still have the latest news about what's going on in our fatherland. I believe if things go well in future and Cameroon becomes a better place to live, free from corruption, blackmails, cover-ups, injustice, human right abuses and so forth, you and other colleagues of the Post will be honoured in a special way for exhuming all the malpractices committed by the bigwigs who think they are untouchable.
I'll be looking forward to your next edition. Courage...courage...don't relent your effort...you won't stumble!!! Good luck and best Wishes!!!
Accept my Best Regards and high esteem!
Colinza Coolman
Teipei, Taiwan.
Asia
Posted by: Colinza Coolman | Wednesday, 20 April 2005 at 07:16 AM