Ndi Chia, Rachael Start Anew

By Ernest Sumelong

" Charlie must be joking. I am sure he is up to something new as usual. He cannot be serious," some middle- aged people discussed excitedly at a drinking joint in Buea.

The announcement that Charles Ndi Chia and Rachael Ntube were going to marry in church caused a sensation that spread like an "April's fool joke" in the newsroom. The office of The Post Newspaper, where Mr. Charles Ndi Chia is Editor-in Chief, received numerous phone calls. Those who called all had a similar question: "Is it true that Uncle Charlie is getting married in church?"

The declaration of the marriage of Charles and Rachael already made headline gossip in and around Buea. Meanwhile, a month prior to the announced marriage, Mr. Ndi Chia was in Israel brainstorming in an international workshop for journalist, and his prolonged absence left many skeptical about the truism of event.

On Saturday, July 7, one of Cameroon's most popular Anglophone journalists, Charles Ndi Chia, finally sealed his marriage with Rachael in the Christian fashion at the St. Luanga Catholic Church Molyko, Buea, in a special Blessing and Thanksgiving Mass.

Besides the wedding ceremony, the occasion was also to thank God for the miraculous healing of Rachael who had survived a heart operation in the United States America. Ndi Chia, being a devout Catholic Christian, though legally married, considered his union as illegal unless the church sealed it through "Holy Matrimony".

Leonard Bruce Behyia, Assistant Station Manager of FM 105, Douala was his best man, and was dressed to kill.One could hear the whispers of some people that were part of the multitude that crammed the Molyko Church. Some said, "Uncle Charlie looks younger than I really thought. He looks like a complete gentleman today". Others whispered, "She is very quiet and gentle, while he is hot- blooded and a celebrated rascal. Only God knows how He does his things".

And the choir would not have sung any better; they were at their best. A notoriously stubborn and wet July month suddenly became obedient and sunny all through Saturday.
One of the celebrants at the Mass, Reverend Father Andrew, in his charismatic preaching style, blamed Ndi Chia for being too popular.

In his words, Ndi Chia was paying for his popularity with the massive turn out, which made the wedding one of the most attended in the life of the church. Father Andrew Nkea, who joined Fathers Aloysius Nkain Boh and George Nkeze to officiate the blessing and thanksgiving Mass, said the couple had started a new, singular and prestigious life.

The prelate said the marriage was a step of faith and a choice of family values. Fr. Nkea said he was sure only death could separate the two since they had shown faithfulness to each other in all circumstances.

Fr. Nkea noted that the couple was celebrating marriage at a time when the institution of marriage is suffering from serious crisis, divorce and lack of seriousness. Violence and the absence of spirituality now characterize most marriages, according to Fr. Nkea.

An impossible crowd that traveled from everywhere jammed the Church to witness the occasion and give it their support. The crowd made the rather large Molyko Church seems small. Ndi Chia's plan to have a simple blessing and thanksgiving failed woefully because his popularity pulled everyone to the occasion. 

The benediction of the couple's union had been impatiently awaited, and most people, it seemed, could not wait to see Saturday come. Media men and women from all over the country were in Buea and practically hijacked the occasion. One would have succeeded to name just a few of them because they were many.

Thus, CRTV's Adamou Musa, Emmanuel Wongibe, Kevin Njomo, Robert Abunaw, Patience Esoka, BBC's Randy Joe Sa'ah, STV's Bernard Manyo and Edwin Eselem of Orange Cameroun among other media men. Engineers Arrey Manyi and Bara Lainso, Ndi Chia's best friends were also there to give the occasions pomp and pageantry.

Members of the Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, and the Cameroon Union of Journalists, UCJ, all claimed the occasion.The staff of The Post Newspaper was conspicuously outstanding and took every pride in the calibre of their Editor-in Chief who had honoured them. Considering that members of staff of The Post (mostly male were expensively dressed, they constituted an unofficial groomsmen.

The Reception



The Station Manager of FM Mount Cameroon and grape vine master, Kevin Njomo, alongside Walter Wilson Nana of The Post Newspaper emceed the memorable reception. In his entire journalism career, Kevin Njomo gave everyone the impression that he had reserved his best performance for that day.

He explored his vocal aptitude when he co-opted journalist turned singer, Patience Esoka, and Robert Abunaw to form a trio journalists' choir. They sang a special number, "Let it be", an infectious tune back in the years.

Meanwhile, the Regional Manager of Les Brasseries du Cameroun, Daniel Tchakounang, who chaired the occasion sprayed the couple with banknotes.

Ndi Chia's close pal, Emmanuel Wongibe described him as a rascalic angel. "Charlie knows what we have been through together, and it is hard to think he is doing this to me. Charlie is an angel, he is a very nice and generous person," Wongibe said. He wanted to say more but for the occasion.

His best man, Behyia, held everyone spellbound when he spoke. "Uncle Charlie, whom I call my father is an example of senior brother in every aspect…He is an example, he is a role model. His wife is gentle, pretty and also kind. They are a gift to mankind.It just seemed everyone had something to say about the couple.

A woman who stood on the line with her gift for presentation fought back tears of joy. "He is just so kind and generous, he has a very large heart. I just came to thank him". The comments flowed freely from everyone. "Who ever thought Charlie of all would settle down?

Everything was so plenty, the people, the food, the beer and the gossips.

Comments

[vito]

'Let it be' indeed!Congratulations and God's richest blessings to you.Cheers.

[Aldrin]

Hello Uncle Charlie,

Congratulations for a JOB well done. I am very much inspired by your actions. I have been so moved by the church wedding that I feel like getting married. Again, best wishes and may the Lord grant you peace, love and happiness as you renew your marrriage vow.

Aldrin Forbeteh Ngwa
Washington, DC

[JudeAbain]

Congratulations uncle Charlie,infact marriage is the oldest institution instituted by God and leads to the common law defination of marriage by Lord Penzance as "the union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others" and monogamy in a canonical perception knows no irretrievable break down.It is till death do us part.Just keep on Praying and strive to do God's will.
JUDE NDIFON
Antwerpen

[Nsaikila Melaine]

Irrespective of a man's achievements, the respect he gets is very minimal if he is still unmarried. You have taken a great step in the right direction dear brother, Be faithful to your wife and raise a happy family.
Melaine Nsaikila

[Nono]

Uncle Charly am a fan and you are simply a superman. Keep it up.

Divine Nana.