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Funeral Oration for Jacques “Nkrumah” Tiwa By the former "Parlementarians"
Funeral_Oration_for_Jacques_Tiwa
Funeral Oration for
Jacques “Nkrumah” Tiwa
Freedom fighter, Cameroonian
patriot and Panafricanist
Comrade Tiwa!
As
you lie motionless in this coffin today, no words may fittingly convey the immense
grief and sorrow that fill the hearts of your loved ones gathered here to celebrate
your life, and mourn your tragic and untimely demise. We saw you rising,
sailing through life, tirelessly and selfishly pursuing justice, determined not
to compromise the strong ideals of freedom that set you in motion, ever since
you were a blissful little boy roaming the alleys of this land of ours. Along
the way, you formed strong convictions and you embraced the fight for democracy
and justice that endeared you to all those who were lucky to know you, and
travel with you on the rugged yet inspirational road to freedom. Your many
commitments as a freedom fighter include a fierce militancy as a determined
member of the students’ parliament at the University of Yaoundé
Our hearts bleed as we prepare for a final
embrace before you depart for more forgiving pastures. We are left wondering
why so often, in the tormented history of our beloved country, so many committed
patriots and freedom fighters, anonymous or famous, children and adults
altogether, have had to pay the ultimate price in their tireless quest for
justice, in a land beset by the brutishness and criminal proclivities of a
predatory government determined to inflict pain and misery upon defenseless
citizens.
The
streets of Bamenda, Buea, Douala Cameroon
We
sometimes hear the stories of martyrdom and the stimulating tales about the
indomitable and gracious commitment of those who like Ruben Um Nyobe, Eric Taku,
Ernest Ouandié, Albert Mukong, Ossendé Afana, and their countless brethren who sacrificed
so much for us, as they fought the good fight. Yet even as we so often
reminisced together about the inspiring lives of these fallen heroes, it never
crossed our minds that we were blessed to share the life of fierce patriot made
of the very flesh and blood that mold legendary lives.
Your
intrepid live is a testimony to the uncompromising values you strived to
instill in us, your fellow travelers, who now bow in humility to salute you and
take the baton, ready to continue the fight. Some people might wonder why such a
strong young man with a promising future could possibly jeopardize a
comfortable life in pursuit of what cowards and cynics belittle as a futile
quest for illusory ideals. They might say that you were simply an unrealistic
dupe naively trying to catch the wind, or perhaps, one of those daredevils
foolishingly seeking glory just to have something to brag about. Those who
might be tempted to remember you so unfittingly would fail to come terms with
the gift your sacrifice bestows upon your country and your loved ones. They
would fail to take notice that a flying star graced our sky for 36 short yet
fulfilling years.
Some
people live very long lives; they grow old enough to see their offspring
blossoming before their eyes. You will not have that gratifying chance; and
that alone is justifiable cause for lamentation, especially since you will be
sorely missed by your children and your beloved wife who will walk through life
without the tenderness and the protective embrace of your strong arms. Be
assured that we will leave no stone unturned to provide them with the
necessities required for the dignified life you so earnestly sought for them.
Comrade
Tiwa! Even as the time for the final accolade draws closer, we can still
feel the powerful and undeniably strong drive that guided you through a life
dedicated to just causes and meaningful purpose. You returned from a painful exile
in Burkina Faso Mali Senegal
When
the sun sets today off the quiet highlands of Bamougong, and when all
those who gathered around you for a day a celebratory remembrance part ways,
the curtain will come down on a great Cameroonian story, the story of a great “parlementaire”,
a massive monument whose unshakable commitment to justice will be remembered and
fittingly honored forever! Comrade Tiwa!
Today, we simply lay you to rest for we know, for sure, that you will live
eternally in the pantheon of freedom! Have a restful sojourn in the company of
the glorious martyrs you are now set to meet as the folks left behind look to
that fine day when they shall finally harvest the mature crops of freedom you have
so graciously sewn in your lifetime.
Tiwa is not dead! Long Live Tiwa! He will never die!
Bamouguong, March 8, 2008
From your friends, brothers-in-commitments,
and fellow travelers
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