To effectively combat corruption: Ntumfor Nico Halle calls for empowerment of CONAC, collective efforts.

The multiple award winner and foremost rights lawyer, stated this in an interview granted the State broadcaster, CRTV.

In the interview aired Thursday morning, Ntumfor Nico Halle was categorical that Cameroon still has a long way to go in its anti-corrupt fight.

Commenting on CONAC’s disclosure that the institution received over 8,000 denunciation cases of corruption in 2024, Ntumfor Nico Halle, said the figure wasn’t representative of the state of corruption in Cameroon.

He however praised CONAC President, Rev Dr Dieudonne Massi Gams, noting that their paths crossed several years ago. 

The Douala-based legal luminary recalled that he “worked with Rev Massi Gams in ONEL [National Elections Observatory]”.

Ntumfor described the CONAC boss as a man of integrity and a genuine intellectual. 

He continued that “…I very much appreciated his performance in ONEL because while I was relocating polling stations in the North West Regions, from obscure areas and palaces, he was doing same in the East Region…”

Turning to the CONAC 2024 report, Ntumfor Nico Halle regretted that the document pains a very bleak future of the country.

He noted that “as a matter of fact, if we are saying that CONAC identified 8,000 cases of corruption, then this is serious and you must understand that when you hear 8,000, multiply that by four and when you do that, we are talking about 32,000 identified cases…I think that the report isn’t presenting a good image for our nation”.

Quizzed on what could be the stumbling blocks in the fight against corruption in Cameroon, Ntumfor was categorical: “You know so well that corruption is widespread and very deep rooted. So, the fight against corruption should be an assignment for all Cameroonians at all levels, vertically and horizontally. 

He continued: “You will agree with me that CONAC isn’t empowered, it is just consultative…some people call the body a toothless bulldog but I think that they are making an effort but they should be empowered to go to the field, identify and collect the money stolen and bring the people to book. You will agree with me that this fight has been selective…let us be honest to admit that”.

Ntumfor said corruption is in so many forms including mental, spiritual, physical, material, financial and otherwise. 

“People think of corruption only in terms of stealing State money…we need political will in order to fight this cankerworm. Get the right people. If we can also reduce poverty and unemployment, it will help…,” he explained.

Ntumfor then questioned: “How can we develop a nation without the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom…moralisation should be introduced at all levels because academia alone will not develop the people”.

He said bilingualism without morality only produces clever devils. 

“I am also recommending that we go in for what we call spiritual rearmament…praying for Divine intervention,” he added.

Asked if the global churches had failed in their mission, Ntumfor was of the affirmative.

“The prophetic mission has missed its track for the most part. Most of the clergy and laity who are supposed to be leading the people to salvation have been derailed by materialism and unbridled quest for power and authority…otherwise, how can one explain the level of graft, embezzlement, bribery and electoral malpractices in the churches?”, he questioned rhetorically.

On the role of youth in the fight against corruption, Ntumfor maintained that they must first be moulded spiritually. 

“For the youth to be able to contribute to the fight against corruption, they must first be morally and spiritually upright. Do you know how many of them are into corruption? Into cybercrime? Homosexuality? Promiscuity? Gambling? Hate speech? Xenophobia? Tribalism? And all deviant behaviours? So, for them to be part of the fight against corruption, they must be moulded spiritually and morally,” he concluded.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3702 of Friday February 13, 2026