October 12 poll: What politicians should learn from Ntumfor Nico Halle.

They have ignored even to diagnose the pathologies of the insecurity that has been slowly but steadily ravaging peace in the country.

As Paul Cappell writes in his book, The Art of Waging Peace, to replace the paradigm of insecurity: "We must be people who can push the boundaries of human understanding. We must be doctors who can cure the virus of violence. We must be soldiers of peace who can do more than preach to the choir. And we must be artists who will make a masterpiece of peace".

Sir Ntumfor Dr Nico Halle is a Douala-based international legal luminary. But that's not only what he is known and recognised for. He has been recognised in 202 instances at home and abroad as peace crusader and honoured with titles of Sir, Ntumfor and Dr.

Such prestigious distinctions, like when in 1927 Time Magazine started its Man of the Year awards, are meant to recognise individuals for outstanding community service, philanthropy and leadership beyond their professional achievements, and dedication to ameliorating the lives of others through peace. 

Sir Ntumfor Dr Nico Halle's meritorious distinctions go beyond that of The Man of The Year, setting a global record of 202 for a civil society personality.

He made it a lasting legacy when last week, he opened an Award Gallery at his imposing Shalom House at Ancienne Route Bonassama, Bonaberi in Douala.

The unprecedented gallery is a staggering collection of 202 national and international awards, certificates, distinctions, and medals that stand as a curated testament to a life of service for peace.

Prof Paul Mbangwana, who chaired the opening ceremony, described Sir Ntumfor Dr Nico Halle as someone appointed and anointed by God to impact individuals, groups, Cameroon and the world at large.

Bishop Dr Pius Inobuh Bah of Revive Christian Church International, who presided at the opening ceremony, added that Ntumfor Nico Halle is “a compendium of unending impacts...a walking library,” and “a living legend”.

“His influence extends far beyond national borders as an international legal consultant; his expertise was instrumental in shaping foundational documents such as the Constitution of the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi,” Bah recalled.

As this daily reported yesterday, citing Bishop Bah, within Cameroon, Ntumfor Nico Halle has been a pivotal figure in advocating transparency and good governance.

It was called to mind that he served as a member of the National Elections Observatory, NEO, where he worked to ensure the electoral process was managed by individuals of unquestionable character.

He is also a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, where, like in other positions he held, he consistently advocated financial accountability and justice.     

Bishop Bah said Nico Halle’s exemplary service has been recognised with the highest honours, including two Doctorate Honoris Causa degrees, as well a Knighthood conferring the title of Sir.

Yet, amidst the glittering array of titles, when asked which accolade meant the most, Barrister Nico Halle’s response was, “My greatest title is Christian”.

“You cannot be blessed by people all over the world and take that for granted… How can small Nico Halle mobilise…to have that number of awards? It can only be God’s doing,” he answered his own question.

He dedicated the gallery first to God Almighty, then to his wife. 

“Without a wife like her, you cannot succeed,” he stated.

The dedication extended to his children, siblings, and the press, which he hailed as an essential pillar of society without which “the society will collapse.”

The opening of a sanctuary of legacy, research, learning and inspiration is, however, not a retirement party but a recommitment. As he said, the gallery "... should make me more determined to continue to crusade the peace that I have been crusading for over the years”. 

Those years were characterised by his “aggressive fight against corruption, graft, misappropriation, and embezzlement in all its forms” and will continue for as long as he breathes.

He concluded with a poignant reflection on Africa’s paradox, lamenting that a continent “so blessed with resources” still “goes around cap in hand, begging,” a stark reality his life’s work continues to challenge.

The Sir Dr. Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle Award Gallery is now open to the public, serving as a permanent sanctuary of inspiration- a mirror reflecting not just one man’s achievements, but the power of a life dedicated to faith, service, and the relentless pursuit of justice, which is the foundation of peace.

The gallery will more importantly be the centre for research, a legacy which should be emulated by Cameroonians, especially the politicians, some of who, in the words of President Biya, "are beggars of peace," others wagers of wars in which the youth kill themselves while they benefit from spilled blood.

The Guardian Post is not just giving encomiums where they are due, but using Sir Dr Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle as an illuminating example to inspire other Cameroonians, especially politicians, who should be soldiers of peace and not to use repression, violence and egoistic considerations to "steal" electoral victory and trigger mayhem. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3561 of Thursday September 11, 2025