30/12/2024
*Hon. Chief Justice Ayah Paul Abine: A Paradigm of Unparalleled Humility, Courage, and Justice*
With love and in tears... By Akoson A. Raymond
It is with profound grief and immense respect that I pen these words in homage to Hon. Chief Justice Ayah Paul Abine, a towering figure whose life epitomized integrity, service, courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice. His legacy is one of extraordinary moral clarity and intellectual rigor, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our shared history.
My initial encounter with the name Ayah Paul occurred in the mid-2000s during my tenure as a Business English teacher in China. Far from home, I avidly followed developments in La Republique du Cameroun—it was then that I came across articles detailing Ayah’s fearless opposition to autocracy. His resolute refusal to endorse the removal of presidential term limits in Cameroon’s constitution struck me as the act of a man governed by principle rather than expedience. His courage in the face of political malfeasance resonated profoundly, kindling a deep admiration that, unbeknownst to me at the time, would later transform into collaboration.
Upon my return to Cameroon to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, my admiration for Ayah Paul deepened into a sense of duty. Determined to enlist his leadership for the nation, I reached out to him, advocating for his candidacy for the presidency. My first conversation with him remains etched in my memory: he answered my call with the simple humility of a servant-leader, stating, "My name is Ayah Paul." Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say I heard humility on the other end of the phone. That moment encapsulated the essence of the man—unpretentious, grounded, and committed to service.
In 2010, Ayah, disillusioned by the absence of internal democracy within the ruling CPDM party, found himself without a platform, as Paul Biya cowardly obstructed the organization of primary elections for the CPDM's 2013 presidential race. Rising to this challenge, I spearheaded the creation of the National Strategic Team Ayah Paul for President. This grassroots initiative galvanized youthful enthusiasm across Ambazonia and Cameroon, culminating in Ayah’s 2011 presidential bid under the banner of the People’s Action Party (PAP). Against formidable odds, Ayah placed fifth among 23 contenders, an extraordinary achievement that underscored his appeal as a voice of integrity in a landscape of political stagnation.
During his tenure as PAP President, I steadily climbed the ranks of the party, starting as National Secretary for Organization and eventually serving as Secretary General. These roles allowed me to work closely with Ayah, gaining a profound appreciation for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to justice. Ayah had groomed me to succeed him as PAP President, but the turn of political events, namely the Ambazonian War that started in December 2016, frustrated the transition.
Our shared journey was not without tribulation. Back in 2013, Ayah and I were deprived of a rightful parliamentary victory in Manyu. Undeterred, Ayah returned to the judiciary, where his brilliance and fortitude shone as Deputy Attorney General of the Supreme Court. During this period, I had the privilege of serving as his Personal Assistant, a role that afforded me an intimate view of his commitment to the rule of law and his meticulous approach to justice. Yet his service extended beyond the courtroom. In 2015, we co-founded Justice4All, a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the vulnerable and dismantling structures of oppression.
Ayah’s intellectual prowess was matched only by his moral fortitude. A jurist of remarkable erudition, he wielded the law as an instrument of liberation rather than subjugation. His evenings were often devoted to educating us in what we affectionately termed the “University of Bakassi,” where he meticulously dissected the legal and historical bases for Ambazonia’s right to self-determination. These sessions were not mere academic exercises; they were the forging of a collective conscience committed to justice and sovereignty.
December 2016 marked a turning point as the Ambazonian War of Liberation erupted. Ayah and I, alongside other PAP officials, became vocal advocates for Ambazonia’s historical and legal rights. This principled stance drew the ire of the Biya regime. In January 2017, Ayah was abducted from his home, subjected to eight months of unlawful detention under appalling conditions. By divine providence, I narrowly evaded capture, fleeing into exile in Nigeria with my family. Despite these ordeals, Ayah remained unbroken, embodying resilience and moral clarity in the face of systemic cruelty.
Ayah’s humility was as profound as his intellect. He had a unique ability to bridge the gap between his towering status and the everyday lives of those around him. He often visited me at my home in Yaoundé, sharing moments of camaraderie that belied the gravity of his stature. When I married my wife in December 2013, Ayah’s humility and generosity shone through—he lent us his Ford car for our wedding, a gesture that turned a practical need into a profound act of kindness. His interactions were characterized by a rare combination of empathy and insight, leaving an indelible impression on all who crossed his path.
My final conversation with Ayah occurred on October 18, 2024. We discussed the prolonged absence of Paul Biya and its implications for Cameroon’s trajectory. Even then, his mind was as sharp as ever, his commitment to justice undiminished. On December 24, 2024, we lost not just a leader, but a moral compass—a man who exemplified the best of what humanity can aspire to be.
Ayah Paul’s legacy transcends the boundaries of time and geography. He was a scholar, a warrior for justice, and a beacon of hope. His life reminds us that even in the face of insurmountable odds, one individual’s courage and principles can illuminate the path for generations to follow.
Rest in power, Hon. Chief Justice Ayah Paul Abine. Your life’s work is a testament to the enduring power of truth and justice. We, who were privileged to be close to you, are committed to carrying forth the torch you so valiantly held aloft. The struggle continues, emboldened by your legacy.
With love and in tears…
Akoson A. Raymond
