Reactions in Yaounde following the nomination of the Bishop of Kumbo

Canvassed by Irenaeus Chia Chongwain

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has named a New Bishop for Kumbo Diocese. He is Mgr. George Nkuo, who has replaced Bishop Cornelius Fontem Esua, now Archbishop of Bamenda. Shortly after making public the nomination, the Archbishop of Yaounde, Mgr Victor Tonye Bakot, said he was full of joy, especially as the people of Kumbo did not have to wait too long before having a new Bishop. L’Effort camerounais also talked to Nso and Kom indigenes in Yaounde, since the new Bishop now belongs to the Diocese of Lumbo and is a native of Kom, respectively. Here is what some of them had to say:

Douglas A. Achingale ? Social Worker/ Journalist
The appointment of Mgr George Nkuo comes as a welcome relief especially for Christians who known him. He had long distinguished himself as a true man of God. His appointment as Education Secretary for Buea Diocese was sufficient proof. He is also a prolific writer and against this backdrop, the Pope?s decision is not surprising.
By expressing his view in writing, he elevated himself and stood out from the others. He is a square peg in a square hole. I am very delighted and I am looking forward to meeting him personally. I hope he completes the unfinished works of Archbishop Esua.

Njodzela Walter Yuver – Student, Yaounde University
I am very happy because Kumbo had gone for a long time without a Bishop. Mgr George Nkuo was not chosen randomly. He was appointed from Rome. He is an old man in his faith, given his years, his duration as a priest, and the portfolios he has held in the Church. I feel like going back to Kumbo as I can imagine the festive mood there.
I expect him to continue with the spirit left behind by Bishop Cornelius Esua. I expect him to equally carry on with the project Bishop Esua started, like creating more parishes, and opening more schools.

Godlove Versife Gham – Student
The news came as a surprise because many people had other priests in mind. Little did we know the Holy Father could go looking right in Njinikom. Kumbo was already like children without a father and we are now happy. We thank God for the decision. I hope he continues with the great work started by Bishop Esua. We expect him to build and create more vocations for Kumbo, unite our priests and the Nso tribe under the umbrella of the Catholic Church in Kumbo.

Njingu Mary ? Mangdalene Ndatchi – Teacher
I am overwhelmed because Mgr George Nkuo is somebody who is so hardworking and God-fearing. He is an exemplary figure. I expect him to tackle the problem of the ordinations of priests. There is a grudge now that children from Nso are favoured when it comes to the ordination of priests. I want him as somebody with a liberal mind to look into this allegation. If somebody has a vocation, nothing should impede his ordination.