Death of Journalist Wazizi:

Defense Lawyer Hails Biya’s Call for Deeper Inquiry 

Wazizi’s lawyer, Barrister Ewule Edward Lyonga

The President of the Republic, Paul Biya, has been urged to create an independent commission of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the death of detained journalist, Samuel Wazizi.

                Defense Counsel of the deceased, Barrister Ewule Edward Lyonga, made the appeal on Friday, shortly after the Head of State told the French Ambassador, Christophe Guilhou, that an investigation will be opened to ascertain the circumstances that led to the death.

                According to the lawyer, an independent investigation will give an opportunity for free minds to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of Wazizi.

                “A commission made up of journalists, Civil Society Actors, Religious leaders, and other free minded personalities, will uncover the circumstances that led to the death of Samuel Wazizi,” Ewule hopes.

                He intimated that there can be justice for Wazizi amidst the pressure mounted on government within and out of the country.

                “Yes! There can be justice for Wazizi because the pressure is coming from all angles of the world. When I started the legal proceedings, it seemed I was seen as a busy body who had no work to do. Time went on and many pressure groups joined in and the government succumbed by telling a half truth. More pressure will be mounted to the regime until justice is attained for Wazizi,” he affirmed.

                With regards to the claim of government that Wazizi suffered a severe sepsis that took away his life, the lawyer insist that an independent autopsy be carried out to ascertain the real cause of his death.

                The stance of the barrister has been corroborated by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and other prominent legal minds in the country.

                It should be recalled that President Paul Biya and French Ambassador, in an audience at the Unity Palace Friday 5 June 2020, spoke at length, on the Wazizi controversy.

                The President assured the French diplomat that a commission of inquiry will be set-up sooner than later.