Any use of the multi-media with the aim of provoking a positive response demands the truth and objectivity in the gathering and processing of material for dissemination. Without this, the main objectives of what is circulated to inform and sensitize for positive action shall have been relegated to manipulative acts of destruction.

Despite this principle of responsible communication for development especially at a time when there is so much talk about globalisation and new millennium developmental goals, our common future is occasionally threatened by controversial declarations purported to protect the poor and underdeveloped.

If the common cause for concern by developed nations and unpleasant surprises to nations of Africa stemmed from controversial action aimed at averting contemporary threats to our environment, and security, there would be little to worry about. But, on the contrary, while African nations having reinstated multi-party politics now face the challenges of good governance, not all developed nations seem to be sincere in their efforts to cooperate effectively so as to avert the worst that can happen to these nations.

Yet, these stations which in fact, are colonial creations need the kind of concern that challenges religious bodies, governments, and non-governmental organisations, to demonstrate fraternal and fruitful support to the disadvantaged or underdeveloped. This demands sincere counsel and constructive strategies which ensure stability and progress instead of focus on socio-economic sins which would not have been committed if cooperation partners were sympathetic and truly fraternal, in their relations.

The release of provocative texts on President Biya's ill-gotten wealth and huge investment abroad at a time when in pursuit of his policy of rigour and moralization, the president has launched a crusade against embezzlers of public funds, raises a number of unanswered questions. For one thing, observers do not understand why the "Comite Catholique Contre la faim et pour le Développement (CCFD), a non - governmental organisation for development should come out with such revelations without replete proof of its declarations.

Furthermore, why does it dish out such a release just after a French citizen has published a book, the 'Biya Code' appreciating the rare qualities of the Cameroonian leader? Is it not in fact, disappointing that at this time when peace-loving nations appreciate the efforts African leaders, have made to ensure a peaceful transition from the single party system to the multi-party type, and are facing the ongoing global economic crisis, the so-called friends in need, should fan the flames of distabilisation instead of prudent support? Why do those who decry Africa's sins of commission and omission, abate, remain silent and only speak out after the 'so-called socio-economic' sins have been committed?

With the scandals and resignations that in recent times have hit some well-known western powers, who today doubts the vulnerability of all human beings to contemporary tests of life? But to claim without proof that all leaders, especially those of Africa are 'sinners in angels' robes, would be disregarding the principle of 'live and let live', 'build and let build'.

In actual fact, African nations after having suffered, and succumbed to the pangs of the slave trade, colonisation, neocolonisation, economic crises, and turbulent democratisation processes, believe in patriotic tolerance, constructive criticism and diplomatic strategies aimed at averting the worst, instead of focus on what provokes negative results.

Such a stand by Cameroonians and their leader is the secret behind the peaceful end to the Bakassi border dispute, unity despite diversities, peaceful transition from the federal system of governance to the unitary type, and patriotic acceptance of drastic salary reductions, in response to economic crisis of the 1980s.

Cameroonians' patriotism, peace-loving endowment, tolerance, and intellectual prowess prove their belief that it pays to be self-reliant in the efforts for nation- building through commitment to national objectives.

Let those who truly love this country continue to prove, their desire for its stability, and development through action that motivates construction not dissatisfaction and destruction.