The most performant former Christian Men Fellow, (CMF) National President, Sir Dr. Barrister Nico Halle, has paid tribute to the late former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), the Very Rev. Dr. Festus Ambe Asana. He described him as a humble, transparent, and principled church leader whose legacy should inspire Christians.
In an interview with The Advocate, the highly celebrated anti-hate-speech advocate reflected on his longstanding relationship with Dr. Asana, shared memories of his leadership, and commented on recent developments within the PCC following the church's transition in leadership.
Sir Dr. Barrister Nico Halle said he received news of Dr. Asana's death with "devastation," recalling that they had recently celebrated the former Moderator's 80th birthday. "I was numbed and shattered," he said, adding that although Dr. Asana had experienced health challenges in recent months, his passing remained a painful loss.
A Long Association with the PCC
Sir. Dr. Barrister Nico Halle said his relationship with the PCC spans several decades. According to him, he has served as legal counsel to the church under multiple Moderators, including Rev. Awasum, Rev. Nku, Dr. Asana, Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, and the current Moderator, Rev. Miki Hans Abia. He said his legal services to the church were provided on a pro bono (without pay) basis as an expression of gratitude for what he described as God's blessings in his life.
He also recounted serving on various church boards and said he developed a close working relationship with Dr. Asana before the latter became Moderator.
Sir Dr. Barrister Nico Halle recalled chairing Dr. Asana's 40th wedding anniversary celebration, describing it as one of several occasions that reflected their friendship and mutual respect.
PCC Announcement Praise for Asana's Leadership
Reflecting on Dr. Asana's tenure as Moderator, the veteran and refined legal guru praised what he described as the former church leader's commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
He said Dr. Asana began his leadership by promising change and, in his view, fulfilled that commitment throughout his five-year mandate. He also noted that he served as a member of the PCC Board of Trustees during much of Dr. Asana's administration.
Reflections on Church Governance
During the interview, the staunch PCC Christian expressed concerns about governance within the PCC in recent years. The former church leader said disagreements emerged during the church's most recent Moderator election, alleging that constitutional procedures were not fully respected. Those views reflect Halle's personal assessment of the events.
He also referred to his resignation from the PCC Board of Trustees alongside other members after disagreements over constitutional matters. Nico Halle said he believes the church should continue promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to its constitution.
Support for Truth House Initiative
The international election expert with 210 awards, ahead of late Michael Jackson and Nelson Mandela 133 and 127 awards respectively also spoke about Truth House, describing it as a spiritual movement aimed at encouraging integrity, accountability, and renewed spirituality within the church.
He said the initiative seeks to encourage Christians to speak openly against practices they believe undermine the church while remaining committed to its spiritual mission.
According to Nico Halle, Christians should not fear criticism when advocating moral values and church reform.
Message to Christians
Looking ahead to Dr. Asana's funeral, Halle called on members of the PCC to celebrate the former Moderator's life and legacy. He described Dr. Asana as someone who demonstrated humility, patience, peace, and devotion throughout his ministry, encouraging Christians to emulate those qualities.
"My condolences go to the entire family and to the PCC," he said. "We should thank God for his life because it is not how long you stay on earth that matters, but how well you live."
Sir. Dr. Barrister Nico Halle, praised the wife of the late Moderator, describing her as a simple, supportive, welcoming, polite, humble, unmaterialistic and not over bearing.
Comments on the Current Moderator
Halle also expressed support for the current PCC Moderator, Rev. Miki Hans Abia. The distinguished national and international personality lauded the current PCC Moderator, describing him as very friendly, less materialistic, and ready to listen to advice. While acknowledging that the recent election generated controversy among some members of the church, Nico Halle described the Moderator as focused and measured in his leadership.
He urged Christians to continue praying for and supporting the current church leadership while offering constructive advice when necessary.
A Call for Unity
Concluding the interview, Halle appealed for unity within the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, urging members to place spirituality, peace, and service above internal divisions.
He said he accepted the interview because it focused on the life of a church leader whom he believes made significant contributions not only to the PCC but also to the wider Christian community through his work with the World Council of Churches.
It is worth recalling that Dr. Asana served as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon after previously serving as Synod Clerk. His death on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Orlando, USA, has prompted tributes from many within the church, who remember his years of ministry and leadership.
@Laarry Times
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