"Fru Ndi's spirit is still alive": 'Menchum' calls for unity ahead of political battles

The Social Democratic Front (SDF), Nkwa Donatus aka Menchum, has said the spirit of the late Ni John Fru Ndi remains alive within the party, urging militants to embrace unity and reconciliation as they prepare for future political contests.

He made the remarks during activities marking the third anniversary thanksgiving service held in honour of the SDF founding chairman at the Presbyterian Church Musang in Bamenda.

The event, organised jointly by the Fru Ndi family and the SDF, brought together party officials, government representatives, clergy, supporters and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of the veteran opposition leader who died on June 12, 2023.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Menchum described the gathering as both a moment of remembrance and a call to action.

"We decided to pray so that the angels in heaven will place him at the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ... It is a moment of memory and a moment of reconciliation." he said. 

According to him, one of the strongest messages emerging from the anniversary activities was the need for greater unity within the party.

"Our national chairman gave us a way forward.. If we want to honour the chairman, we must win back our councils. You cannot win elections when you are scattered. You only win when you are united like a broom tied together."

Nkwa Donatus, who worked closely with Fru Ndi over the years, admitted that returning to the chairman's residence without seeing him remained deeply emotional.

"I miss the calls, he would always ask me, 'Have you gone down to Menchum?' He constantly reminded me that my strength was in my constituency and that I should remain close to the people."

Menchum credited Fru Ndi's guidance for helping him strengthen the party's grassroots presence in the division.

"If I am where I am today in the SDF, it is because of the wisdom of His Excellency Ni John Fru Ndi," he said.

Asked whether he considered himself one of the many political heirs left behind by the late chairman, Nkwa Donatus answered in the affirmative.

"Yes, The wisdom he gave us is still guiding us today."

Nkwa Donatus aka Menchum and Fru Ndi's brother

He pointed to the revival of activities at Fru Ndi's residence and the return of National Executive Committee meetings to Bamenda as evidence that the late chairman's influence continues to unite party members.

"Some people may say Fru Ndi is gone, but what I am seeing today shows that Fru Ndi is still alive. The spirit remains among SDF militants and we are working towards that spirit."

Beyond politics, Menchum revealed that one of the most important lessons he inherited from Fru Ndi was the importance of forgiveness and emotional discipline.

Recalling a personal conversation with the late chairman, he said Fru Ndi challenged him to let go of resentment and trust in God's timing.

"He told me, 'Keep your heart clean. Do not nurse people in your stomach. Do not fight for positions. What God has given you will come to you.'"

Nkwa Donatus aka Menchum

According to Nkwa, that advice transformed his outlook on leadership and relationships.

"Before I met Chairman Fru Ndi, I could be angry with someone for six months," he admitted. "But his wisdom taught me that the sun should not set while you are still angry."

He said the lesson has remained one of the guiding principles of his personal and political life.

As party members continue to reflect on Fru Ndi's life three years after his passing, Nkwa Donatus believes the most meaningful way to honour the late opposition leader is by applying the values he championed.

For him, unity, patience, forgiveness and service remain central to the legacy of a man whose influence continues to shape the SDF and the wider political landscape of Cameroon.

"God should continue keeping the spirit of our late national chairman alive," he said.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web

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