"His legacy stays": Fru Ndi's longtime Protocol Chief reflects on life after the opposition icon

Three years after the death of Ni John Fru Ndi, the sense of loss remains as real as ever for Penn Justice, the late opposition leader's longtime Chief Protocol Officer and one of his closest collaborators.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service organised by the Fru Ndi family and the Social Democratic Front, SDF, at the Presbyterian Church Musang in Bamenda, Justice reflected on more than three decades of service alongside the party's founding chairman, describing the anniversary as both emotional and reassuring.

The thanksgiving service brought together members of the Ni John Fru Ndi family, SDF officials, government authorities, clergy, supporters and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of the man widely regarded as a pioneer of multiparty democracy in Cameroon.

For Justice, who served alongside John Fru Ndi for 33 years, the memories remain vivid.

"That nostalgia is still there," he said adding "every moment you think of him, you look at his picture, you remember that when you had a problem, you could call him and immediately find a solution. That nostalgic feeling is always there."

While many supporters visit the late chairman's residence only occasionally, Justice says he continues to regard the compound as part of his daily responsibility.

"I pass here at least three times a week," he explained. 

"He died, but people are still living here. I always come to see how they are doing and to ensure that the environment remains clean because he was not somebody who loved filthiness." he emphasized 

According to him, preserving the residence is one way of preserving the dignity and memory of a man who dedicated much of his life to public service.

Justice described the anniversary gathering as a moment of revival, noting that it reunited many party faithful and longtime associates who had not met in years.

"I've seen faces that I've not seen for almost ten years. The man is dead and gone, but his legacy stays," he said.

Beyond his official title as Chief Protocol Officer, Justice said his relationship with Fru Ndi extended into several aspects of political and personal life.

"I played multiple roles," he recalled. "My interest was to assist him change Cameroon. After that, every other thing would come."

Although he spent decades at the centre of opposition politics, Justice said personal political ambitions were never his priority.

Instead, he remained focused on supporting Fru Ndi's vision for democratic change.

Penn Justice and friend during the thanksgiving 

Asked about the most important lesson he learnt from the late SDF founder, his answer was immediate.

"Integrity," he said. 

"When you are a man of integrity, every other thing comes your way positively."

He argued that integrity protects leaders from the temptations that often derail public service and allows them to remain focused on purpose rather than personal gain.

"I eat to live. I don't live to eat," he added.

Looking ahead, Justice expressed confidence in the future of the SDF despite the challenges that have accompanied the party's transition following Fru Ndi's death.

He acknowledged that every era presents different realities but insisted that change should not be mistaken for decline.

"Every transition has its advantages and disadvantages," he said, pointing to the transformation brought by technology and changing political realities.

As party members gathered to honour the memory of their founding chairman, Penn Justice's reflections offered a personal glimpse into the man behind the politics and the values that continue to inspire those who worked closest to him.

For him, the greatest tribute to Ni John Fru Ndi is a continued commitment to integrity, service and the vision of a better Cameroon.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

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