"Politics Is for the people, not the leader": Bamenda III SDF Chairman reflects on Fru Ndi's lessons

The District Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) for the Bamenda III Electoral District, Lucas Ngu Afong, has described the late Ni John Fru Ndi as a leader whose greatest political lesson was that leadership exists to serve the people rather than those who occupy positions of power.

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

The service, jointly organised by the Fru Ndi family and the SDF, brought together party leaders, government officials, clergy, supporters and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Cameroon's most influential opposition figures.

Reflecting on the occasion, the Bamenda III district chairman admitted that returning to the late chairman's residence for National Executive Committee activities without Fru Ndi present remained emotionally difficult.

"It is painful. It is a painful recalling of the chairman's demise, but it is equally a call for us to remain focused, courageous and ready to go ahead because he left a lot behind for us," he said.

According to Ngu Afong, every visit to the chairman's compound revives memories of the man whose presence inspired confidence among party militants.

"Once you step into that gate and look towards his door and he is not there, you have to be strong enough to hold back tears," he said.

Beyond the emotional void left by Fru Ndi's passing, Ngu Afong pointed to what he described as the former chairman's exceptional charisma.

"There was that charismatic figure who stood there and gave you all the confidence you needed in whatever direction you were going. You knew there was a leader behind you, courageous and commanding," he recalled.

While acknowledging the efforts of the current national leadership, he noted that Fru Ndi possessed a unique presence that continues to be missed by many within the party.

The district chairman also argued that Fru Ndi's influence remains visible within the party's grassroots structures, particularly in Bamenda III, the SDF's only council in the North West Region.

"If there is one council under the banner of the SDF in the North West today, all of us played a role, and we think that in Bamenda III, you can still find Fru Ndi," he said.

For Ngu Afong, however, the most enduring lesson left by the late opposition leader was his understanding of public service.

"Politics is not for gains to you. Politics is for the people," he said. "The people are supposed to benefit. They look up to you for solutions and leadership."

He explained that Fru Ndi consistently reminded party officials that political leadership should be measured by service and impact rather than personal reward.

Looking ahead, Ngu Afong expressed optimism about the future of the party, revealing that SDF officials are intensifying grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of future political contests.

"We are galvanising, we are energising and we are putting our feet on the ground," he said. "We believe our efforts in the field will be rewarded."

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

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