"The SDF Is Back": Dr Ndah Grimbald Draws Inspiration From Fru Ndi's Courage

The Third Deputy Secretary General of the Social Democratic Front, SDF, Dr Ndah Grimbald, has described the late Ni John Fru Ndi as a source of courage and inspiration, saying the party founder's determination to launch the SDF against overwhelming odds remains one of the most powerful lessons of his political life.

Dr Ndah Grimbald made the remarks during activities marking the third anniversary thanksgiving service held in memory of the SDF founding chairman at the Presbyterian Church Musang in Bamenda.

The commemoration brought together members of the Fru Ndi family, SDF officials, government authorities, clergy, supporters and well-wishers who gathered to honour the life and legacy of the veteran opposition leader who died in June 2023.

For Dr Ndah, the anniversary carried added significance as it coincided with his first National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting at Fru Ndi's residence since becoming a member of the party's highest decision-making body.

"It is very reviving indeed... Ever since the chairman left us in June 2023, we have not really been here. This is the first time we are coming for a NEC meeting in three years here in Bamenda, and precisely in the chairman's residence." he said. 

According to him, the return of NEC to Bamenda reflected what he described as renewed energy within the party, particularly in its traditional stronghold of the North West Region.

"That is an indication that the SDF is kicking and active. The SDF is back, particularly in the North West Region," he said.

Dr Ndah pointed to reports presented during the NEC meeting, which indicated that party structures were active across all 34 electoral districts of the North West Region.

"We believe that we shall get back all our councils and all our parliamentary seats like it used to be," he added.

Having first met Fru Ndi between late 2018 and early 2019, Dr Grimbald said the late chairman quickly became a mentor whose advice extended beyond politics.

He described Fru Ndi as a well-read leader who challenged him intellectually and deepened his understanding of the country.

"It was from the chairman that I realised that I did not know the geographical topography of Cameroon as I thought I did," he recalled.

The SDF official said one of the most emotional aspects of the NEC gathering was the feeling of returning to the place where the party was born.

"The feeling that one is at the place where the party was born is so different. It can never be the same as in other places," he said.

"When we look at Ntarikon, we think that the chairman just stepped out and declared the birth of the SDF on 26 May 1990."

Dr Ndah Grimbald at the Ntarikon residence of late John fru Ndi

Asked about the greatest lesson he inherited from John Fru Ndi, Dr Grimbald pointed to courage.

"When I read the history of the SDF, I could not imagine that in a one-party system, when the government was hostile to multiparty democracy, one man could go against all odds and launch a political party," he said.

According to him, even close allies and respected national figures advised Fru Ndi against launching the SDF on the date he chose, but he remained unwavering.

"The chairman said, 'In my heart I feel a burning fire. God has called me to do this,' and he went ahead. That is courage."

Dr Ndah Grimbald believes that same courage continues to inspire younger leaders within the party as they navigate contemporary political challenges.

Three years after his death, people like Dr Ndah within the SDF still see Fru Ndi's courage as a guiding force for the future of the party and its democratic mission. 

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

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