RE: We’ll Topple CPDM, Host Reunification Celebrations – Fru Ndi

We'll Topple CPDM, Host Reunification Celebrations – Fru Ndi

Saturday, September 28, 2013

By Francis Tim Mbom, Isidore Abah, *Ransom Budzi, *Solange Tangim, & *Cathy-Anne Yanunwi

CameroonPostline.com -- SDF National Chairman, John Fru Ndi, has said they will topple the CPDM in the Southwest, especially Buea, and host the 50th Reunification anniversary celebrations.  

"I am coming to Buea after our victory to host Biya during the 50th anniversary celebration of our reunification," Fru Ndi told over a thousand supporters Friday, September 20, at the CBC school field in Mile 16, Buea. Fru Ndi vowed to reclaim Buea municipality which has been under the grip of the CPDM since 2002. According to him, the SDF would frustrate the CPDM rigging machinery and win through the ballot box on September 30.  

To make the campaign effective, Fru Ndi said he took upon himself to tour the country, having been to nine rally grounds. The SDF Chair regretted that Governors, SDOs and DOs, who are supposed to be servants to all Cameroonians, have instead sworn to ensure that the CPDM wins at all cost. "I want you to tell the Governors, SDOs, DOs and other civil administrators that before they became administrators, they were, first, citizens.

As such, they are supposed to uphold the general interest of the country and not a political party, because they will become administrators of the SDF government in future," Fru Ndi intimated. The SDF Chair advised his adherents not to be intimidated by security forces, whom he said will soon be deployed to the various Regions to intimidate innocent and helpless civilians under the guise of maintaining law and order.  

"Time has come when intimidation and cowardice must end for justice to take its course," Fru Ndi said. According to the SDF Chair, his mission to the Southwest was not only to point out the difficulties faced by Cameroonians, but to encourage SDF militants and the general public that after 23 years of existence, the SDF is mature enough to ensure that true democracy reigns in Cameroon through the ballot box.  

"That is why, we have, over the years, been fighting for an independent electoral body, biometric voters' cards and a single ballot paper, which the Biya regime is still very reluctant to fully implement," Fru Ndi said. According to him, CPDM militants have been suing for peace, during and after the elections, but have started assaulting militants of his party in Nkambe, Widikum and Oku. Northwest Fons, Bundle Of Shame  

Fru Ndi enjoined Cameroonians to be decent enough to cast their votes at the right polling stations and not sell their consciences because of appointments or salary increases; promises which he said are never kept. He expressed disappointment with Northwest Fons, who to him are a bundle of shame as they continue to meddle in politics, writing futile motions of support and peddling traditional titles for selfish ends.  

At the end of his campaign message, Fru Ndi endorsed the Buea Urban parliamentary candidate, Retired Major Moses Ekeke Njuma and the 41 candidates for the council. Earlier, the Buea Electoral District Chair, Johnson Kwendi Tayong, in a speech presented by Marie Etia Sikoty Epse Efange, stated that the biometric system of registering voters will surely bring change in the country. He said those planning to disrupt elections in Tiko, Limbe and Buea are nothing but daydreamers.  

Blessings  

Earlier in Tiko and Limbe, Fru Ndi had said: "I have come to give my blessings to the councilors and militants. To wish you well and to assure that it is already a foregone conclusion that the councils here are SDF."  

He added, "Everywhere that my feet have touched, I have said that I have already claimed it," Fru Ndi told an applauding crowd. Fru Ndi had been received at the historic Mungo Bridge by a delegation led by SDF Southwest Regional Chair, George Likiye and Tiko SDF Chair, Daniel Moukondo, among others. "We need the Council in Tiko because we have to start to build a new foundation for the Cameroon of tomorrow.

A future that is rooted in a participatory form of democracy for a better tomorrow," Fru Ndi told a cheering crowd that had gathered at the Likomba car park, hard by the Tiko Council Chambers. "I have come to wish the people of Tiko good luck!" Fru Ndi said. He, however, expressed disappointment with the fact that because of self-interest Tiko will not get the Parliamentary seat. He said aspirants as well as every militant of the SDF have to put the interest of the people first before their personal desires.  

Fru Ndi urged his militants in Tiko, Limbe and elsewhere to be ready to defend their victory on September 30 at all cost. He said there will be no tolerance of those who want to rig elections. He chided government officials who have abandoned their offices and are now criss-crossing the country simply because they want to "rig the elections for the ruling party in order to protect their jobs."  

No Justice, No Peace  

In Limbe, Fru Ndi recalled that in 1992 there were strong allegations that Chief Ephraim Inoni was chased by an irate mob in Limbe when he was suspected of having "stuffed" ballot boxes. He also talked of the jailed Marafa Hamidou Yaya, former MINATD boss, who had worked so hard to secure several victories for the CPDM, but today is also behind bars.  

"Enough is enough. No rigging will be tolerated. You have to stand firm and fight for your victory," Fru Ndi said. He stated that there can only be peace following elections if there is justice before, during and after the elections. "Only when there is truth from the ballot box, then can we have peace, love and happiness." he said.  

Meanwhile, Daniel Moukondo and Lawson Tafon assured Fru Ndi that victory shall be theirs come September 30. But Fru Ndi cautioned them that the list leaders should stop the attitude of already seeing themselves as mayors. "The party shall, after your victories, decide who becomes Mayor," Fru Ndi told them.  

*(UB Journalism Students On Internship)  

First published in The Post print edition no 01467