Ni John Fru Ndi says he is feeling great @75
John Fu Ndi, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), the so-called main opposition party in the country has told Cameroon Tribune that he is still in charge of the SDF. In this interview, Fru Ndi says Hon. Osih will lead the SDF if elected.
Could we know how you feel at 75?
Fru Ndi: It is a wonderful experience that is difficult to explain. I have every reason to thank God because at 75, I am still on my feet, reasoning properly and feeling great. Once in a while, I visit cemeteries in Bamenda’s neighborhoods and that is how you know that many people are dying and among them are a lot of young people. That is why I thank God for life since 1941.
What were the topical issues during the NEC Session of July 30, 2016?
Fru Ndi: NEC members spent time discussing attempts by people propagating information to destabilize the SDF. We also deliberated towards the party’s elective convention in 2017. It requires the setting up of commissions and follow-up to ensure that the imminent convention is hitch-free. We also concerted to emerge with solutions for obstacles on the way of the reorganisation of party structures in certain areas.
It is rumoured that you are being lobbied to have the Vice Chairman of the SDF, Hon. Joshua Osih, as the party’s candidate for the next presidential elections.
Fru Ndi: Those propagating such ideas are myopic. SDF procedures are spelt out in its constitution. It is on the floor of the SDF Convention that candidates for presidential elections are chosen. This has been the tradition in the SDF. Candidates have to subject themselves to the laws of the party and I am proud that we have not bent procedure in the SDF, while other political leaders simply declare themselves as candidates.
It is not long that we criticized the CPDM for drumming it that Mr Biya should precipitate Presidential elections and become their presidential candidate. The SDF argued that we cannot precipitated elections in the face of the War against Boko Haram. That is why I cannot make a u-turn and declare Hon. Joshua Osih as SDF’s candidate for the next presidential elections ahead of the elective convention.
The party is not my personal property. If Hon. Joshua Osih wins at the elective convention, he will lead. I am proud that I have led the SDF to emerge as the strongest party in Cameroon in the midst of all sorts of obstacles. It is not time to twist our rules.
Are you concluding that nobody has discussed the above subject with you?
Fru Ndi: Yes, nobody has discussed the subject with me.
Are you surprised that Hon. Joshua Osih has kept sealed lips over the issue? Or, has he talked about it with you?
Fru Ndi: Most of the things are on social media and I do not know if he has been talking about it. However, I know that he will answer or react when the appropriate time comes.
You were in Lebialem Division recently to bury the former Secretary General of the SDF, Prof. Tazoacha Asonganyi whom we know was in a conflicting situation with you before going to the world beyond. What should the public to understand following your outing in Lebialem?
Fru Ndi: The message is that I do not quarrel with dead people. Even if he quarrelled and left the SDF, he did some work for the party that I need to thank him for. The family looked nervous when they saw me in Lebialem but it did not bother me because I was there to bury Prof. Asonganyi and that was done.