Fru Ndi organises dinner for 2,000 GCE Markers

Social Democratic Front, SDF National Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi, organised dinner for about 2,000 people marking the 2014 General Certificate of Education, GCE in Bamenda.

The GCE markers arrived at the residence of the leading opposition chieftain at about 5.00pm and were informed by an official of the SDF, Joseph Ategwana, that their main host, Fru Ndi, had been held down by other duties.

Many of the examiners who were anxious to meet the Chairman face-to-face were highly disappointed. Ategwana, on behalf of the Chairman’s family, thanked the examiners for honouring the invitation despite their very demanding exercise.

He asked them to feel free in their “own Palace” quipping that, since Northwesterners believe that the Fon is always in the palace, they should rest assured that despite the Chairman’s physical absence, all would be well.

The Mayor of Bamenda II, Fedelis Balick Awa, welcomed the examiners to Bamenda and at the residence of one of the city’s illustrious inhabitants. He praised the teaching corps while challenging teachers to keep up with their arduous task which, he said, remain priceless. He said, in any developing country teachers must be given special care first, given that any professional must pass through a classroom. He regretted that in Cameroon, the teachers received poor treatment.

The teachers were treated to sumptuous dinner and wines as one of them, a veteran, who is an artist, actor and movie producer, Samuel Chop, entertained them with his music titled ‘Taxi Driver’, which is selling in Bamenda town like no other.

At about 8.00pm, Fru Ndi walked and presented his apologies saying he had to visit three of his farms with over a hundred of students doing research. He said during holidays, he is always very busy taking students to his farms for their research. He thanked the examiners for their patience but said: “I must not be here all the times. The compound is your compound.”

Fru Ndi praised the teachers for their invaluable duties to the State. He said he was very aware of the problems and stress the teachers were going through, which he has been advocating and will continue. He said he invited them to share their concerns with him, to acknowledge their troubles, appreciate and encourage their priceless efforts. He, however, disclosed that when he did same last year, some persons said it was a political campaign. He said he does not campaign in schools but that in his rallies, he speaks only the truth that makes individuals make personal decisions about him.

Commenting on the increase in fuel prices, he said many people, especially the press, have been asking him to make a statement. “I’ll not say a thing. The Chairman has opened your minds. He has opened your eyes to see and your mouths to talk and defend and fight for your rights. And that any group that finds itself under the yoke of any pressure or challenges must fight for themselves and not wait only for Chairman to launch a fight,” he stated.

He appreciated SDF Senators, MPs, Mayors and other top brass of the party for the support they gave him to offer a dinner to the examiners. He entreated examiners resident in Bamenda to equally open their doors and show love to their colleagues who from other parts of the country.

On behalf of Chief and Assistant Chief Examiners and the Examiners, the Assessor for English Language, Aaron Tumban, hailed the SDF National Chairman for his kind gesture. Tumban said they appreciate Fru Ndi for recognising the worth of the teacher in nation building. Tumban saluted Fru Ndi’s fatherly gesture saying he wished that Fru Ndi’s triumphant entry into politics would give him a triumphant exit.

Most examiners took pictures with the Chairman. Most of them, especially those from other Regions, told The Post that they have never seen a leader as generous and down-to-earth like Fru Ndi, who they described as a “true father of the nation.” Others said he was the only Statesman who recognised the worth of the teacher.