SDF: Asapngu Disrupts NEC Over Embezzlement of Hon Nkelle Palmy’s Micro Project Grants For Kumba

By Tegha Otega

Hon Nkelle Palmy Williams Mbue, was elected in 2007 as the SDF parliamentary candidate for Kumba central. He died barely 6 months in his mandate. For the last 5 years, his 8 million FCFA parliamentary micro-project grants have been disbursed. It has been left in the hands of the SDF parliamentary group to decide who controls. Within the last 5 years, two (2) SDF MPs have been in control: Hon Fobi Nchinda Simon of Bamenda and Hon Paul Nji Tumasang of Santa. Chronicle gathered that it was the SDF parliamentary group leader, Hon Joseph Banadzem who assigned whoever manages the grants. But what has been the outcome?

Almost a fortnight ago, when the National Executive Committee, NEC of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF met in Bamenda, there was a roar.

NEC met for two days: On day I, when Fru Ndi was present, the issue did not come up. But on day II (Sunday July 15, 2012) when Fru Ndi was not present, tempers flared. The SDF chairman had scudded to Bafang, where a new Archbishop was being consecrated.

Pandemonium broke out when the issue of the management of micro project grants for the late Hon Nkelle Mbua, was brought up. With the absence of Chairman Fru Ndi, Chronicle gathered that SDF NEC became transformed into a Portuguese parliament. This was when Ferdinand Asapngu, kingmaker of the South West hijacked the meeting.

Asapngu is the national organizing secretary of SDF. He is the Mayor of Kumba II council. He definitely represents SDF interests in Kumba. To allay criticisms about SDF parliamentary output, Chronicle gathered that Asapngu told off NEC. He is said to have denounced the way in which the late Hon Nkelle Palmy’s micro project grants was being managed. According to a source, it was Hon Paul Nji Tumasang whom Hon Joseph Banadzem the SDF parliamentary group leader had placed his onus on. Yet, the Santa MP’s billings had since been questionable.

Asapngu is quoted to have denounced the fact that Hon Nkelle’s micro project grants should be made as transparent as the time when Hon Simon Fobi Nchinda managed it. Chronicle gathered that Asapngu vouched that Hon Fobi be reinstated to manage the grants, which he allegedly refuted.

Since 2007 Hon Nkelle Palmy Williams Mbua, SDF elected MP for Kumba central has received some 40 million FCFA as micro project grants. He died shortly after his investiture, yet his billboard has not been succinct. Probably scared about what to tell the population during legislative/municipal campaign, Asapngu has been quizzical.