After Mbami’s Death: Who Controls SDF Coffers? - Fru Ndi, His Son Achu or Pa Atekwana?

Barrister Augustine Mbami died last year. He was the National Treasurer of the opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF. With national executive committee, NEC elections billed for October 2012, there have been doubts about who actually handles SDF finances after Mbami’s demise. All those who versed with what transpires with funds destined for the SDF can make testimonies: Andrew Akonteh, one-time SDF North West provincial chairman is still alive. He allegedly has a tale as to how within the early days of the struggle (1990s) militants contributed ten francs or millions (billion?) for all to succeed; retired Justice Nyo’o Wackai though bedridden, cannot faulter about incidences of the numerous international trips he, alongside with Fru Ndi undertook and the dividends allegedly derived. At one point in time, it was even alleged that Laurent Gbagbo, Gen Abacha ‘doled out’ even the ousted Libyan leader Gaddafi is said to have been interested. Yet, all those who knew about what entered the coffers of SDF, were streamlined. It was either Fru Ndi and a few cohorts including Njiwah. But today, the scenario is not same. Militants have ceased to contribute. Government has therefore exploited the nuance to either create an impression or simply polarize issues.

According to law no. 2000/015 of December 19, 2000, the financing of political parties in Cameroon is by the state from two perspectives. In the case of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, MINATD it covers regular party activities as well as the organization of election campaigns. Accordingly, each year, the finance law shall include a subsidy to cover the operating costs of legally recognized political parties.

Last Friday, the state-owned national bilingual daily, Cameroon Tribune in a front page banner, pinpointed how public funding of political parties, was only for those represented at the National Assembly. Also, CT quoting sources at the department of political affairs at MINATD again pointed out how MINATD also finances election campaigns during elections and even reimburses parties which did not succeed but which scored at most 5% of the votes cast in the various constituencies.

After Mbami’s Death…

As National Treasurer of SDF, Barrister Mbami though based in Douala knew almost everything about what entered SDF coffers. Yet, the one assigned to disburse the funds was his assistance Pa John Chi Mancho played the game before Pa Atekwana took over. But as Chronicle gathered, ever since Mbami died, SDF accounts have not been reconciled. It is alleged that even Pa Joseph Atekwana has no mastery of the inventory. Who therefore is in control? Fru Ndi or his son, Achu Benjamin, who presently acts as his private secretary?

Ahead of the SDF October elective convention, Chronicle gathered that all what enters into party coffers is allegedly not deduced. Chronicle even got hints that he had allegedly rebuked his son Achu, for an umpteenth time for being very overzealous and extravagant. Achu is even alleged to snob his dad and drives home late. Worse still, party finances have not been part of his business.

Pa Joseph Atekwana, Chronicle has been told is allegedly not even acquainted with what actually transpires. Beatrice Anembom Munjo, SDF Communication Secretary told Cameroon Tribune last week that prime source of SDF revenue was from MINATD. She said militants as well as parliamentarians and mayors also make quarterly contributions.

Chronicle was however pricked by the alleged scandal over the management of SDF finances to publish this article. Allegations are rife that the management of SDF funds has not been quite transparent. Many have questioned whether after Barrister Mbami’s death, SDF funds had been destined to Fru Ndi’s family account.

Chronicle is moreso perturbed following an earlier article, wherein we reported how SDF had been seeking for financing of its activities, yet wanted to exploit the cooperative credit union and union bank. A press conference was staged to denounce it, yet SDF officials could not deny the fact that they had solicited for an overdraft, pending subvention from government to pay back. (Affair a suivre…)