Before the arrival home of the corpse of the late Statesman, Simon Achidi Achu, North West elite and CPDM bigwigs have paid him their last respect at his Yaounde residence.
During the ceremony Saturday June 26, 2021, the various speakers described the former Prime Minister as an iconic political leader, social equalizer, unifier and philanthropist.
The elite were led by NW Regional Coordinator of the ruling CPDM party, former Prime Minister, Yang Philemon.
The elite took to the rostrum one after the other to celebrate the life of Achidi, his contribution to the growth of the NW region politically and otherwise in particular and the nation at large. They equally shared fun memories of the former PM and the values he promoted.
Former PM Yang Philemon described Achidi as a father figure who gave him tremendous political advised and showed him kindness on several occasions. He said Achidi effectively demystified politics with his very rare qualities that could only be traced in great politicians in the Roman Empire and others. Yang said he late PM made politics pragmatic with his tremendous sophistication which was hidden under his simplicity, and well-known humility. He added that Achidi was a man chosen by history to fit circumstances and do the needful.
The CPDM party bigwig said Achidi was a man of harmony and never had enemies as opposed to many other people who spend time reviewing their list of enemies and how to deal with them negatively. He said Achidi was so braved that nothing could defeat him and knew when to appear and disappear.
In a speech titled “Achidi Achu the silent politician”, Senator Regina Mundi said Pa Achidi has left behind a big book with many chapters which will take all and sundry a long period to be able to complete a single chapter.
The lawmaker who has known Pa Achidi within the political arena for over 40 years described him as a tireless politician who worked to ensure the permanent victory of the CPDM as a leading party in the NW even during periods he had in house disappointments from some militants.
Mundi, said Pa Achidi was not only a leader par excellence but a follower and team player who accompanied the region in all spheres. She urged all elite to borrow a leaf from Achidi’s life in not bearing grudges and to consider failures as obstacles that have to be worked on for results to be achieved.
Peter Abety in his presentation described Achidi as a peace maker at the tumultuous turning point of the return of multi-party politics. He said Achidi has engraved his name in gold in the political evolution of Cameroon having calmed agitating opposition parties and teachers trade unionists by craftily negotiating with them and not breaking them down. He said Achidi leaves behind a legacy of peaceful resolution of socio-political conflicts, patience, humility and a God-given generosity.
In his speech titled “Achidi Achu the man on the field”, Hon. Nji Fidelis, former Questor of the National Assembly, recalled how Achidi encouraged all budding politicians to tackle their political base, remain in touch with them in order to know the worries of their electors among other lessons they learnt from the fallen figure. He added that Achidi perfectly knew how to use the region’s culture to blend in politics.
Minister Felix Mbayu described Achidi as one of the most iconic political figures Cameroon has had. He said Achidi was a legend of proximity politics, a social equalizer, unifier, who was admired across the chessboard of politics and power even by his opponents.
Mbayu said the Achidi was an excellent fit as PM in the early 1990s because of his character which hinged on kindness, respect, generosity, sympathy among others.
Speaking on behalf of the family, ‘Ma Mafor’ Judith Yah Sunday, GM of CAMTEL, one of wives left behind by Achidi, and Jude Achu, one of the son, thanked the elite for visiting and sharing in the grieve of the family.
They said the massive turnout of the elite goes to show that Pa Achidi was loved across the board. The event was animated by dance groups from all Divisions of the NW region and a choir.
