A Beacon of Integrity: Dr. Nditemeh’s inspiring decision to step down as CBC Executive President

By Colbert Gwain*

In a remarkable display of leadership and integrity, Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne, the Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), decided to step down from his position and not seek reelection this Saturday, November 23, 2024, citing his commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability.

Although Dr. Nditemeh has only served as Executive President for four years and was eligible to seek reelection, having amended the constitution to extend the Executive President’s mandate to five years, he surprised many by opting to step aside. His efforts at amending the constitution to introduce reforms at the CBC met with fierce resistance, especially as in the process, he sent the all-too-powerful and longest-serving Director of the CBC Health Services, Prof. Tih Pius, parking. Other key stakeholders in the church dragged the Executive Committee President to court over the non-respect of procedures in amending this core church document. He also suffered a setback in his efforts to reclaim ownership of the Redeemer Baptist Church, in Mile 3 Nkwen as only recently, the North West Administrative Court reversed a prefectural order sealing the Church where Rev. Sam Jato pastored.

During his tenure, Dr. Nditemeh fought to weed out individuals who used the church to amass wealth and perpetuate their stay in power. His efforts aimed to restore the church’s integrity and ensure that it served the community’s needs.

Dr. Nditemeh’s decision not to seek reelection has sent a powerful message throughout Cameroon, inspiring admiration and calls for civil authorities to emulate his example. His commitment to truth, integrity, and accountability demonstrates that leaders can choose to act with integrity, even when it is difficult.

The CBC, a prominent Christian denomination in Cameroon, has a long history of internecine quarrels and sometimes deadly conflicts that end up in a schism within the church. Ndu, Belo Field, and the Coastal zones are in our minds. It was apparently in an attempt to address the root causes of such problems that Dr. Nditemah sought to introduce some reforms in the Convention, which unfortunately met with stone resistance.

Despite these setbacks, his leadership at the CBC promoted spiritual growth, education, and community development. Some Baptist Christians today say Dr. Nditemeh’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing these mission objectives, and his resignation has sparked an outpouring of gratitude and respect from across the country. Despite these efforts, many within the church derided his leadership for being too heavy-handed and that although his reforms were forward-looking, the manner in which they were introduced was the matter.

As Cameroonians reflect on Dr. Nditemeh’s inspiring example, many are now calling for civil authorities (who go to the ends of the world to maintain their grip on power against all odds) to emulate his example and prioritize dignity, integrity, transparency, and accountability in their leadership. His resignation serves as a powerful reminder that integrity, responsibility, and selflessness are essential qualities for effective leadership.

Dr. Nditemeh’s resignation comes in sharp contrast to the stubborn resistance of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Dr. Fonki Samuel who has since come under immense pressure from a segment of the church calling on him to resign following mismanagement allegations and attempts to manipulate the processes and procedures for the election of a new Moderator and Synod clerk.

In a statement, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, renowned thought leader and social critic, praised Dr. Charlemagne’s “exemplary leadership” and “unwavering commitment to integrity.” The highly respected protestant Christian and former President of the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF) of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon emphasized that Dr. Charlemagne’s resignation demonstrates that “leadership is not about personal gain or power but about serving the greater good.” About the author: Colbert Gwain is a radio host and journalist who focuses on democratic issues and digital rights in Africa.