A high-powered delegation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has toured areas affected by the recent political violence in Tamale and Gushiegu, with a call on the security services to expedite action on investigations to prosecute the perpetrators.
The leader of the delegation, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, who made the call, equally noted that any further delay in delivering justice could make the government “weak and unpopular”.
He expressed regret at the unfortunate incidents, stressing that, “from the look of things it is now clear to us that NDC sympathisers were the target of the arson in this area”.
According to Alhaji Iddrisu, who is also a former Defence Minister, politics should be a means to help develop the poor in the society and not to kill people, and therefore urged residents of the affected areas to avoid reprisals as that could worsen their plight.
“I urge you not to take up arms because we are also going to do our best to help expose the perpetrators,” he appealed to the supported of the party.
He emphasised that the security services must work expeditiously and inpartially in order to build confidence in the citizenry and safeguard their own credibility.
“In that case I wish to advise them that last minute arrests are not the best; we are making a mockery of ourselves if we continue to pay lip service to security issues’ Alhaji Iddrisu observed.
The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Asiedu Nketia, noted that the leadership of the party decided to send a fact-finding delegation to assess the situation since “this is our stronghold and we must work harder to bring relief to the people”.
At Gushiegu, a number of residents, including victims recounted their experiences to the delegation. They included the constituency secretary of the NDC, Mr Puumaya Alhassan, Madam Saikulu Jamoni, a health extension worker and daughter of the NDC Constituency Chairman, whose vehicles and three houses were burnt down in the disturbances as well as Mr Issahaku Mashoud, the Constituency Organiser of the NDC.
The Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Patrick Adusei Sarpong, in an interview with newsmen during the tour, stated that there was calm and that the security were firmly in control of the situation.
According to him, the police were still compiling the list of suspects in the political violence, and entreated witnesses in the incident to assist the police in their investigations.
“I have talked to all the political leaders of the NPP and NDC to cooperate with us in our investigations and I am sure we would make a headway” the commander intimated.
He further indicated that the safety of residents’ was guaranteed, adding that we have been here since last week Monday and nothing has happened.
On whether any arrests had been made, apart from the six persons who are currently in police custody for further investigations, the commander responded in the negative.
Earlier on, the delegation called on the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, who entreated the rank and file of the NDC to assist the government to find lasting solutions to the “sporadic acts of violence in the region”.
“I feel sad about this unfortunate situation and it is about time we set the tone for good conduct and I can assure you that those found guilty would not be spared”Alhaji Idris pointed out.
Other members of the delegation included the former vice presidential hopeful, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Alhaji Ibrahim Adam, Alhaji Seidu Iddi, the former Northern Regional Minister, the National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, the Deputy National Propaganda Secretary, Hajia Laadi Ayi, and the MP for Tamale South, Mr Haruna Iddrisu.
No comments:
Post a Comment