Former President Jerry John Rawlings, has mounted a strong defence for his consistent criticisms of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying he has a duty to correct errors in his party before he takes his criticisms elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Some NDC top officials have criticized Mr. Rawlings for constantly highlighting the flaws of a party he founded.<\/p>\n
[contextly_sidebar id=”iSXUqJNSeYoNE3D1GDMFpU4KVYxdyZbb”]One of those officials, a former Deputy Chief of Staff under the Mahama administration, Valerie Sawyer, had argued in an article that Mr. Rawlings was so obsessed with the NDC that he was prepared to destroy anyone and anything in the NDC if that will suit his agenda to be in the driving seat.<\/p>\n
She accused Mr. Rawlings of \u201cstill flogging a dead horse\u201d although they are in opposition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey say he booms \u2026 I say he buzzes \u2026 like an agitated mosquito \u2026 looking for his next victim. Again, he heads for other Heads of State \u2026 describing their governance as riddled with corruption. Is he trying to say that his reign was unblemished or that his twin brother\u2019s (President Akufo-Addo) reign is unsullied? Really? Who born dog \u2026 in fact \u2026 who born monkey?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJJ oooo JJ \u2026 the great Papa JJ \u2026 the one and only Junior Jesus \u2026 the great saint who never does wrong \u2026 you are still flogging a dead horse \u2026 the NDC is in opposition in case you have not noticed, while a living raging bull is moving around with reckless abandon destroying everything it finds in its path including the assets and citizens of this nation,\u201d she wrote in the article.<\/p>\n
Offering explanations to these constant criticisms at the 31st December Revolution Anniversary, Mr. Rawlings explained that the only way to legitimize his right to expose flaws of other political parties, is to criticize his party.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome latter-day party officials have now made it their chore to denigrate me for speaking loudly and forcefully about the wrongs in the NDC when the party was in power. Many of these political novices, eager to please their paymasters may be oblivious to the countless times my counsel was treated with contempt. I cannot lay claim to the position of party founder and spend time criticizing another party or institution when my house is burning. Removing the log in my eye is the only way to legitimize any right to expose the speck in another\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Deal with vigilantism<\/strong><\/p>\n He was however quick to raise concerns about what he described as the \u201crise of vigilantism which is breeding a new standard in lawlessness\u201d adding that \u201cit has to be brought to book\u201d<\/p>\n “Vigilantism perceived to be protected by political authority is a one-way road to a break down of law and order. The attacks on the High Court in Kumasi, the recent attacks on a Member of Parliament in Brong Ahafo and other reported incidents of highhandedness by perceived political agents have to be denounced forcefully and dealt with in a firm and swift manner that will inspire public confidence.”<\/p>\n –<\/p>\n By: Marian Ansah\/citifmonline.com\/Ghana
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