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Opinions of Sunday, 8 June 2014

Columnist: Suayam, Simon

Congratulations chairman Bugri Naabu

Most things are possible if only you put your heart and mind to them. It should be coupled with patience and endurance. The case of Mr. Daniel Bugri Naabu gives me hope that eventhough I might have failed in my quest to achieve a desired goal, I should never give up.
Chairman Bugri Naabu is no novice in Ghanaian politics. He has been through thin and thick for the NPP especially in northern Ghana. Despite his pedigree as a politician, he thrice failed to become the northern regional NPP chairman. He never gave up and never also relaxed. He endured the disappointments and kept working even harder for the party. He believed not only in himself but also the party. He was always seen actively campaigning along with those that defeated him in his three unsuccessful attempts at the regional chairmanship slot. His contributions to the ten seats that were won by NPP in the 2012 elections cannot be overemphasized. He is also no miser and his heavy pockets were always emptied during the campaign seasons. With all his commitment, the delegates of the NPP who are the kingmakers knew that his time was yet to come. An impatient and power hungry person would have sat aloof after three unsuccessful attempts.
When Mr. Naabu announced that he will yet again contest the regional chairmanship slot, many were those that questioned his reasoning and the capacity of his advisors to give him wise counsel. They begun to underrate him and nicknamed him ‘the serial loser’. He kept his cool, became more determined and the results was an overwhelming victory that shocked his critics to the marrows. Despite all the badmouthing and vile propaganda against him, he was chosen by the delegates as the most capable person to lead NPP in the northern region. Yes, it pays to wait.
The victory of Mr. Bugri Naabu has sent shivers down the spine of the NDC since they know that they will be given a very hot contest come 2016. The actions of Chairman Bugri Naabu so far are indicative of one that is power hungry and tired of being in opposition. The prospects that come with the election of Mr. Naabu as regional NPP chairman is that most of the seats currently occupied by NDC MPs are going to be won by NPP including the one his brother is occupying as NDC MP for Yunyoo constituency. I can say without any iota of doubt that come 2016, the NPP is going to perform better than it has done in all previous elections in the northern region. The northern region could be the rallying point for NPP’s victory if the party is well resourced and the parliamentary primaries conducted in a free and fair manner. Chairman Bugri Naabu is up to the task and we all need to join efforts with him for our collective victory.
When the party delegates massively voted for Mr. Paul Afoko as national chairman of NPP, there was a man who by all standards could be the next Bugri Naabu if he is patient. Mr. Stephen Ntim, please be patient and wait for God’s time because it is always the best. You are a very charismatic person who has all it takes to chair the NPP but if your time hasn’t come yet don’t interpret it to mean a rejection. I must admit that when you gave that speech on behalf of the non-winners you touched my heart and the hearts of many others. I know nothing is more paramount to you than the party’s victory so I have no doubts that you will keep fighting for the party in other capacities you may find yourself.
However belated my congratulation of Chairman Bugri Naabu is, there is a saying that it is better to be late than never to appear at all. I believe even before the presidential primaries that Hon. Nana Addo will lead us into battle for the third time running. Like Chairman Bugri Naabu, he is poised for victory this time round because Ghanaians have gotten to know him better. The good thing is that those who have struggled a lot before ascending to power know how to use that power to the benefit of the people. This people, because they use power to work for the generality also know how to hold on to it for a very long time.
My appeal to Chairman Bugri Naabu is to keep working with the momentum he has begun with. He should also identify marginalized groups or areas in the region and work towards bringing them to the fold of the NPP. Most structures and activities of the party are centred in the regional capital of Tamale. I would wish that he takes steps to decentralize party activities and structures to all parts of the region. For example, eventhough there is a regional communication team; people in my part of the region hardly hear them because they don’t appear in Eagle FM, our local radio station. If it will be possible, some members of the regional communication team should come from our area, Mamprugu so that they can educate the people and also advocate for the party in the area.
Congratulations Mr. Daniel Bugri Naabu on your election as the northern regional NPP Chairman. With you, we can be assured of victory.
LONG LIVE CHAIRMAN BUGRI NAABU, LONG LIVE NPP, LONG LIVE GHANA.
Author: Simon Suayam, from Nalerigu
Email: suayamsimon@gmail.com
Mobile: 0207854685