General News of Thursday, 24 January 2013

Source: radioxyzonline.com

Mahama cannot intervene for disqualified Adams - Asiedu Nketia

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says President Mahama cannot intervene in the disqualification of Kofi Adams to enable him contest the Buem primaries.

Mr. Adams, spokesperson for former President Rawlings was disqualified on grounds that he is facing disciplinary action.

Mr. Adams who insists he is qualified to contest has hinted he will seek the intervention of President Mahama and also seek the intervention of other elders of the party whether to run as an independent candidate.

Speaking to XYZ News, Mr. Asiedu Nketia popularly known as General Mosquito stated that it would be against the constitution of the party for the President to intervene and pardon Kofi Adams when he is yet to be been sentenced.

“Our constitution is clear; it doesn’t give Presidential pardon over a disciplinary matter so I don’t know whether the intention is to amend the constitution” Asiedu Nketia said.

He added “wherever a presidential pardon is exercised it is exercised after a sentence is given but you [Kofi Adams] are now in the process and you are refusing to submit to the panel that would even decide your sentence.

“How can you be pardoned when you have not shown any remorse and challenging the legitimacy of the party?”

Meanwhile, a youth group in the party, the Volta Youth Network, has cautioned Mr. Adams against going independent.

President of the group which initially rooted for Mr. Adams’ candidature, Mattias Johnson told XYZ News Mr. Adams might not be successful as an independent candidate.