General News of Thursday, 12 November 2009

Source: joyonline

NDC chairman demands dismissal of N/R Minister

Two party gurus of the ruling National Democratic Congress in Tamale are at each other’s throat, accusing each other of contract grabbing.

As the battle for supremacy rages, the Northern Regional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Sumani Zakari has called for the dismissal of the Regional Minister, Stephen Sumani Nayina.

The two accuse each other of gleefully grabbing contracts and sparking anger among ordinary supporters of the party in the region.

Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent, Mahama Shaibu reports that the feud between the two started barely two months into Mr Nayina’s administration.

Factionalism easily broke out with each faction blaming their lack of jobs on the other.

Alhaji Zakari accused the Regional Minister of taking 21 contracts from all 20 District Chief Executives in the region, taking GH¢40,000 ostensibly to ensure confirmation of the DCE nominee for Savelugu as well as seizing four vehicles belonging to the Regional Co-ordinating Council.

But Mr Nayina denies the allegations, accusing the Chairman of speaking from ignorance.

He told a local radio station in Tamale that Alhaji Zakari has failed to execute a contract to build a girls hostel at Bagabaga Training College, six months after it was awarded to him.

Mr Nayina also claimed the NDC Chairman had grabbed six out of sixteen road contracts awarded in the region.

Describing Alhaji Zakari as a man who resorts to violence to settle scores with his perceived enemies, the regional minister said the Chairman wanted him out of office because he will not allow himself to be manipulated.