General News of Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Source: rainbowradioonline.com

Pardoning Montie trio is a foolish decision - Frances Essiam

Madam Frances Essiam Madam Frances Essiam

Madam Frances Essiam, a communication team member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), says the decision to grant presidential pardon to the Montie trio is the most foolish decision ever.

According to her, President Mahama acted in folly and that this is one of the most foolish decision ever in Ghana's history.

''What I'm saying is that, President Mahama has not acted wisely. He acted in folly. I'm using my words adversely. I feel that this is one of the most foolish decision the president has taken. The word foolish is English...The decision is out of folly. It is an unwise decision.''

She explained that the constitutional provision which the president acted upon resides in the people and not the president.

The firebrand politician posited that, President Mahama is the architect of the whole saga since the presenter, Salifu Maase aka Mugabe had stated that he left London to come and work in the interest of the president.

She explained that this is a sad day for Ghana and a slap on the face of the judiciary.

She was surprised why the trio could be pardoned when they have threatened the lives of judges. Madam Frances Essiam accused President Mahama of using ''makavalian tactics'' and cutting corners and politically influencing the Council of State to grant the pardon.

''The president has turned himself into an overlord of the judiciary and has erred legally by granting the pardon,'' she opined.

Madam Frances Essiam speaking in an interview with Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, said we do not need the US Marines to tell us that President Mahama is behind the entire saga.

''I am saying it on authority. I'm challenging John Mahama to deny that he is behind the attack and threat on the lives of the judges.''

President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72 of the constitution remitted the sentence of Alister Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunnb annd Salifu Maase aka Mugabe.

The trio were jailed to four months imprisonment and fined GHC 10, 000 each for contempt of court.

The decision of His Excellency the President to remit their sentences on compassionate grounds follows a petition submitted to him by the contemnors appealing to the President to exercise his prerogative of mercy even as they continue to express deep remorse and regret for the unacceptable statements they made against the Judiciary, portions of the statement signed by Communications Minister, Dr. Richard Omane Boamah stated.

Madam Frances Essiam revealed that Women for Change will soon hit the streets to demonstrate against the decision exercised by President Mahama.

She urged Ghanaians to vote out the NDC government for undermining the judiciary.