Koforidua (Eastern Region) -- Some concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region have appealed to ex-President Rawlings to be cautious about his utterances at the University of Ghana, Legon in Accra.

They have also appealed to the security agencies to strengthen the security network at the venue for the congress in view of the mounting tension among members and supporters of the party. These sentiments were raised by the members when they called at the Koforidua office of The Evening News on Tuesday.

The concerned members came from New Juaben, Fanteakwa, Suhum, Akuapem North, Yilo and Manya Krobo constituencies. According to them, tension is so high that any provocative pronouncement from the founder could lead to chaos. They recounted the scathing remarks made by ex-President Rawlings during his campaign against Dr Kwesi Botchwey, saying “these have polarised the supporters.”

A die-hard NDC member, who gave his name as Christian Beko, said Flt Lt Rawlings’ open campaign for Prof Mills indicated that “all is not well with the party.” He said as the leader of the party the onus lay on him to unite feuding members but not to widen the gap by supporting one candidate against the other with contemptuous and derogatory remarks.

A 50-year old trader, Madam Beauty Asiamah, deplored the rate at which some newspapers hype the internal problems of the NDC, adding that “worst problems even exist in other parties than ours” and appealed to the delegates to show maturity and oneness at the congress.

Mallam Shaibu, who hails from Suhum Zongo, said the problem was not with who wins the flagbearership but who would lead the party to victory. “I am particular about who will save us from the economic doldrums and not someone who will lead the party to lose in the 2004 elections.” Mallam Shaibu called for “a peaceful and transparent elections devoid of twists and rancour.”