Opinions of Thursday, 15 December 2005

Columnist: Lartey, Baba Jamal

ABO - Anybody But Obed

Anybody But Obed Campaign Why We Must Kick Obed Out

? Divisive and Unforgiving Character: He still complains about Professor not selecting him as running mate in 2000 - (In September 2005; Check Daily Guide  Claims by Alhaji Bature)

? Has not been able to fulfill any of his electoral promises he made before the 2002 Congress

? (I) To resource the Party from branch, ward to constituency level.

? (II) To strengthen Party structures throughout the country.

? (III) Strengthen the Party?s HQRS: Party HQRS in arrears of rent  It was Prof. who had to pay $10,000.00 at a time to avoid ejection; Prof continues to intervene to avoid ejection.

? (IV) Salaries of Staff in the office during the elections were overdue several times and Prof. had to intervene on many occasions.

? (V) Electricity Bills outstanding; Power cut from ECG; Prof. had to intervene

? (VI) Telephone and fax lines cut during the heat of the campaign  Prof. had to intervene.

? (VII) Sabotaged Prof?s Campaign in 2000, 2004  Tens of Thousands of yr 2000 campaign posters were still in his house during the 2004 elections.  When asked why he kept them, he said they were meant for the victory celebrations; How absurd.

?  Told several people including foreign researchers and journalists and particularly some M.P?s to concentrate on the Parliamentary elections rather than the Presidential elections.

? (VIII) Displayed a lackadaisical and non-chalant attitude towards the whole 2004 Campaign.  Apart from Kadjebi, Takoradi and the main rallies in Accra i.e. Hearts Park and Manste Agboenaa, his impact on the campaign was negligible.

? (IX) Still Dislikes Prof. and Founder intensely and is doing everything possible to undermine them.

? (X) Has proven that he is not a true democrat, and will always want to impose his will on the Party

? (a) When the masses/delegates exercised their democratic choice by electing Prof. Mills as their Candidate in 2004, he persisted in opposing him both subtly and directly

? (b) He is still bent on imposing a Presidential Candidate of his choice on the party; Either he has his way or the Party collapses, This cannot be right.

? (c) Conducts functional Executive?s meetings in an arrogant and dictatorial manner

? (XI) Hardly criticizes the N.P.P.

? (a) Can you count the number of times, he as Chairman has come out clearly and forcefully to speak out against the NPP on critical national issues since 2001; Not more than 10 times; compare this performance to the Ala Adjetey?s, Odoi Skyes, Haruna Essekuis and even Delle of C.P.P.

? (b) Rather receives praises from N.P.P. Senial Callers and Sympathisers. Eg: Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe; I. K. Kwarteng (Ghanaian Chronicle Tuesday, 7th October, 2005 (Taflaste) Is there any hidden agenda we do not know about.

? (c) Most Pro ? N.P.P. Papers which are miraculously anti NDC, anti J.J and anti Prof. Papers tend to support Obed, why? E.g. Daily Guide, Crusading Guide, Independent.

? (XII) Ladies and Gentlemen at this critical period in the political history of Ghana, the NDC needs/requires a Chairman who has the ff: qualities:

? (i) Is prepared to work with the founder and Prof. Mills (whether Prof. Mills becomes flag bearer again or not is not the issue, he wields enormous influence and has a large following in the party, and so does the FOUNDER, who is loved by the masses and who contributes tremendously to our votes.

? Can you imagine an NDC without J. J. Rawlings

? (A Chairman who does not like nor respects the Founder, the flag bearer and the Council of Elders cannot help us secure victory in 2008)

? (II) Is prepared to accept the democratic choice and will of the people during Congress. Whether Prof. Mills or whoever.

? (III) Has the network and capacity to solicit for resources locally and internationally and to use such resources in the interest of the Party. ? (IV) Is humble, diplomatic and approachable.

ANYBODY with these qualities will serve the interests of the NDC in seeking to regain power from the NPP.

JOIN THE ABO ? ANYBODY BUT OBED campaign to ensure a united, stable, focused and battle ready NDC poised to capture power in 2008. Spread the word.



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