Bolgatanga, Dec. 18, GNA - Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President on Monday said he believed he deserved to become the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

"I have served the nation and the party diligently for the past seven years, and I can confidently say that nobody ever found fault with my work, not even the times I acted as President when President Kufuor travelled."

He made the observation when he interacted with the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs to solicit for their prayers to enable him become the flag bearer of the party and the next President of Ghana. He indicated that although the constitution debarred chiefs from active politics, as custodians of the land they owed it a duty to invoke the ancestors to select the right candidate to lead the country. "I have served under the President with humility, humbleness and faithfulness and have much experience to rule the country to perfection" he emphasized.

Alhaji Aliu debunked the allegation being peddled by a cross-section of the public that since he became the Vice President, he had not brought much development to the north and cited the upgrading of the Bolgatanga Hospital, Bawku Senior High, Bolgatanga Senior High and Tamale Senior High Schools, among others into befitting status. Experience, he noted, was the best teacher, adding that among all the aspirants he was the most marketable candidate that could lead the party to victory.

"I am a unique brand that can win more votes from the North, Zongos and the Volta Region to enable the party retain power in 2008", he stated.

He explained that when he becomes the flag bearer and the President of the country he would help bridge the gap of disparity between the north and the south. Alhaji Aliu said the disparity that existed between the north and south could create conflicts if the situation was not addressed. Naba Simon Ayidana Asobayire IV, President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, urged the party delegates to help choose someone who could accelerate the development of the nation.