General News of Wednesday, 13 December 2017

Source: otecfmghana.com

Provide faceless petitioners to Charlotte Osei - Obiri Boahen

Deputy General Secretary for the ruling New Patriotic Party, Nana Obiri Boahen has collaborated with the decision by the Electoral Commission boss, Miss Charlotte Osei to demand full particulars of those behind the petition against her removal from office.

‘’If you ask me, in my candid opinion she is right, without sounding prejudicial, without trying to preempt the next line of action she has that right not to appear before the committee if they fail to provide her with details of the petitioners,’’. Nana Obiri Boahen declared.

Speaking to OTECNEWS, Nana Obiri Boahen who is also a constitutional Lawyer said the committee must heed Madam Osei in order to cure speculations, rumours, malformation, misinterpretation and disinformation adding that justice should be seen manifestly and undoubtedly be done.

The embattled chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, has called on the chief justice committee probing her and her two deputies to furnish her with a copy of the petition seeking her removal.

According to her, though she has cooperated with the committee over the alleged issues plaguing the commission, she is yet to receive a copy of the specific allegations being made against her by her staff.

“Subsequent to my response to the allegations contained in the petition, I have heard no further from her ladyship the Chief Justice.

“ I would appreciate being furnished with a copy of the alleged petition to enable me seek the requisite legal advice.

“I would also appreciate clarification as to the composition and terms of reference of the committee,” Mrs. Osei said in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice.

The EC boss and two of her deputies Amadu Sulley (in charge of Operations), and Georgina Amankwa (in charge of Corporate Services) on Monday appeared before the Chief Justice over allegations of mismanagement and incompetence at the commission.

The two deputies have accused their boss of financial mismanagement and poor leadership, an accusation she has rejected.

Both parties have been given three weeks by the Chief Justice to file their statement of response to the committee after which the hearing will continue.

According to Nana Obiri Boahen, Miss Charlotte Osei and her legal team are within their jurisdiction by law adding that they are making legitimate demands.

‘’ She is going to appear before a committee that will determine her fate, therefore she must resort to judicatory procedures so if she or her lawyers are demanding for judicatory measures, I think she legally right,’’ said former Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman.

‘’Are they saying that they will not allow Miss Charlotte Osei and her legal team to know the identities of the petitioners when they appear before the committee? Will they not be allowed to see the witnesses too? ’ Obri Bohen quizzed

‘’Justice should not be seen to be done but justice should be seen to be reasonably and probably be done,’’ he observed.