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General News of Tuesday, 26 March 2002

Source: Statesman

Dominic Nitiwul, MP-elect outdoored

The MP-elect for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has noted that peace and unity constitute his prime target during his term of office. He disclosed that before he will embark on any development programme, he would make sure that peace, unity and reconciliation are firmly entrenched in the Bimbilla constituency.

Nitiwul made these disclosures when he was introduced officially by the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Harona Esseku to the public in Accra on Monday. The public introduction took place at NPP headquarters at in Accra. The 25-year old teacher turned legislator emphasized that he is very well informed about volatile and deprived conditions pertaining to his constituency and therefore what is needed most now is to reconcile the various factions so that everybody will be ready to assist in the development of the area.

Giving background to the story, which led to his nomination and victory, Nitiwul said the fact that he, a Konkomba, was nominated by a Nanumba, indicates that the people are ready for peace and they see him as a symbol of peace for the area.

He was convinced that he possesses the zeal and commitment needed to bring peace and unity to the area. He added that the people had no choice other than what he stood for: "We are deprived; left behind and we need to change for the better," and this led to the people abandoning the NDC for the NPP.

The Bimbilla MP-elect cautioned that nobody should take him for granted because of his age, declaring that "age is not a barrier to ability," and "grey hair does not mean wisdom." He commended the chiefs and people of Bimbilla constituency for rallying behind him to change their fortunes for the better. He promised to do all he can to justify the confidence and trust reposed in him.

Meanwhile, Harona Esseku has told Ghanaians that Nitiwul's election is a manifestation of the NPP's policy to offer "the youth the opportunity to exploit their potentials and contribute to the task of nation development."

He stated that Nitiwul represents a new face of future leaders emerging within the NPP who are prepared to use dialogue as the ideal tool for seeking solutions for problems. He pledged the party's support for the MP-elect and assured him that every effort would be put in place to help him reconcile and unify his people for development and prosperity.

It must be noted that Bimbilla is one of the volatile places in Ghana since 1994 tribal war between the Konkombas and the Nanumbas. This tribalism and ethnicity were used by some politicians during the bye-election, but all to no avail. The bye- election in Bimbilla was peaceful, free and fair.