General News of Thursday, 14 November 2013

Source: peacefmonline.com

Let’s not rationalize Vicky's actions - Baako

Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako says though he empathizes with beleaguered former Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, over her dismissal from government, it will be politically suicidal to rationalize her indiscretion by government.

Ms. Victoria Hammah was hit with a blow last Thursday when what she thought was a friendly conversation she was having with a female friend in her vehicle turned out to be her worst nightmare.

She loudly disclosed her political ambition and the activities of some government officials whiles unbeknownst to her, she was being taped.

Ms. Hammah told her friend that the husband of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Tony Lithur was in charge of three Ministries.

Lawyer Tony Lithur was also mentioned on the tape to be a close ally to the President.

His wife, Nana Oye Lithur, was also said to have had a secret meeting with the nine Supreme Court Judges who heard the election petition filed by the opposition New Patriotic Party challenging the legitimacy of President Mahama.

Ms. Hammah continued that she wants to gain 1 million dollars in her political career.

Following these incriminatory revelations, she was summarily dismissed from office last Friday by President Mahama in a statement signed by the Information Minister, Mahama Ayariga.

Kweku Baako, speaking to the issue on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", said he feels sorry for the former Deputy Communications Minister whose act of indiscretion during her chit-chat with a female friend regarding the administration of President John Mahama was secretly recorded and released into the public domain. He however added that despite that his commiseration with Ms. Hammah, he supports the call for a probe because the issue was of public interest.

He also insisted that attempts by some government communicators to rationalize Vicky Hammah's misconduct are baseless.

“It is an unforgivable thing to say. You could say it in private and get away with it. Once it becomes public, no matter the rationalization you do; you can’t get yourself purge of it. So, let’s not make an attempt to rationalize the thing anywhere…I feel very sorry for the lady because I don’t believe she has the shock absorbers to withstand the pressure but the one about Oye Lithur going to see the judges cannot be dismissed,” he asserted.

To him, the impact of that claim is “politically damaging to the lady, government, the country and the judiciary”; and needs to be investigated to bring closure to the issue.