NDC calls for release of supporters

THE National Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of supporters of the party who were arrested by security agencies in connection with recent riots in Tamale.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of our supporters in detention. We are compelled by revelations to the effect that the security forces are acting with the impression that the perpetrators are members of the NDC and this is unfortunate,” the youth wing said.

The statement was signed by the National Youth Organiser, Mr Iddrisu Haruna, in Accra yesterday.

The statement holds that information reaching the secretariat of the youth wing indicates that the security agencies have arrested over 120 persons, largely known activists of the NDC, in an apparent move to ensure peace and maintain law and order in the area.

“These lopsided arrests are not only grossly unfair but have the potential of exacerbating conflicts,” the statement asserted.

The statement added that the reports also show that the security apparatus were led around by agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to arrest NDC sympathisers for detention.

It noted that the speed and enthusiasm with which the security forces apprehended alleged offenders in the area was in sharp contrast to the slow pace of arrests in connection with the gruesome murder of the Ya-Na and forty others.

The statement attributed the background of the conflict between supporters of the two parties to the unnecessary and unwarranted directives by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tamale to a section of butchers at the Tamale Central Market to remove an NDC flag.

This, according to the statement sent wrong signals to the NPP youth that they could have the support of the MCE and the party machinery in the municipality to vandalise the butchers’ shop.

“We have the strongest conviction that the violence was instigated by the NPP youth deliberately to justify the imposition of another state of emergency in the area,” the statement added.

It therefore called on the security agencies to arrest all those who were associated with the initial action of vandalising the butchers’ shop, “ for this in our view set the stage for the eventual clashes.”

The statement called on supporters of the party in the municipality to remain calm and restrain themselves in the face of any provocation.