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Opinions of Sunday, 31 March 2013

Columnist: Rii, Jedd

Nana Akuffo Addo, A Very Unlikely Warrior

The situation has had more twists and turns than a Maranello Circuit. It has seen a mass stampede to be entrenched in a lawsuit, failure by a defendant to use a relief provision provided by law, the downplay of the emergence of information not intended to be disclosed and now allegations of murder, impersonation and deception.

Events seem to be making the current challenge by Messrs Akuffo Addo, Obetsebi Lamptey and Dr Bawumia on behalf of the NPP and its supporters as difficult as possible, if not to ensure that the lawsuit does not see a day in court.

It is not clear how the latest incarnation of allegation against Mr Akuffo Addo is supposed to affect the lawsuit. Is it sheer coincidence or is it designed as leverage for him to stop the lawsuit or face exposure or frame-up that has been designed for him as a reprisal. It is always good to maintain a healthy respect for judges of the Supreme Court; serving or retired and I am not prepared to shift from that position. There is however one primary factor which is key to the legal challenge by Messrs Akuffo Addo, Obetsebi Lamptey and Dr Bawumia on behalf of the NPP and its supporters:

“The NPP cannot fabricate evidence over which it has no control.”

On that basis, if the respondents or any of them are certain that there is no substance in any of the allegations raised by the petitioners, they should be comfortable in the notion, that the petitioners, the NPP or its supporters cannot create one to secure a negative verdict against them. They can only be convicted on evidence which has been in the control of the respondents. They should therefore expedite a swift progress into court.

On the other hand, if the respondents or any of them are of the knowledge that some information, if further uncovered or revealed will provide a startling revelation and prove the petitioners’ case against any or all the respondents, that knowledge will explain the frantic and diversionary activities which appear designed to break the resolve of the petitioners and put a stop to the progress of the case.

There is a notion, following the accident involving Dr Bawumia, that there are people who are prepared to resort to criminal acts, just to stop this case. The question is: Why? What exactly are they afraid of being exposed? How much contingency preparation have these individuals made and how far are they prepared to go, to ensure that this case does not get to court?

The NPP and its supporters have not exhibited any of the lawless, maraud or militant attitude or tendency with which they were tagged and have instead rallied behind their leaders in a legitimate challenge at the nation’s Supreme Court. To all intents and purposes, they have complied and still intend to comply with all the directives of the courts.

Notwithstanding the current allegations against Mr Akuffo Addo, it must be said, that for the purpose of this challenge and the conduct of the parties, the NPP has exhibited a textbook conduct on civil behaviour both in court and outside. The lawsuit is not about Mr Akuffo Addo, and as such, if it becomes necessary under any circumstance, that he cannot continue this challenge for his party and supporters, this case must still be prosecuted.

“The cobra rears its head in the face of an imminent threat and if you get a constant spray of venom in your direction, it indicates close proximity, if it is your adversary.” I am not certain if this is applicable or not, but there seem to be an inordinate set of events all of which seem to conspire against any swift resolution of this case and it is not coming from the petitioners, the NPP or its supporters.

We have heard all the arguments against this man Nana Akuffo Addo; allegations of drugs, impropriety and now murder, impersonation and deception. We cannot vouch for him, we can only stick to the facts and what is obvious to everyone, and that is:

“In a nation of 24.2 million inhabitants, when in excess 42% of the voter population at an election, claimed that their vote was not properly accounted for, it took one man who is embroiled in allegations of drugs, impropriety, impersonation, deception and murder to step forward and lead their claim to the highest court of the land. …and all this was done in the face if fierce opposition and overwhelming odds. ”

It is a candid observation, how all the brave men have suddenly melted into the background, looking on from the shadows, while Mr Akuffo Addo and a few brave men take the barbs from all sides like gladiators.

If the latest allegation, is the arrow that carries the barb which takes Akuffo Addo down, so be it, but this mission, which is for millions of voters, must surely be accomplished.

When is it right to abandon a veritable cause? . Jedd Rii

Link: aabicoleridge@live.co.uk