General News of Friday, 22 June 2012

Source: Radio XYZ

Rawlings Cannot Do Without NDC – Anita de Souza

The National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that former President Rawlings cannot do without the party just as the party needs his support to win the December polls.

“The party cannot do without the Rawlingses; the Rawlingses cannot also do without the party because we saw what happened when we were in opposition and so we beg them to come back home to organise well in order to win the election” Ms Anita Desooso said.

Speaking on Ephson File on Thursday, Ms Desooso added that President Mills has never offended ex President Rawlings, blaming the bitter relationship between the founder of the party and the President on some spiritual forces.

Former President Rawlings has been an ardent critic of the President Mills administration describing him as a weak and dormant leader on various occasions.

Government officials have not been spared in the constant scathing attack by Mr. Rawlings, who has described several government appointees as self seeking politicians who are in government to satisfy their own interest.

It has been widely reported that ex President Rawlings who campaigned strongly for then candidate Mills prior to the 2008 elections will not be part of President Mills’ attempt to seek re-election in this year’s polls.

However, Ms Desooso stated that despite the fact that there are some differences between the two leaders, plans are underway to ensure that both factions put aside their issues and smoke the peace pipe for the sake of the party.

“Our dear President [Mills] I don’t think has ever offended the Rawlingses but as humans we have a few people who might have stepped on his toe but the council of elders have started addressing such problems.

“If you watch closely you will notice that most of the time people from his [Rawlings] side rather insult the President and prominent persons in the NDC but we think that as a family we need to be united”.