Regional News of Tuesday, 9 March 2004

Source: GNA

Rule of law should not be abused- Bintim

Zabzugu (N/R), March 9, GNA- Mr Charles Bintim, Deputy Northern Regional Minister has warned that the government's commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles should not be a licence for people to take the law into their own hands.

He said for this election year, the government would not sit down unconcerned for any group of politicians who have hidden agenda to cause confusion or try to destabilise the country.

Mr Bintim gave the warning when he inaugurated the Zabzugu/Tatale District Assembly at Zabzugu.

The Assembly elected Mr Edward Abebe Kojo Dawuni, Assemblyman for Napale Borile Electoral Area as the Presiding Member. He polled 36 votes out of the 43 members who were present to cast their votes.

Mr Bintim deplored the poor internal revenue generation of the assembly and asked the House to intensify its revenue collection effort instead of over-relying on the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF), the HIPC Fund and other income flows for their development projects.

He appealed to the Assembly Members, chiefs and opinion leaders in Dagbon to expedite the burial of the late Ya-na as a sign of respect and recognition of his immense contribution to the development of the area. Alhaji Yakubu Bukari, Zabzugu/Tatale District Chief Executive told the Assembly Members to pool their experiences and expertise to promote healthy debate and useful decision-making for the speedy development of the district.

He called on the Members and chiefs to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure peace in the area. 9 March 04