I prayed to God to 'gag' me against Atuguba - Kofi Jumah

Former New Patriotic Party's Member of Parliament for Asokwa Constituency, Maxwell Kofi Jumah says he had prayed to God to grant him the wisdom to resist the temptation of making careless remarks relating to the ongoing hearing of the 2012 election petition.

According to him, there were times when the temptation to comment was so strong, and when he did, he was cautious enough to make comments that would not amount to contempt.

Speaking on Badwam on Adom TV, Wednesday, Mr. Kofi Jumah told host Kojo Asare Baffuor Acheampong (KABA) that his party's General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie ought to have restrained himself from making reckless remarks against Justice William Atuguba, President of the nine-member panel of judges, hearing the presidential election petition.

Sir John was on Wednesday found guilty of intentional criminal contempt and was fined GH¢5,000 and ordered to sign a bond to be of good behaviour for six months or in default serve six months in prison, for making comments the panel considered contemptuous.

Hopeson Adorye, a party communications officer was also fined GH¢2,000 and made to sign a bond to be of good behaviour for three months in default serve three months prison term for a similar offense.

But Kofi Jumah said the many prayers said on behalf of his party's scribe, saved him from being handed a custodial sentence.

The former Kumasi Mayor however, commended the governing National Democratic Congress, particularly, its National Chairman Dr. Kwabena Adjei, for the support towards Sir John, immediately the summons were served on him.

He further suggested to the National Peace Council, to organise a nationwide tour for politicians, to propagate peace in the country.