NPP vigil not to put pressure on SC judges - Fred Oware

A Vice Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Fred Oware, has stated that a nationwide vigil being organised in solidarity with the party’s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, who is facing contempt of court charges at the Supreme Court, is not intended to put pressure on the judges.

Mr. Oware maintained that the vigil is "in response to the party's call that no one should get onto the streets to do anything that will attract unpalatable comments" from the public.

Mr. Owusu Afriyie, popularly called "Sir John" and party communications team member, Hopeson Adorye will on Wednesday face the panel of judges hearing the election petition to explain why they should not be convicted of contempt of court for scandalous comments they made on the presidential election petition pending before the court.

Party executives in the Ashanti and Central Regions are expected to hold a vigil Tuesday, while the women's wing has directed party faithful, market women, party activists "to be in Red and Black attire".

Speaking on the Joy FM's Super Morning Show Tuesday, Mr. Oware said the party had already demonstrated its faith in the rule of law through its petition to the Supreme Court challenging the legitimacy of John Mahama's presidency.

He said the NPP will not use any other means to put pressure on the judges not to convict Sir John, he said.

According to him, the party does not expect any of its supporters taking part in the exercise, to go wayward and cause any troubles.

"This is in solidarity with our General Secretary Sir John and Youth Activist Hopeson Adorye who have been cited for contempt," he explained.

Meanwhile, suspended founder member of the NPP, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby has urged Mr. Owusu Afriyie to show remorse, when he appears before the judges.

He should "go on his knees" and show his regrets for the "distasteful and appalling comments; we don't want to see him in jail."