Rawlings wants Nii Lante et al booted out of NDC

Former President Jerry John Rawlings is concerned some leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are laying the foundation to keep the party in opposition for a “long long time”.

According to him, “the corruption by some of those who were in office resulting in a humiliating defeat in the last election does not appear to have affected their conscience and reasoning in any way”.

The former leader made these remarks on Monday in relation to comments by his party’s Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.

The former Youth and Sports Minister is said to have told NDC supporters during the Somanya edition of the periodic Unity Walk that the party will win the 2020 elections and get recently convicted Abuga Pele – a former MP – out of prison.

But he has since come under a barrage of criticisms.

Without mentioning the name of Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Mr Rawlings in a statement said the quest for political power is not to release wrongdoers from prison.

“If the quest for political power is to release wrongdoers from prison, then the NDC is laying its own foundation to remain in opposition for a long long time.

“Fortunately, this kind of talk belongs to a handful of people in the NDC leadership who have gained power and influence they do not deserve and the sooner they are packed off the better for the NDC and this country.”

‘Moral compass’

Mr Rawlings, widely acclaimed the founder of the NDC, said the party needs to regain its moral compass.

He said just as the negative elements are colluding to insulate each other, the positive-minded members must also come together “to contain and keep such elements from political power”.

“While the current circumstances favour the patriotic forces the most, the unpatriotic elements are more bent on collaborating and exploiting the constitutional climate.

“Let’s make changes for the better. Clear the bad and retain the good. Bring on board other patriots,” the statement concluded.

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— Office of JJRawlings (@officeofJJR) February 26, 2018