Mahdi Jibril
Mahdi Jibril, the Deputy Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for granting citizenship to American musician Stevie Wonder.
Jibril's critique arises amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the dual citizenship status of Assin North Member of Parliament, John Gyakye Quayson, who currently faces criminal charges for allegedly holding dual citizenship and forging official documents.
Expressing his discontent during a panel discussion on Peace FM's Kokrokoo on May 20, 2024, Jibril highlighted what he perceives as the president's double standards.
"Nobody is suggesting that we should include foreigners in our elections, but who determines who is a foreigner and who is a minor? Is it by face, dress, or language?" Jibril questioned.
He drew a comparison between the president's treatment of Quayson and his decision to grant citizenship to Stevie Wonder.
"If you consider the President granting citizenship to Stevie Wonder, did the President budget for Stevie Wonder to come and live in Ghana?
“They say it's okay for Stevie Wonder to come to Ghana, but others argue that we haven't budgeted for them. Why do you take all of us for granted?" he asked.
Jibril argued that the President's actions in granting citizenship to the American musician were financially imprudent and hypocritical, especially considering his pursuit of Quayson over his dual citizenship.
"The President wasted money to grant citizenship to Stevie Wonder, yet the same President was pursuing an MP who was coming to work for Ghana," he stated.
He further lambasted President Akufo-Addo for his relentless efforts to prosecute Quayson.
"The same president has sworn by heaven and earth that, by all means, the Assin North MP should be arrested. But now, you are granting citizenship to someone who has lived all his life in America, and this is acceptable for you to do. They should give us a break on this issue. The same president has double standards," Jibril declared.
AM/SARA
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