The Chiefs and people of Nima have called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to exercise restraint and respect the outcome of the party’s internal elections in Ayawaso East, following the selection of a new parliamentary candidate to contest the March 3 by-election.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional authorities and residents, the Chairman of the Ayawaso East Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Fuseini Hassan Seidu, popularly known as Chief Louis, said the people of the constituency had spoken clearly and their decision must be respected by all stakeholders.
Chief Louis, who is also the Zamamana Chief of Nima, emphasised that unity and peace must prevail, warning that any attempt to interfere with or overturn the outcome could create unnecessary tension in the area.
“We the chiefs are very grateful for the peaceful campaign and election. We thank all our brothers and sisters. No matter what happens during elections, we must come out as one people,” he said.
According to him, both the winner and the losers in the contest are sons and daughters of Nima and deserve equal respect and support.
“We are appealing to everyone to give their support to the winner and the loser because they are all ours. There should be no differences among us. Now that we are going to work, we must work together with one common goal to develop Nima, clean up Nima, and make our communities tidy and well-organised,” Chief Louis stated.
He also called on the youth of the area to focus on productive opportunities, encouraging them to aspire for careers in the security services and other key professions.
“Our youths need to become soldiers, policemen, fire officers and take up other important jobs. We, the people of Nima, are united and we will not let anyone divide us,” he added.
Chief Louis further reaffirmed the community’s loyalty to its leadership, saying Nima would always stand behind any Member of Parliament elected to serve the area.
“We are strongly behind our MP and we shall continue to be behind him. Any MP who is for Nima is for us. We, the chiefs, together with our MP and assembly members, are united,” he said.
Touching on the legacy of the late former MP, Naser Maknaza, Chief Louis paid glowing tribute to his contributions to the constituency.
“Our ex-MP Naser Maknaza has done a lot for us and we always remember him. He was a very good man and we pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless his soul,” he noted.
On concerns about possible calls to cancel or rerun the internal election, Chief Louis warned that such actions could threaten peace in the constituency.
“We need to move ahead in peace. Nima is already united. If they say they are going to cancel the election, they don’t know what will happen. So let us keep the result as it is. There is no election without challenges, only God knows who is right,” he said.
Asked whether cancelling the process could lead to chaos, the traditional leader admitted that it was a real risk.
“Yes, there is something like that, and that is what we are trying to avoid. That is why we say the result should be kept the way it is,” he explained.
Chief Louis also rejected any form of external interference in the matter, insisting that the people of Nima had already made their choice.
“We don’t want any interference from outside. They should leave the people of Nima alone. Nima has already decided, the messages have gone round, and all delegates are aware. We love Hajia, and if she is the one who won, then that is the will of the people,” he concluded.
The appeal comes amid heightened political activity in Ayawaso East ahead of the March 3 by-election, with traditional authorities urging political actors to prioritise peace, unity and development over internal disputes.
By: Christian Kpesese
