Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has responded to reports that he is being considered as a New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate.
The MP, who is also the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, believes such proposals are premature because they could distract the party.
He was responding to a question about whether he had been approached to be a running mate, and he said, ”Let us end this discussion here. This may cause confusion and distraction. Let us finish our presidential primary so that we don’t distract the party”.
He was speaking with Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Frontline.
”I have heard people make those claims that I should be considered,” said the lawmaker. But I want to emphasise that picking a running mate is not a CONTEST. The presidential candidate prioritises the selection of a running mate. We should allow the presidential candidate, who we all know will win, to do so on his own. We should let him pray about it and pick a running mate without any pressure. It should be his decision”.
I am not engaging in tribal and religious politics
Meanwhile, he has strongly refuted allegations made by Kennedy Agyapong that he [the Majority Leader] was resorting to “tribal and religious politics” while campaigning for the Vice President.
In a statement issued on this matter, he said ”The character trait of Hon Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is truthfulness, pragmatism and realism and these have always guided and guarded his statements, discussions and conversations. His discourses are well-reasoned; not philippic, in other words, not statements that bitterly attack other persons; or petulant, that is, ill-tempered or peevish; or populist.
Also, the Majority Leader has not condoned or connived with anybody to “hijack the party”. On the other hand, he, together with others at the National Executive Committee and National Council, stood firmly and thwarted attempts by some of the presidential hopefuls to set aside clearly stated, unambiguous provisions of the NPP Constitution. If that amounts to “hijacking” or “intimidation” or “collapsing the party”, in the opinion of Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, then it can only be described as unfortunate.”
He added ”Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, is not known for bellicosity, belligerence or hot-headedness. He does not spew vitriol. He is well focused. On his rounds, he has never attacked any of the contestants. He speaks to his own track-record in the party, his experience and his vision to reposition the party and the economy.
He does not issue and has not issued any threats to anybody, including, in particular, any officer of the party at any level. Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah is a lamb who has exhibited long-suffering and preaches peace. It is for these traits that people like Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as well as the over 130 Members of Parliament have aligned with him.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
