A member of the NDC legal team Nelson Nobel Amedewonu Esq has defended the decision by the Member of Parliament for the constituency affected by the longstanding Bawku conflict to remain silent on the matter, arguing that the approach is deliberate and intended to protect peace.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr, he said the conflict is a generational matter that predates the MP’s time in Parliament and should therefore not be used as a measure of his ability to manage the constituency.
According to him, any public comment by the MP risks being interpreted by either side of the conflict as an endorsement of their position, potentially making the situation worse.
“If I’m in his position, I will do the same thing he is doing. That is, to be mute on whatever is happening and do your work underground,” he said.
He explained that because the MP has connections to both sides, taking a public position could easily create the impression that he is favouring one faction.
“This one will say, ‘Oh, because you are from my place, what you are saying is to my benefit.’ Then you are rather fueling the conflict,” he said.
He argued that the conflict has existed for generations and that chiefs and other stakeholders have previously struggled to resolve it, making it unreasonable to expect the MP to publicly take sides in the dispute.
He further maintained that the MP’s role requires him to present himself as a statesman who can be trusted by both sides.
According to him, the MP’s ability to secure votes from both sides of the divide is evidence that his approach has been accepted by constituents.
“The best test is that he is getting votes. That is the test. The litmus test in this situation is that he is getting votes from both sides,” he said.
He insisted that the MP’s conduct should ultimately be judged by its impact on peace and the welfare of his constituents, rather than by how vocal he is about the conflict.
“If your silence will bring peace to your people, be silent. If your talking will bring peace to your people, then talk. If you have to be loud to bring peace to your people, be loud,” he added.
He said the MP had simply chosen the “temperature” he believes is most appropriate for the situation, arguing that his approach should not be mistaken for an inability to handle his constituency.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayeson
