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I am your magnet for the undecided
voter - Aliu
Essikado (W/R) Dec. 13, GNA - Vice-President Aliu Mahama has
described himself as a "special magnet" that was capable of
attracting floating voters; particularly those from the
three Northern Regions and are mostly found in settler
communities and "Zongos" in all parts of the country.
He noted that votes from floating voters in Election 2008
would be crucial in deciding the fate of the ruling New
Patriotic Party (NPP) and its opponents.
Vice President Mahama, who is one of those contesting to
replace President John Agyekum Kufuor, was speaking when he
paid a courtesy call on Nana Kobina Nketsia VI, Omanhene of
Essikado Traditional Area at Essikado, near Sekondi, at the
end of his campaign tour of the Western Region.
He said apart from the fact that he had acquired vast
experience over the past seven years as an apprentice to
President Kufuor; he had exhibited dedication, loyalty and
humility in the course of his duty to the nation.
"Apart from these attributes, I see myself as a special
magnet to attract floating voters from the Zongos and other
settler communities for the NPP to win in 2008 with a bigger
margin", he stated.
Vice President Mahama noted that even though all the
aspirants had the presidential ambition, "no person can
ordain himself as a king because it is only the Lord who
makes kings".
He, therefore, asked for special prayers from the various
religious leaders including chiefs to enable him to win the
hearts of the delegates during the forthcoming NPP congress
to choose a flag-bearer.
Vice president Mahama said chiefs must see themselves as
partners in development and to continue to support the
government to bring more development to all sectors
including dispute resolution to enhance peace and harmony.
He announced that the World Bank had instituted a programme
to help in the training of chiefs in the basic tenets of the
judicial process.
He commended Nana Nketsia for his able leadership as a
result of which the area had seen many development projects
and said he was among "traditional rulers that the country
can be very proud of".
He noted that even though there was more to be done to
improve the lots of the people of the Region the NPP had
done a lot in terms of the provision of roads; health
facilities; education and potable water among other things
to enhance the lives of the people.
"Western Region has a special place in the production of the
country's resources and something special had to be done for
the Region", the Vice President said.
Nana Nketsia said Vice President Mahama had demonstrated
that he was a true symbol of humility, perfect harmony,
peace and hard work and added that he should continue to be
a bridge between the peoples of the North and South.
He noted with concern that political instability in the
previous years had contributed to the slow pace of
development and urged politicians to conduct their business
in a manner that would ensure stability, security, justice
and fairness.
The Omanhene's chief linguist said a libation prayer for
blessings and victory for Vice President Mahama.
GNA
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