One of the protesters’ main concerns is that, the MCE, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, is not a registered voter in the constituency. But commenting on the development for the first time, President Akufo-Addo described the protests as “obviously unacceptable.”
Speaking during the swearing-in of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo on Monday, he urged “the police to do all in their power to bring to book all who fall foul of the law. We cannot have developments which will bring jobs to our youth without order.”
The President’s remarks on Savelugu came as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, amidst the political tension in Savelugu.
The protesting NPP members have been barricading the MCE’s office in a series of protests that have escalated into standoffs with Police.
The protesters have warned that the NPP risks losing the Savelugu and the Nantong constituencies during the 2020 elections if Hajia Ayishetu Seidu is not replaced.
Beyond Savelugu, the Akufo-Addo Administration has been heavily criticized for enabling acts of lawlessness by its perceived inaction after widespread instances of post-election violence by groups aligned to the party.
The most notable of these involved the Kumasi-based Delta Force, which infamously gained prominence after raiding the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and assaulting its coordinator. After arrests on the matter, Delta Force members who were arraigned, escaped from court custody after some of their members sparked confusion during a hearing.
Laws will be enforced without fear or favour
These developments notwithstanding, President Akufo-Addo insisted that persons who perpetrate acts of lawlessness “will find no shield in my government from the law.”
“My government will not shield anyone found to have broken the laws of this country. Application of the laws of the land must occur, in the words of the judicial oath; without fear or favour, affection or ill will and therefore, without recourse to the political, religious or ethnic affiliations of any citizen of the land.”
“When you fall foul of the law, you must be dealt with accordingly and the law enforcement agencies, including the judiciary, must ensure this is done,” President Akufo-Addo assured.
Protestors try to lock up the Savelugu MCE’s office building
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