The Savelugu Member of Parliament (MP) is blaming security agencies in the area for disrupting a meeting held to address the misunderstanding between some youth groups and the newly approved Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu.
Abdul Samed Gunu told Evans Mensah on Joy FM’s Top Story Thursday the presence of the contingent of security personnel triggered the clashes that left at least three people injured.
“There was a mediation team on the ground to hold dialogue between the MCE and the people but suddenly the presence of the police and military men escalated issues,” he said.
Savelugu Member of Parliament, Abdul Samed Gunu
Related Article: Savelugu Police clash with NPP executives over MCE
He said Savelugu is a “fragile” place which the security agencies should have taken into consideration before dispatching their men to the meeting ground.
The Savelugu-Nanton police in the Northern Region clashed with some executives of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Assembly’s office complex.
The NPP executives reportedly went to the premises of the Assembly to prevent the new MCE from entering her office.
Wielding machetes and clubs, the youth made their way to the office of the MCE when they were stopped by some two policemen who were guarding the office.
The officers tried to stop the youth but sensing danger, they called for reinforcement.
Joy News’ Northern Regional Correspondent, Hashmin Mohammed reports the youth clashed with the contingent of police and military personnel who were dispatched to the scene.
While the police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, the youth responded by pelting stones at the officers.
The appointment of Hajia Seidu has been met with animosity since it was announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Some youth in the area have said the appointee played no role in the “struggle” to bring the NPP into power.
After an election to confirm her appointment, the appointee polled 50 out of the total 64 votes cast.
Although saddened by the clashes, the Savelugu MP said the concerns of the youth need to be treated seriously.
Mr Samed Gunu said the youth have on several occasions registered their displeasure but it appeared no one is listening.
“They gave us the mandate and their concerns must be addressed [because] the woman [MCE] was not known and they are calling for change,” he said.
The lawmaker said he is not interested in the gender of the MCE provided the “people are willing to work with the person.”
Mr Samed Gunu said if Hajia Seidu was an appealing candidate to the people, they would not have agitated against her.
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