Tension has gripped the Binduri District Assembly following the rejection of Akudugu Martin Ariku as the District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee. The assembly members voted 9-8 against his confirmation, leaving the district without a substantive DCE.
In a shocking turn of events, the Presiding Member of the assembly, who doubles as the assembly member for Kaadi electoral area, was attacked and hospitalized after the vote. The reasons behind the attack are still unclear.
Another assembly member, Hon. John Adabogo Moto, representing Sakpari electoral area, narrowly escaped a similar fate. He was seized by unknown youths who attempted to beat him.
The incident has heightened tensions in the area, which was already experiencing unrest. The rejection of the DCE nominee and subsequent attacks have raised concerns about the stability of the district.
According to sources, the district will remain without a DCE until the President nominates another candidate. However, per Electoral Commission laws, the President would need to re-nominate Hon. Akudugu Martin Ariku if he desires to keep him in the running, as a different candidate cannot be nominated without going through the process again.
The people of Binduri are anxiously waiting for a resolution to the crisis.
In contrast, neighboring Bawku Municipal Assembly witnessed a smooth confirmation process. Hon. Azonaba Isaac was confirmed as the Municipal Chief Executive with an impressive 93% vote, garnering 25 out of 28 total votes cast by assembly members.
Similarly, Hon. James Ayamwego secured 38 out of 49 votes, representing 77.5% in his own confirmation.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga, congratulated the assembly members of Bawku and Zebilla during the swearing-in ceremony of the confirmed DCEs. He expressed gratitude to the members for their cooperation, noting that they had not “disgraced” President John Dramani Mahama.
The stark contrast between the two districts has raised questions about the factors contributing to the differing outcomes. As the situation in Binduri remains uncertain, stakeholders are calling for calm and restraint. Security agencies have also been urged to investigate the attacks and ensure peace is restored in the area.
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