Ghana's former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Victor Smith has chastised the founder of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President Jerry John Rawlings for showing disrespect to former President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, it is a fact that Rawlings is the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former President of Ghana, and that same seat he occupied as President, John Mahama has also occupied same.
Speaking on Okay FM’s 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show to voice out his rage, Ambassador Victor Smith averred that “we can say that they are colleagues of a certain stature in the society”.
He stressed that former President Rawlings should realise that the presidency is similar to kingship and just as one cannot reproach a King publicly, so must he [Rawlings] not undermine former President Mahama in a manner he did in Ho in the Volta Region during the 31st December Movement celebration.
“It is the same respect that we want former President Rawlings to find a way to resolve any issue he has with anybody especially of the calibre and stature of former President Mahama . . . you are two former Presidents of our party [NDC] and in your estimation Mahama has done something wrong, you should speak to him on the quiet for him to explain himself to you why he was late to the event and not disrespect him in this manner”, he fumed.
“ . . but even if Mahama was late to the program, was that the platform for Rawlings to address him when teeming supporters are around? Are you helping us or you want to destroy the party or perhaps you want to disgrace John Mahama?" he quizzed.
He was of the view that many people have complained to former President Rawlings behind the scene but he is adamant; proving to be better and perfect than everybody in the country.
“ . . John Mahama maybe younger than Rawlings but you occupied the same seat that Ghanaians voted for him [Mahama] to become President and so let’s take it that you all are in the same class as former Presidents; you need to give respect to each other”, he asserted.
“Mahama says this is about the third time Rawlings has publicly chastised him for attending an event late. It is only a small boy that we can tell him that . . . Mahama is worried about Rawlings’ treatment. What do you think would have happened if Mahama had responded to Rawlings statement”, he asked.
Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]
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Smith is an opportunist. When JJ insulted JAK and Nana, Smith was happy. Now that JJ is insulting Mahama, he is mad.
Rawlings insults Kuffour and people like Victor applaud. Is Kuffour not a former president?
Victor Smith paaaa, he foool waaa No wonder they chop last for elections u like lateness too much, no wonder he has not learnt his lessons
Whilst lateness to functions should be abhorred and condemned,this public embarrassment of Mahama goes beyond his lateness to functions. It is public knowledge that rawlings has a fued with JM dating back to when he was an MP. However, as rightly pointed out by Victor Smith the office of former president is expected to behave in a manner that is decorous. State resources are allocated for the maintenance of that office and therefore is above personal and parochial interests.That's why every right-thinking person must condemn the behavior of former president Rawlings. You don't get to publicly scold your colleague,I can bet my last coin he won't do that to his wife if she was a year late to an event. So why would you do that to Mahama? Is it because you consider him unworthy of recognition as former president or it was as a result of your personal feud with him? Emotional intelligence is a must-have trait of every leader but on that occasion Rawlings demonstrated he lacks such a skill! And he should listen to wise counsel and do the right thing. Knowledge does not reside in the head of only one person.
hahahahha, mr ambassador do u mean its normal to attend programs late? come one, don't talk like that. don't say things like that again next time. “ . . but even if Mahama was late to the program, was that the platform for Rawlings to address him when teeming supporters are around?" its smelling, be gentle next time
Time management is a leadership skill and any serious leader will try as much as possible to attend programs on schedule. Mahama lack leadership qualities, simple as that. His followers can ***barred word*** and ***barred word*** but that is his attribute.
Mahama is found of going to programs late and that does speak well about a former president of his caliber.
Mahama should learn to go to events early.Simple!