It has been 24 hours since the brutal attack on Jonathan Mettle Otoo, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), by disqualified parliamentary candidate Michael Nii Yarboi Annan, and the silence from the party's leadership is deafening.
The incident, which took place directly opposite the Jamestown Police Station, has left Jonathan with injuries and a sense of vulnerability.
Eyewitnesses recounted how Annan launched a vicious assault on Jonathan, beating him mercilessly and even throwing a wooden bench at him. The reason for the attack is believed to be Annan's perception that Jonathan had insulted him, although the exact details of the alleged insult are still unknown. What is clear, however, is that Annan's actions were fueled by deep-seated anger and frustration.
The matter has been reported to the police, who are currently investigating the attack. However, despite the gravity of the situation, the leadership of the NDC in the Odododiodioo Constituency, including the sitting Member of Parliament, Hon. Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, have yet to issue any statement on the incident.
The silence from the party's leadership is particularly disturbing, as it suggests that they are complicit in Annan's actions. As a result, members of the NDC within the Constituency are feeling frustrated and disillusioned, wondering why their leaders are not taking a strong stance against violence and promoting peaceful political discourse.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Annan is allegedly the darling boy of Hon. Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who has not publicly condemned his actions. This lack of leadership and accountability has created a sense of impunity among some party members, emboldening them to resort to violence as a means of resolving conflicts. This is not the first time Michael Nii Yarboi Annan has been involved in violent incidents involving high-ranking members of the NDC. Sources within the Constituency have revealed that he had previously slapped the current Constituency Secretary, Andrew Aryee, over a minor misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Mettle Otoo is recovering from his injuries and receiving support from his fellow party members and well-wishers. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of political figures in the area and highlights the need for peaceful and respectful discourse in political campaigns.
As the country approaches election season, political leaders must take a stand against violence and promote a culture of respect and tolerance. The silence from the NDC leadership in this regard is not only disappointing but also dangerous, as it can perpetuate a cycle of violence and intimidation in political campaigns.
