Supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are being urged to remain calm following the sentencing of some of its members for threatening judges of the Supreme Court.
According to deputy Communications Director of the party, Fred Agbenyo, members are in pain and can take the law into their own hands with the little provocation.
“In the face of this provocation, we urge our party members to remain very calm,” he appealed on Asempa FM Wednesday. The Supreme Court pronounced the owners, panelists of Montie FM along with host Salifu Maase guilty of contempt after threats by panelists, Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson to kill the judges.
They two together with the show host were sentenced to four months in prison and a fine of GHC 10,000 each.
Directors of Network Broadcasting Company, operators of Montie FM including Edward Addo, Ato Ahwoi and Kwesi Kyei Atuah were fined 30,000 cedis and have to pay by close of day on Thursday July 28, 2016. Harry Zakour, owner of the frequency was also fined 30,000 cedis.
The ruling by the court has received mixed reactions with many in the NDC describing it as a ‘miscarriage of justice’. Montie FM and its sister station, Radio Gold have subsequently been taken off air reportedly on the instructions of its Board of Directors.
On Asempa FM Wednesday, Fred Agbenyo said the ruling has the tendency of plunging the country into chaos.
He indicated that a lot of disgruntled party members have called him and bombarded his phone with text messages threatening to take the law into their own hands. “We knew what you [NDC members] are capable of doing in defending your party members but please remain calm,” Agbenyo pleaded.
This notwithstanding, the NDC Deputy Communications Director urged party members to use this unfortunate incident to forge ahead in unity ahead of the December 7 general elections.
Fred Agbenyo maintained that, in spite of the unfortunate ruling, the NDC remains resolute and would not be cowed into submission.
Meanwhile, the angry supporters have besieged the NDC’s national headquarters at Adabraka in Accra demanding the release of the Montie trio. According to reports, the supporters vandalised some offices of their national executives and vowed to do more if their concerns are not meant.
The aggrieved party members carrying mats and mattresses to sleep at the headquarters until the convicts are released.
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