Mahama: My “do or die” comment was not a call for violence
John Mahama says his “do or die” comment has been twisted by his opponents to score cheap political points
Former President John Mahama has said his “do or die“ comment made prior to the 2020 general elections was not meant for bloodshed.
Addressing supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) at Osino in the Eastern Region on Wednesday (12 April), Mahama said his comment has been twisted by his opponents to score cheap political points.
“The 2024 general election is not a joke, that is why I said it is ‘do or die’. Some have twisted the do-or-die comment that we intend to inflict wounds on people with machetes. No, that is not do-or-die.”
“Do-or-die means we have to work hard to win the elections at all cost. It doesn’t mean we are going to inflict machete wounds on people,“ Mahama said.
Listen to John Mahama in the attached video clip below:
WATCH: My ‘do or die’ comment isn’t a call for bloodshed – John Mahama
Video: @WoezorTV #AsaaseNews #SafeMotorway4All pic.twitter.com/UA2Ou84Fsr
— Asaase 99.5 Accra (@asaaseradio995) April 12, 2023
Petition
Meanwhile, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the criminal investigation department (CID) for the immediate arrest of Mahama and the chairman of the NDC, Asiedu Nketiah.
The national organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, is accusing the two of inciting political violence in their interaction with party supporters.
Mahama, prior to the 2020 general elections said the NDC will face the NPP boot for boot if they attempt to intimidate them with hoodlums.
Nketiah is also accused of asking party supporters to sacrifice their lives for the victory of the NDC prior to the 2024 general elections.
A letter addressed to the CID and signed by Boakye said the two must be arrested to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Given the influential positions that John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah occupy, the NPP is of the firm conviction that such criminally reckless and treasonable commentary coming from them portends great danger for the peace and stability of the State.
“And also have the potential of inciting their supporters to disturb the constitutional order by resorting to some unorthodox and extra-constitutional means of changing a democratically elected government.
“I trust that you would promptly act on this petition given the graveness of the matter raised,” the letter said.
Below is the full petition:
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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