NDC calls Rawlings’ bluff; swears to move on without him

Ex-president John Rawlings The governing National Democratic Congress says it is ready to move on without its founder John Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. The first National Vice Chairman of the party Danny Annan said they have done everything humanly possible to build bridges with the Rawlingses but to avail. He was emphatic nobody is indispensable in the NDC and the party is ready to move on. His comments follow the absence of ex-president John Rawlings at the crucial National Executive Council meeting to endorse the candidature of President John Mahama as the party’s flagbearer in the 2012 General elections. Danny Annan in an interview with Joy News’ Anny Osabutey said Mr Rawlings, like all NEC members, was invited for the meeting but failed to show up. The shocking death of President John Mills brought with it an overwhelming wind of unity blowing in the country with opposition leaders and even critics sharing their condolences in the best way possible. But Rawlings’ remarks on BBC, partly blaming the late president for his own death has angered close confidantes of the late Prof John Mills and further darkened any opportunity of mending the cracks within the NDC. When Osabutey asked if the party will try their best to unite with the Rawlingses Danny Annan said; “We have done all things humanly possible to mend fences; when you quarrel in your home what do you do? You find elders to try and bring the parties together. We have done every thing you can think of. Send traditional leaders in our country [to him], clergy men, everything, [but to no avail]” the seemingly frustrated vice chair said. He added: “He [Rawlings] is still the founder of the party. If he decides to come along fine. If he decides not to come, no one is indispensable. The party will move on." NEC has meanwhile decided to endorse president John Mahama as the party's flagbearer in the 2012 elections. myjoyonline.com