Members of the New Patriotic Party in the Chiana-Paga Constituency of the Upper East Region have asked their colleagues in the National Democratic Congress to as a matter of urgency caution their parliamentary candidate, Nikyema Billa Alamzy, over his alleged involvement in several incidents of violent attacks.
The NPP members accuse the NDC parliamentary candidate of violent attacks against people who hold opposing views. They said his behavior is becoming a threat to peaceful coexistence and unity in the border constituency.
Nikyema Bills Alamzy was elected the National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate last year after beating incumbent, Thomas Dalu, in the keenly contested parliamentary primary. Since his election, he and his team have on several occasions been accused of violent attacks targeting supporters of the New Patriotic Party.
The most recent attack, for which the NPP has again strongly pointed accusing fingers at Nikyema Alamzy, happened during the Kassena-Nankana West District’s observance of the 67th Independence Day celebration at Paga.
In that incident, persons said to be affiliates of the National Democratic Congress and Nikyema Alamzy reportedly attacked supporters of the NPP. The attack reportedly resulted in the injuring of two of the supporters.
Addressing a press conference, the Constituency Secretary, Kwalase Bayeriwe Thomas, stated that the violent behavior of Nikyema Alamzy had reached an alarming level which necessitates the intervention of authorities.
“The violence displayed by Mr. Nikyema Billa Alamzy and his associates contradicts the principles of peaceful politics that our society upholds. We firmly believe that violence should never have a place in today’s political landscape.
Instances of Mr. Alamzy’s violent behavior are numerous. During the party primaries in 2019, he and his hooligans attacked the then Member of Parliament and fellow contestant, Hon. Rodolf Nsorwin Amenga-Etego, on Thursday, August 22, 2019 as reported by the media. Their actions continued as they physically and verbally terrorized their opponents, even after Mr. Alamzy lost the party primaries,”
Kwalase continued that, “Moreover, Mr Alamzy and his group attacked NPP agents at the Electoral Commission District Office on 5th October 2023, during the limited voter registration, where he (Alamzy) personally assaulted Nicholas Dedo, one of the NPP agents, These instances of violent behavior were reported to the Police.
The most recent display of aggression occurred during the 67th independence celebrations in Paga town park, where they assaulted members of the NPP who were peacefully participating in the parade, stabbing one of them in the forehead just above the eye, by an object which is believed to be a key of a motorbike. Such acts of violence are disgraceful and have no place in any civilized society.
Vigilante group
The NPP also accused the parliamentary candidate of forming a vigilante group called ‘Save Ghana’ which is allegedly made up of Burkinabe nationals.
This, the NPP noted was completely against the laws of the country and further exposed the country’s territorial integrity to violence of extremists.
“It is disheartening to note that Mr. Nikyema Billa Alamzy, along with his vigilante group called Save Ghana, has been involved in physical and verbal attacks against those who disagree with him politically. Furthermore, recent intelligence suggests that he also has connections with various groups across the border in Burkina Faso – his patrilineal home country – where violent extremist activities are prevalent,”
“The actions of Mr. Nikyema Billa Alamzy and his group threaten to undermine the peace and unity that we have enjoyed for years. Instead of focusing on promoting development and progress for our constituency, Mr. Alamzy seems more interested in promoting division and causing harm”, Kwalase stated.
Call to order
The NPP said attempts to caution Nikyema Alamzy to desist from the violent attacks and to respect the opposing political views of others, have proved unsuccessful. It, therefore, extended a call to the traditional authorities in the constituency, law enforcement agencies and the National Democratic Congress to put him in check.
“We want to use this medium to plead with our Father (Paga Pio) and the other paramount chiefs in the constituency, religious leaders, all prominent and peace loving citizens, the NDC party leadership to condemn his uncivilized actions and bring him under control.
We further call upon the law enforcement authorities to take immediate action and bring these acts of violence to a halt. Our society should not tolerate any form of violence, especially when it comes to political matters, we also urge you, the media to condemn such behaviour in the strong words possible and promote a peaceful political atmosphere,” they urged.
By Senyala Castro