Delivering his third state of the nation address in Parliament on Thursday February 26, President Mahama, while outlining a list of roads that are under construction by his government across the country, paused briefly to acknowledge Nana Addo, after he had mentioned a road in the former legislator’s constituency and hometown.
The President, who was clearly excited about the fact that his Government was constructing a road in his political rival’s constituency, gave a smile and said ” I am aware that Nana Akufo-Addo is here and I would like to acknowledge him”.
President Mahama went on further to say, “Nana Addo and I spent some 12 years in this chamber and there is always a sense of nostalgia whenever we join you honorable members here; Respect, Nana” he said.
The President’s words received applauds from members of both political divide and from observers in Parliament. Nana Addo, who sat quietly with his Running Mate Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia gave a smile at the President’s remark, as he rose up in response to the President’s acknowledgment.
The minority side of the house remained silent throughout the address in fulfillment of a promise to refrain from unnecessary heckling that has characterized such addresses in the past.
Majority of the minority members however wore black signifying the power outages and the general difficulties the country was facing.
When the Minority Leader of the house, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu rose to second the motion for adjournment moved by the Majority Leader, he indicated that “the true state of the nation address would be delivered by the minority next week Wednesday.”
By: Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana