National Chief Imam
The Office of the National Chief Imam, in a rare reaction, has taken exception to the growing trend of Zongo politicians from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) seeking to dictate to the staffers on what to do and even harassing them during public functions.
“In a state of dismay, we the Office of the National Chief Imam observe a trend of attempt by some Zongo politicians from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to treat us with scorn on matters of public interest,” the statement containing the reaction pointed out.
Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo,
Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, who signed the statement, observed that the said inappropriate conduct by the politicians in question “is more pronounced at public gatherings of ours featuring them as guests.”
During such public events, “it is common to see these politicians harassing our moderators of programmes, dictating sitting arrangements, and making insinuations characteristic of arrogance of power.”
“Also, they have the audacity to question our colleagues any time we issue statements in commendation of or in sympathy with their political opponents,” the statement went on.
Even as they cherish their relationship with the political class, in government and in opposition, they advise that both parties view this relationship as coordinative and subordinative.
Continuing, the statement stressed that “the Office of the National Chief Imam is neither an appendage of NPP nor a colony of NDC. We are an independent institution fueled by morality and driven by secularity.”
“The Office, while understanding the dynamics of democratic politics and governance as a dual game of conviction not compulsion, will not succumb to the whims and caprices of any politician or political party.
“The days when these unscrupulous politicians manipulated the Office of the National Chief Imam from the comfort of Party Headquarters and Jubilee House are gone forever,” they added.
“They should be prepared to face a new administration of gallant men and women, who are domestically, professionally, and morally trained enough to stand up to bullies.
“We humbly state that their assumption of superiority simply because of their proximity to power is politically unacceptable and morally reprehensible,” they asserted.
“One thing in which we take solace is clear: the misconduct of these politicians is not endorsed by the leadership of the two great parties. We, therefore, appeal to the leaders of NDC and NPP to call to order these errant politicians, who mostly run errands in the Zongo communities,” the statement added.
They advised politicians to ensure a total departure from impunity to responsibility, from pomposity to humility, and from tyranny to liberty, adding that “this way, we would enjoy an atmosphere of mutual respect in our collective service to Allah, Humanity, and Country.”