|
|
| Pro-Bongo parties reject ex-rival as head of campaign
|
|
|
| |
Libreville, Gabon (PANA) -
Gabonese political groups linked to
parties forming the presidential majority Tuesday rejected the
proposed appointment of Paul Mba Abessole, a former radical
opposition figure, as campaign director for the re-election of
President Omar Bongo Ondimba.
A spokesman of the groups, Fefe Onanga told a news conference
that objection to Mba Abessole's appointment was based on the
long fight he had with President Bongo before "coming into line"
in 2002 by his entry into the government.
"We say no, a flat no to the possibility of appointing Paul Mba
Abessole as campaign director during the next presidential
election and, by implication, to his designation to the position
of Prime Minister," Onanga insisted.
Mba Abessole is currently the deputy prime minister in charge of
agriculture, animal husbandry and rural development, as well as
human rights.
The assumption that Mba Abessole could head Bongo's campaign team
was first raised by the Movement of Omar Bongo Ondimba's Children
(MEBO) at a political rally of Mba Abessole's party - The Rally
for Gabon (RPG) - a few months ago.
Bongo, who was present at the gathering, had replied: "Why not...
we must get down to work."
The President's response still raises strong reactions among the
"leading figures" of his Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), the
majority party in parliament, which has ruled the country since
1968.
"Instead of Mba Abessole, we propose President Bongo's early
loyalists, like Georges Rawiri (president of the Senate) or Guy
Nzouba Ndama (speaker of the national assembly) or even Louis
Gaston Mayila (president of the Economic and Social council)",
Onanga suggested.
Mba Abessole has made no comment on the question of his
appointment to campaign for the man he opposed for so many years.
|
| |
| Libreville - 10/08/2004 |
| |
|
|