NPF president and MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio in his presidential address at the ‘NPF General Convention’ assured that the ongoing tussle between the two NPF factions over the ownership of the party will be cleared once the necessary formalities were completed after the convention at DDSC stadium.
Rio said the party was already in the process of making amendments in its constitution to impeach any president of the party, since in a democratic set-up there was a dire need for such a provision. He said the absence of such a provision would only provide any incumbent with absolute powers which could be abused and exploited to reduce the party as a private property.
Rio said Dr Shürhozelie was inducted as the party president with 10,000 people in attendance during a general convention but at DDSC stadium the approval for his impeachment was mandated by more than 40,000 people.
He also had a statesman like word for the ruling coalition when he reminded the party government that “whoever is in power and is running the government should work for the welfare of the people and also according to the commitments given in their manifesto.”
Rio advised the party men to govern the people mindfully, deliver justice and take the people’s problem as priority and also run a transparent and corruption-free government so that the targeted people would get the actual benefit.
He said every government would face criticisms and reminded that those in power should run the government in the proper way since they have to go back to the people to get their mandate after every five years. On that note he advised the legislators led by the chief minister, ministers, parliamentary secretaries and advisors to thoroughly look into the welfare of the public which in turn would garner the support of the public.
Rio said even if the state was faced by a political issue, that should not hamper the developmental activities and the two has to go side by side.
Recalling the law and order situation faced by the state during the implementation of the women reservation and the ULB elections, Rio said, as a government it was necessary for those in power to listen to the voice of the people and not confront them.
Reacting to the clarification sought by the NNGPs with regard to his view for an interim government that may come into place which was carried by some media, Rio cited that during 1960 when the 16 point agreement was signed and 1963 when Nagaland was given a statehood, there was an interim government set up to arrange the system and make basic and necessary preparation for the government to function properly.
Rio said in the event of a settlement today there would be an interim government which would help in facilitating various programmes, economic packages, rehabilitation. Thereafter the state will have to go for election as no interim government can run for a long period in a democratic set-up and people should not be confused with such procedures.
Rio further instructed the party men and women to be prepared to face elections since there would always be political parties.
5-point resolution adopted at the GC
A five point-resolution was unanimously adopted during the General Convention (GC).
The GC approved the motion of both the legislative party and the organizational bodies of the party for removal of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu from the office of the party with effect from August 13, 2017 “for his autocratic, dictatorial, undemocratic and unconstitutional functioning of the party.”
GC endorsed and adopted the unanimous decision of the August 22, 2017 CEC meeting and appointing Neiphiu Rio, former CM and Lok Sabha MP as the NPF president with effect from August 13, 2017.
The meeting called upon the Election Commission of India to recognise the established majority of the both the legislative party and the organizational structure of the party and deliver justice at the earliest to the NPF led by president, Neiphiu Rio.
The GC also reiterated its election manifesto of committing itself as the facilitator in the peace process and adopted the policy of equi-closeness. While acknowledging and appreciating the ongoing progress on the Indo-Naga peace process, the GC urged upon the negotiating parties to expedite the talks to bring about an inclusive and early settlement, honourable and acceptable to the Naga people.
Lastly, the GC renewed the commitment for the uplift of the rural populace and to work for the elevation of the socio-economic condition of the people. The leaders resolved to re-dedicate themselves to create better future for the women and youths, and make their aspiration into a reality.
The party also assured to provide better infrastructure and connectivity enabling improved services in all spheres, fight against corruption and work together with the views of the masses.
“We stand together as on for the perseverance and promotion of our party’s ideology and philosophy enabling our party to scale greater heights for improved governance, coupled with transparency and accountability,’ the resolution stated.
The resolution was drafted and signed by convenor, Imkong L. Imchen and members– Y. Patton, Kipili Sangtam, Neiba Kronu, Pukhayi, BS Nganlang, Chito Nyusou and Shilumar.