Law firm throws spanner in BDP works

TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA
Staff Writer | Friday August 14, 2009 00:00

 

'They had no mandate and no authority to do that. It is unprecedented that a law firm gives a public statement on behalf of the party without the permission of the executive.  In the past they have never done this. It shows there is malice in what they are doing. If as legal professionals they will now become public personae in public space it is regrettable indeed,' Motswaledi said this after Collins and Newman law firm released a press statement saying that Khama acted within his powers to unilaterally appoint people to BDP sub-committees and more members to the Central Committee. Khama has been snubbing the current members of the BDP Central Committee, which defied him to give his candidates a total whitewash at the party polls last month. This has heightened tension in the party with signs that the Central Committee that is controlled by the Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe faction is in danger of being made toothless by Khama's modus operandi.

To resolve the impasse, the BDP recently hired Collins and Newman law firm and legal consultants Peter Collins and Sidney Pilane to study its constitution, especially the parts that deal with the powers of the president versus those of the Central Committee. Party insiders have accused Khama of having acted outside his powers in appointing committees and most specifically renewing the contract of BDP executive secretary Dr Comma Serema. It is said the consultants were engaged specifically to end the tussle between Khama and the Central Committee over party appointments.

Peter Collins and Pilane submitted their reports to the party executive. The BDP Central Committee is due to meet today to consider the reports and Motswaledi said he is shocked by the actions of Collins and Newman.

'They misdirected themselves and acted in an unprofessional manner. Ever since when were our internal matters discussed in public? Most importantly since they claim to have vast experience advising the party, have they ever dealt with the party in this way?

What are they doing out there playing to the gallery? What do they hope to achieve by presenting advice sought by us from them, to the public and in that manner?,' asked an openly irritated Motswaledi.

'Gore ba ipoke ba re ba bagologolo mo kae is irrelevant. Ba bone kae go dirwa jaana mo ditsong tsa bone le phathi? Nyaa ke botlhodi. When did they get the mandate to speak to the public on behalf of the party,' he quipped.

On Tuesday, Collins and Newman released a widely publicised press release in which it defended Khama's actions and warned those criticising him. Motswaledi promised that the BDP Central Committee would deal with the matter today when it meets to consider the opinions submitted to it.