BNF youth stand by Boko

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Friday June 4, 2010 00:00

BNFYL spokesman, Maikgantsho Ramontsho, said that they realised that there was bias in the investigation that informed the central committee decision. He told Mmegi that investigations standards were not followed, as the investigating taskforce did not interview founding members of the National Democratic Front (NDF) of which Boko is accused of having co-founded. Some of the founding members of the NDF are Lemogang Ntime who was its chairman. He has since rejoined the BNF. 

'We believe Boko should also have been called and interviewed on his alleged NDF membership. The investigation was contrary to the rules of natural justice,' he said.

The spokesman also said that the BNFYL differs with the central committee decision which he said is biased as some of the people who partook in this decision-taking will also be standing against Boko's candidacy at the elective congress to be held in July.

'Hence we feel the decision was motivated by self-interest. We therefore encourage Boko to appeal the central committee decision based on the above stated reasons. We also encourage the general membership of the party and the public at large to take the same position,' he said.

When sourced for comment, BNF acting president, Olebile Gaborone, who has been suspected of playing a hand in the politburo's decision to vet out Boko, as he is also eyeing the presidency, said he was blameless. Gaborone said because he is an interested party, he recused himself from the politburo meeting that took the decision.

'The BNF has a constitution that outlines conditions under which one can stand for positions in the party. On the other hand, the central committee is mandated to implement all these conditions as captured in the constitution.The central committee has to ensure that at all times the constitution is upheld,' said Gaborone.

This week Boko indicated that he will not be deterred, expressing hope that the matter might even be resolved before the congress. He insisted that he has never been an NDF founder member nor ever joined.

Approached for comment BNF publicity secretary, Moeti Mohwasa said the politburo decision was guided by no malice intent. He said it was a collective decision that they made and that even when one differs with it, they should appreciate how the politburo arrived at its decision. He insisted the decision was taken in terms of rules regarding membership.

'But constituencies can decide otherwise, and present a motion to the congress or Boko can request a review of the decision as a party member.

Every central committee decision can be appealed. The most competent body that can deal with membership, is the central committee. I agree there might be a difference of an opinion on a particular point, but still it's fair that when the central committee has taken a decision people should appreciate how it arrived at the decision,' he said.

Mohwasa said BNF members can differ but they should follow the right channels to lodge complaints instead of going to the media, which might despoil the party image.