By Alagie Manneh
Bankole Yao Ahadzie, one of the presidential aspirants whose nominations were rejected recently, said he will not back any party or candidate unless that candidate supports and publicly subscribes to the legalisation of marijuana.
The legalisation of marijuana has been a key campaign item on the dreadlocked politician’s agenda.
“They all want me to pick on the other issues that are not so controversial, jobs and education. I said no. Everybody knows what I am famous for, which is legalization of marijuana. So, if they cannot speak to that [the legalisation], then I would be really insulting the majority of my supporters by going into an alliance with them,” he told The Standard.
On the rumours that he has joined President Barrow’s NPP, Banky explained: “I can confirm that yesterday [Monday] I went to the State House, under the pretext that I was going to meet Barrow. The people who took me there pretended that I was going to meet Barrow, but in the end, we met Seedy Niie, who said he was in charge of all processes involving persons wanting to join President Barrow. I said I only came to listen. But actually, I maintained that if they are interested in getting my endorsement for my supporters to vote for them, they will not get that from me. Up to now my phone is ringing. Everybody is saying come and join camp X, come and join camp Y. Can you mention the things that I asked for? No. Then leave me in peace.”
He said he has been approached by virtually all parties.
“My message has been the same; you all know why I am famous, and if you cannot speak to that, then there’s no way I can endorse or support you or your party,” he said.
