Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Garowe, Somalia (HOL) - A group of Puntland lawmakers are seeking an immediate apology from the president of the semi-autonomous region, Abdirahman Sheikh Mohamed Farole following a derogatory statement the president used during the 26 session of the local parliament.
President Abdirahman Sh. Mohamed (Faroole)- Photo: Ahmed Abdisamad HOL
“Anigu hadii aanan aqoon u lahaan lahayn Xildhibaan Indhabuur waan ka ficil qaadan lahaa hadaladiisa, waa mucaarad xun oo doqon ah.( If I had not known this Member of Parliament very well, I would have taken interest in what he has said. He is a bad and a fool opposition) enraged president Farole told a sitting of the regional parliament in the Somali language.
The derogatory language of the president was part of a question and answer session of the assembly where local house representatives were demanding answers from the government regarding some security issues of the region.
Several lawmakers said they are surprised that the president used the term as it is derogatory, biased and showing irresponsibility.
While the president stirs up controversy with his comments a few days ago, members of the local assembly are still addressing the issue asking for redress for the leader’s use of mock and gibberish statement in national function.
The response of the regional president has since stunned a cross-section of lawmakers who are now demanding an apology from the president.
MP. Mohamed Gulied a representative from Sanaag region described the president’s utterance as a national issue that can damage the reputation of the budding regional authority.
A group of Puntland professionals also asked the president to apologize to the lawmaker and the people of Puntland. They accused their leader for failing to show some form of political tolerance and responsibility. The professionals are seeking the president to say sorry publicly and through the local media as a means to reassure his leadership.