Accept defeat and pledge support, says Benguma

A CANDIDATE who lost the Yangoru-Saussia open seat in East Sepik says those resorting to the court regarding unfair tactics and bribery in the election should make sure their own hands are clean.
Biodiesel engineer Thompson Benguma congratulated former National Development Bank managing director Richard Maru on his victory and said there was always going to be one winner.
He said candidates who were unsuccessful should accept defeat and pledge their support for the new member – elect in order to foster development in the districts.
“I know there is a court case accusing Richard of bribery looming, but he is a credible leader.
“Let us forget about the tradition of going to court and allow him to fulfill his service delivery plan for the district,” Benguma said.
“If they (aggrieved candidates) take him to court, they must be certain that their hands are clean because bribery was widespread throughout the district during campaign and polling period.”
He said it was better for the losing candidates not to take Maru to court but allow him to carry out his responsibilities as the elected political leader of Yangoru – Saussia for the next five years.
Benguma, who had recently started jatropha farming, said he would work with Maru to ensure the huge landmass on the Sepik plains would be developed with agro-forestry projects including jatropha.