Minister PWD (R&B), Y Vikheho Swu, on Wednesday clarified his stand on the offer of chief minister’s post to TR Zeliang, stating that clarification was being issued to preserve and uphold the sanctity and integrity of the NPF party in general and elected members (legislators) in particular.
In a press release, Vikheho stated that on hearing about the legislators gathering for dinner at the former chief minister, TR Zeliang’s residence on the evening of July 7, 2017, a few of them, who were aware of the development and taking pre-emptive measures to work out an understanding between the chief minister and the former chief minister, had rushed to Kohima to take stock of the situation.
He said they reached Kohima around 12 midnight and after a brief discussion they dispersed to meet the next day at 10am. On July 8, 2017 meeting with the chief minister, the minister PWD (R&B) said their sole intention was to resolve the differences that had come up. He said the chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu was so sincere and concerned as usual for the party and Naga people and wholeheartedly expressed his concern.
The chief minister reportedly said that he never anticipated this kind of intention and would agree to anything to restore back normalcy in the government and in the party.
Vikheho said the chief minister gave them the power to “assess the situation, act on it and act with authority.”
Based on the authority given to the members, the minister said they took the decision and requested him to give back the post of chief minister to TR Zeliang, to which the chief minister agreed.
After the collective decision was made, Vikheho said he was asked by the members to speak to TR Zeliang. Vikheho said he spoke to Zeliang over phone in the presence of all the members.
The minister said that it was a clear and sincere conversation offering Zeliang back the post of chief minister, adding that there was no pre-condition whatsoever put to him. “I told him that the chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie will resign from the post of chief minister and give back the post of chief minister; he will not contest bye-election, in his place Khriehu Liezietsu will file the nomination and contest the 10 Northern Angami I bye election,” Vikheho said.
To which, Vikheho said Zeliang told him that he alone cannot take the decision and that he would discuss with members at meeting, which was being called at 2pm, and get back.
Around 6:30pm on July 8, 2017, the minister said TR Zeliang called back and said that a majority of 33 NPF legislators have signed to stake claim to form a government through the governor and declined the offer.
Maintaining that the clarification was made to keep the records clear and clean, Vikheho said “no further argument is anticipated with regard to this offer.”