Assembly members in the Shama District of the Western Region have issued an unqualified apology to the President John Evans Atta Mills for voting against his DCE nominee, Emelia Arthur. They say the decision to vote against her was a mistake. They have consequently apologised to the Chiefs and people of the Shama traditional Council, and the nominee. Emelia Arthur was rejected outright after failing a first round voting and polling seven votes out of a maximum seventeen in a second round, triggering many reactions thereafter. The Omanhene of Shama Traditional Area, Nana Kweku Binah II is said to be unhappy about her rejection, whilst a group of NDC supporters hit the streets in protest over the Assembly members’ decision. Reasons for the rejection of the nominee have been few and speculative. Whilst Emelia Arthur is said to have played little role in the fortunes of the party in the just-ended 2008 general elections, the Assembly members were alleged to have demanded GH¢1,000 to vote for her. Having incurred the displeasure of the chiefs and people of the district, the assembly members have made a quick u-turn and have petitioned the president to re-nominate Emelia Arthur. But that could be in violation of the local government laws. The Electoral Commission has hinted it will object to any attempts by the president to bend the rules in favour of Emelia Arthur. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com