Parliamentary Brouhaha: You Have No Choice But To Obey Supreme Court Ruling – Alban Bagbin Told
Nana Akomea has waded into discussion regarding recent happenings in Parliament where the Minority has assumed majority position.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has adjourned Parliament indefinitely after the NPP Majority boycotted proceedings today following the brouhaha over which party currently holds majority in the House.
The Minority claims majority position and has vehemently refused to heed a Supreme Court ruling staying the Speaker’s declaration of some seats vacant.
The Agona West, Amenfi Central, Fomena and Suhum seats have been declared vacant by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, as their representatives have decided to either contest the December 7 parliamentary election as independent candidates or cross carpet to join another political party.
The Speaker’s decision which was in accordance with Article 97 of the Constitution compelled the NPP parliamentary leadership to seek interpretation at the Supreme Court and the court ruled that the Speaker’s order should be stayed.
On Tuesday, October 22, the Speaker adjourned Parliament indefinitely saying “we don’t have at least half of all members of parliament present. Consequently, in view of the current circumstances, the fact that there’s a question on the composition and constitution of Parliament, and having regard to public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in Parliament, I will proceed to, in accordance with Standing Orders 59, adjourn the House indefinitely”.
Reports also indicate that the Speaker has ordered his legal team to retrun to the Supreme Court to vacate the court’s inital verdict.
Sharing his expert advice on the issue as he served as the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South from 1997 to 2009, Nana Akomea noted it behoves the Speaker as well as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament to obey the Supreme Court ruling.
According to him, it won’t augur well for Parliament should the parties choose to undermine the court ruling.
To Nana Akomea, the Chief Executive Officer of the InterCity State Transport Corporation, Speaker Bagbin is obliged to respect the Supreme Court verdict.
“He (Bagbin) has to obey the court ruling. He has no choice”, he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning programme.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
