The Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K Bagbin has asked Members of Parliament not to abuse the privileges and immunity granted them because they are not above the law.
The MP emphasised that the privilege and immunity of free speech apply in full force in plenary sessions and committee sessions and not when members are outside debating issues or on radio or television.
He cautioned the MPs on Wednesday after he had referred Kennedy Agyapong to the Privileges Committee for issuing threats against Joy Fm’s Erastus Asare Donkor over his co0verage of the Ejura shooting incident.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, referred him to the Committee following a submission by the National Democratic Congress MP for Tamale North Alhassan Suhuyini.
The legislator noted that Kennedy Agyapong had threatened to beat the journalist and added that he would have ensured he is beaten mercilessly if he, Kennedy Agyapong, were the President.
Alhassan Suhuyini argued that the comments of Kennedy Agyapong, which were at variance with the requirements in the Code of Conduct of Parliament, were an affront to the dignity of Parliament.
The Speaker explained that MPs don’t have that right, that privilege, that immunity to just say anything because you are a member of parliament, ”not all”.
”You are not above the law. It was for a good reason; because you represent a large number of people, you should be given full immunity to be able to say what the people want you to say. That is why you say it here [Parliament]. And you are covered. That immunity does not extend to you in the market square or anywhere; just say anything because you are a Member of Parliament. It doesn’t apply at all. So please, the Committee should go into the matter, submit the report, and I want to urge the House to do this as a House. It is something that affects the whole House including, all members,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
