The former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has commended Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, for referring three MPs to the Privileges Committee over absenteeism.
In his view, the decision by the Speaker was not only courageous but a wise decision.
According to him, it was needless for the Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak to attack the Speaker for referring the matter to the Committee.
He said the Speaker for referring the matter to the Privileges Committee, was spot on, courageous, and commendable.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Speaker for the courage and wisdom in referring the matter to the Privileges Committee. The decision he took was in the national interest. Those whose decision is not in the interest of Ghanaians are the Minority and the Chief Whip.”
The former MP stated that the Minority has failed to abide by the oath they swore and are crying more than the bereaved.
If you are a Minority leader and there is a breach of the constitution over absenteeism and failed to do something and a private citizen has done it, why do you defend it? This, is an outrageous decision he has taken. I know there there are some Minority MPs who are not in support of this position.”
“Whose interest are they serving. You are sitting in Parliament and have nothing about it, a private citizen takes the step to do something about it and you say the law has been breached. The argument by the Minority is self-serving.”
He concluded by stating that the three MPs who were referred to the committee would have an opportunity to defend themselves.
Background
Ras Mubarak recently petitioned the Speaker to deal with absentee Members of Parliament (MPs).
According to Mr Mubarak, provisions of Article 97(1)(c) of the Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Order 16(1) frown on Members absenting themselves for 15 sitting days and those who flout the regulations should appear before the appropriate quarters.
The petition copied the leadership of both sides of the House, Mubarak said according to Parliament’s Hansard, four New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs have flouted the rule on absenteeism and should be made to appear before the Privileges Committee of the House.
They are Sarah Adwoa Safo, Henry Quartey, the MP for Ayawaso Central; Ebenezer Kojo Kum, the MP for Ahanta West and Ken Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
