‘Don’t think you’re a king or an emperor’ – Afenyo-Markin slams Bagbin
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to embrace differing perspectives within Parliament and avoid positioning himself as above democratic debate.
He made these remarks on Monday, November 11, outside the Supreme Court premises, following a hearing in which the court considered arguments from both plaintiffs and the Attorney-General regarding the vacant parliamentary seats case.
Highlighting the importance of tolerance in parliamentary leadership, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed his belief that the Speaker should remain open to diverse viewpoints rather than dismissing them outright.
“Speaker should not think that he is a king or an emperor…What he is doing, in all humility is wrong,” Mr Afenyo-Markin remarked, stressing that Mr Bagbin’s role necessitates a fair approach to the various voices within Parliament.
His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over which side is the majority in the House.
This has derailed parliamentary proceedings in recent weeks.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, a Speaker who is receptive to differing opinions is essential for ensuring that Parliament operates smoothly and in line with democratic principles.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has scheduled Tuesday, 12th November 2024, to deliver its verdict on the disputed decision by Speaker Alban Bagbin to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
READ ALSO: Vacant Seats: Supreme Court to deliver judgment tomorrow
The absence of Mr Bagbin’s lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, at the Supreme Court today, November 11, 2024, triggered the postponement of the verdict.
Again, Mr Bagbin’s counsel had not filed their legal processes as ordered by the court from the previous sitting.