The Minority Caucus in Parliament has staged a walkout, declaring their non-participation in the swearing-in ceremony of Ewurabena Aubynn, the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North.
The walkout was staged moments before the swearing-in ceremony of Ewurabena Aubynn and was led by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
Annoh-Dompreh appealed to Speaker Alban Bagbin for an opportunity to make brief comments before parliamentary business commenced.
We, in the Minority, want to make a quick comment before the member-elect is sworn in. And I seek your indulgence to do this quickly with the greatest of respect before the member-elect is sworn in, Annoh-Dompreh prayed.
However, the Speaker initially declined the request, arguing that without knowing the nature of the remarks, it would be difficult to grant permission.
I don’t know the nature of the comments, and so its very difficult for me to make a decision in this matter, but we want to hear what it is, and then I can take a decision, the Speaker responded.
Additionally, Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, concurred with the Speakers decision, stating that any concerns the Minority wished to raise should have been brought to the Speakers attention in conclave and discussed privately an approach he emphasised aligns with the chambers procedural rules.
We have never done this before so Speaker, if he had either an urgent public matter or a matter of personal nature or anything, our rules are very clear. He should have drawn your attention in conclave, discussed the subject, and getting an indication from you.
But it will be a surprise to all of us, and I don’t think that at this stage, this side of the House wants to support that move. I think that we should swear her in. After we have sworn her in, then whatever comments leadership may make, you can indulge us to make it, Ayariga argued.
He added; But to say that your exercise of your function should be arrested so that he will make observations. Are the observations of a constitutional nature? Are there legal objections that he intends to raise? What is that? And I don’t think that we even want to hear what it is now. We are happy to hear it after the process is consummated.
Following the Speakers decision, Annoh-Dompreh announced that his side would not participate in the swearing-in ceremony, prompting a walkout.
He clarified, however, that their action was limited to the ceremony itself and that they would return to engage in other parliamentary business later.
I say this with a lot of difficulty that if that is the turn of events, then we, in the Minority, for the record, cannot be part of the swearing-in. This one is specific to the swearing-in. Other businesses we will engage in it, Annoh-Dompreh said.
Their departure prompted jeers from the Majority side, who mocked the move, calling on them not to return to the chamber altogether if they wished.
MAG/AE
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