Majority Leader Misleading the Speaker of Parliament – Haruna Iddrisu

The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has accused the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu of misleading the Speaker of Parliament in taking certain decisions.

Haruna Iddrisu was unhappy that the Speaker, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye suspended the House last Saturday instead of adjourning sittings in accordance with laid down procedures in the House.

Majority Leader, has however shot down the claims and accused Mr. Iddrisu of refusing to attend leadership meetings.

 Mr. Iddrisu in an interview with Accra Based Citi FM on Tuesday insisted that he has no qualms with the Speaker of Parliament.

“There is no problem between myself and the Speaker but things must be done right. He has sworn to the Constitution and has sworn to work with Standing Orders [and the Constitution]…I will demand utmost respect to the Constitution and the Standing Orders. It is Osei Kyei [Mensah Bonsu] who is misleading the Speaker and he lacks candour on this matter.”

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With regards to Minority’s issues on the suspension of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu said he had sent Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu a text urging him to ensure that the House is adjourned but his advice was disregarded.

“On Saturday, I sent him a text that let’s just announce adjournment sine die with a notice for a recall and he can’t deny it. So where from this that there is no communication or cooperation? On the day, I walked to him and told the Leader that, I hope that we will build a consensus that we will adjourn sine die with you giving a strong indication of a recall. So he [Majority Leader] is the one misleading the Speaker,” Mr. Iddrisu insisted.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader who was also in an interview with Citi FM was unhappy Mr. Iddrisu described him as someone who has been misleading the Speaker and “lacks candour.”

“I’m scandalised by the words used by the Minority Leader against me. Anyone would testify that there has never been a healthier relationship between the leaders of both sides of Parliament than there is now,” he said.

Parliament has also defended the suspension of proceedings instead of an indefinite adjournment by Professor Mike Oquaye, the Speaker of Parliament.

In a statement, Parliament has cited the circumstances around the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic as justification for the Speaker’s action.

“What the Speaker did was in recognition of the fact that the whole nation is in a general state of emergency and so it is important that the House acts in a manner that will bring utmost benefit to the welfare of the nation.”

“This point becomes even more poignant as a result of the fact that not being in normal times, the House could be recalled at any time. It is, therefore, necessary, that the House holds itself in readiness for any eventuality,” the statement added.