Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin has assured that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will address the impending standoff in Parliament with intellect and strategy, rather than resorting to violence or disruptions.
This statement comes ahead of Tuesday’s parliamentary session, which is expected to be contentious following a Supreme Court decision that temporarily stayed the execution of a ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin, who had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
In response to the Supreme Court ruling, the Minority in Parliament has indicated its intention to occupy the Majority side of the chamber until the Speaker issues a new ruling.
During a press briefing on Monday, October 21, Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, pointing to Parliament’s recent actions as evidence of its commitment to democratic principles.
He also confirmed that the Office of the Speaker has been served with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“What is important is that parliament has received service and there is no question again, no controversy. The court ruled that its orders be served in parliament and upon being served parliament should file its defence within seven days.
“Parliament so far has demonstrated that it is law-abiding from its conduct this afternoon compared to last week when the same director of legal was not ready to receive service. Now he has willingly received service.
“They didn’t have to throw it at him; they didn’t have to put it on his table. He has received it and signed for it, and that is the beauty of democracy. So, I think something positive is working somewhere. Like I said, NPP will use brain work, no brawn.
“We are not going to organize people to flood the precinct of parliament to make noise holding placards, we don’t need it. We respect the law, so let the law work so that there can be peace in Ghana. That is all we want,” he stated.
