Majority leader Ayariga backtracks on move to repeal OSP after President’s intervention.
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Following President John Dramani Mahama’s request, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has suggested that he will reconsider his decision to introduce a Private Member’s Bill to eliminate the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Mr. Ayariga acknowledged that he previously submitted the bill to the Speaker, who referred it to the Committee on Private Members’ Bills.
According to him, the committee reviewed the proposal and gave permission for the Bill to advance.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday during the presentation of the following week’s Business Statement, he mentioned that Mahama delivered a formal statement on Thursday imploring him to reconsider the move.
“Two heads are better than one.” His Excellency the President has his own ideas on the subject, which I will add to. “I believe we can find a better way to manage the situation,” Mr. Ayariga told the House.
The Majority Leader emphasised that he has complete faith in the President’s judgement and thus plans to honour the request.
“If I didn’t trust in his wisdom, I wouldn’t have voted him for President. On the basis of the request made by His Excellency the President and my colleague, the Majority Chief Whip, I want to assure you that we will reconsider our decision,” he added.
His pledge came in response to a demand made by Habib Iddrisu, the Deputy Minority Whip, who said the President was trying to intimidate Parliament for thinking about doing away with the anti-graft office.
The Speaker had previously reminded MPs of Parliament’s authority to decide whether state institutions should remain in place if members firmly feel that they should be evaluated or eliminated.
Civil society organisations, anti-corruption activists, and legal experts have demanded clarity on the initiative’s motivations in the heated public debate around the proposed repeal of the OSP.
A change in the growing parliamentary discourse on the OSP’s future is indicated by Mr. Ayariga’s suggestion of a potential U-turn.
Source: newsthemegh.com
