New Patriotic Party (NPP) former Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East, has described as ‘bogus’ a decision by the leadership of Parliament to engage the Special Prosecutor (SP), Martin Amidu in discussions over Mahama Ayariga’s suit.
Mr Edward Enning said the invitation is unnecessary because MPs end up abusing their offices and being let off the hook as a result of their status, a situation he believes does not augur well for the country.
Citing himself as an example, the former MP said he was released by the then Speaker of Parliament, Doe Adjaho to the police when he made some remarks about the death of the former Abuakwa North MP, J.B. Danquah-Adu.
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“I think it’s bogus for Parliament to invite the SP concerning Mahama Ayariga and even subsequent MPs. Have they forgotten when I used to be MP and I commented on J.B. Danquah’s murder? The Former Speaker released me and I was invited for questioning and so why can’t that same thing be applied now?” he asked.
Mr Enning was speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Thursday concerning Parliament’s decision to engage the SP in discussions over Mr Ayariga’s suit.
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According to the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Mr Amidu was invited to Parliament to meet the leadership of the House over what the House can do about the legal action taken against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bawku Central by the State.
He explained that Parliament, through the SP, has received a tall list of parliamentarians, both NDC and NPP members who will be facing possible prosecution by the SP for various offences.
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But, to Mr Enning, though there is a law that protects MPs, the Speaker must immediately review such laws because he believes there is a way to release an MP for crime related issues.
“People must be punished for their crimes and the same must be applied to my colleague MPs. I will never support such call to protect corrupt politicians. The Speaker must be able to release the MP and not protest, else they are not being fair to some of us,” he cried.
Source: Adomonline.com | Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
