Deputy Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga ESQ, has commended the recent address delivered by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, describing it as a “masterpiece” in terms of its academic and legal acumen.
In an interview with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on March 21, Ayariga lauded Bagbin’s ability to analyze various issues, cite case laws, and apply administrative law effectively in his speech.
He highlighted Bagbin’s comprehensive coverage of constitutional mandates and the roles of individuals involved in the parliamentary process.
Expanding on Bagbin’s critique of the President’s actions, Ayariga suggested that the Speaker’s remarks implied a characterization of the President as a “walking illegality,” citing alleged instances of illegal conduct and attempts to undermine parliamentary authority.
“Speaker Bagbin’s speech is a masterpiece so far as academic exercise and legal jurisprudent is concern. You read through and you will understand how he’s able to analyze the various issues and also quote case laws to buttress his points and instances where he needs to apply some administrative law, he then applies it. He also talks about the constitution itself and talks about the mandates of every person that was involved in this entire tango.
“Inferring from what the Speaker actually wrote, there is nothing short of just calling the President a walking illegality that is clearly what the Speaker was trying to tell us. The President consistently has engaged in so many illegal acts and aside from that indirectly tries to denigrate the powers of Parliament.”
“I can clearly infer that the president is a walking illegality, and he doesn’t have respect for the constitution nor the organs of government, especially Parliament. And Parliament, coming from such a very honorable house, I thought that he would have held Parliament in high esteem, but I do not see that happening,” he said.
Expressing disappointment with what he perceived as the President’s disregard for constitutional principles and parliamentary autonomy, Ayariga lamented the lack of respect shown towards Parliament, given its esteemed position in governance.
Turning to the ongoing debate surrounding the LGBTQ+ bill, Mr Ayariga praised the courage and principles demonstrated by Members of Parliament (MPs).
He noted that while MPs may not necessarily oppose the bill entirely, they express reservations about specific provisions and associated penalties.
Moreover, Mr Ayariga echoed the sentiments of the Ghanaian Parliament, conveying a sense of dissatisfaction with the President’s response to the bill.
He emphasized the significant efforts undertaken by MPs to advance the bill through the legislative process, underscoring the perceived lack of appreciation for their efforts by the executive branch.
“I believe that Members of Parliament are men of courage, they are men of principles,” Ayariga stated. “Most of them are not against the bill entirely but against certain portions and punishments.”
“The parliament of Ghana feels very spited, and I also agree with them,” affirmed Ayariga. “Considering the fact that Members of Parliament need to go through a laborious process to get the bill passed”.