After suspending four Members of Parliament (MPs) for inappropriate behavior, Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin has denied accusations that he is treating MPs like headmasters.
Speaker Bagbin criticized such claims in a speech to the House on Tuesday, February 4.
He emphasized the importance of discipline and leadership in the parliamentary context.
“Some members of the House have referred to me as a headmaster, treating Honourable Members like students. I reject that assertion,” he stated.
He, however, assured that “where there are students, there must be a headmaster. If you don’t have a headmaster, you know what is going to happen to the school.”
In order to emphasize the duties of politicians, he also used a Latin term.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” adding that “you are not called Honourable for nothing. They expect so much from you. And don’t forget that there is life after Parliament.”
Following the suspension of four MPs, which sparked discussion among lawmakers and political analysts, the Speaker made these remarks. Some contend that his position compromises the House’s democratic nature, while others have defended it as essential to upholding decorum.
Both House leaders, however, have begged the Speaker to reverse his decision to suspend the MPs, claiming that the members have expressed regret.
The suspension was removed by the Speaker after hearing the plea.
Source: myjoyonline.com