Speaker Alban Bagbin’s attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s decision to halt his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant has been denied.
This comes after Alexander Afenyo-Markin, an Effutu MP, filed a first lawsuit contesting the Speaker’s statement.
Among other points raised in court, the Speaker’s legal team contended that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction in this matter.
Nevertheless, the Supreme Court insisted that its previous decision was reasonable after hearing arguments from all sides, including the Attorney General and the Minister for Justice, and declared that the Speaker’s appeal lacked validity.
“We have considered the application, and we have come to the conclusion that the grounds supporting the application have no merit,” the Chief Justice stated.
The Court also rejected a challenge to the appointment of Justice Ernest Gaewu made by Speaker’s lawyer Thaddeus Sory before to this ruling.
Justice Gaewu’s prior position as a New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, according to Mr. Sory, raised the possibility of a conflict of interest.
The Supreme Court, however, dismissed the claim.
This decision follows the Court’s October 18 directive to Parliament to permit the four Members of Parliament to remain in office until the matter is settled, so halting the Speaker’s October 17 announcement.
Given that both parties presently claim a majority in Parliament, this issue is especially important.
Source: myjoyonline.com