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The Chairman of Parliament’s Appointment Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has disclosed that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin strategically avoided direct involvement in the recent chaos that marred the ministerial vetting process. According to Ahiafor, the Effutu MP orchestrated actions behind the scenes while maintaining a safe distance from the controversy.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 3, Ahiafor, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker, provided a detailed account of the events and the roles played by key figures during the heated vetting session.
Afenyo-Markin’s Calculated Moves
Ahiafor revealed that Afenyo-Markin deliberately distanced himself from the chaos, ensuring he was not directly associated with the tensions that erupted. “The Minority Leader played it smart and safe. I have heard him asking them to do some of the things that they did, but when they were about to start, he left the room,” Ahiafor explained.
He further described how Afenyo-Markin’s absence during critical moments shielded him from the fallout. “It was later that he came back to the room. So, in the actual scene where they were dragging the table and putting the chairs on the table, he was at that material moment not in the room. When he came, he couldn’t even move to my left side. He was behind me at my right side.”
Directives Behind the Scenes
Ahiafor also claimed that Jerry Ahmed Shaib, one of the four MPs suspended over the incident, was acting under Afenyo-Markin’s direct instructions. “I know that Jerry was under his instruction to move to go and stop Mintah Akandoh from taking the seat to the swamp,” he disclosed.
Additionally, Ahiafor revealed that the Minority Leader had issued specific directives to his caucus during the heated exchanges. “He asked his side that they should all put on the microphone. I have heard him saying they should call some people to come to the vetting room.”
On the Speaker’s Decision to Suspend MPs
Commenting on the Speaker’s decision to suspend the four MPs involved in the melee, Ahiafor acknowledged that the penalty could have been more severe. “Was the Speaker charitable to the four suspended MPs engaged in the melee? Well, I believe that danger begets man; the crowd distresses someone for relief,” he said.
He suggested that a deeper investigation into the incident could have led to harsher consequences. “If we want to go into the nitty-gritty of this particular matter, they may suffer harsher punishment than the suspension. I heard people arguing that the suspension should have been eight days instead of two weeks, and it all boils down to the same thing. Because naturally, the sitting days of Parliament, in a week, are four.”
Implications for Parliamentary Conduct
Ahiafor’s revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that often accompanies parliamentary disputes. While Afenyo-Markin’s strategic approach allowed him to avoid direct blame, the incident has raised questions about the conduct of MPs and the need for stricter enforcement of parliamentary decorum.
As Parliament moves forward, the fallout from the vetting chaos serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political strategy and maintaining order in the legislative process. Stakeholders are calling for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings remain focused on national development rather than unnecessary confrontations.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
