NPP Staged A Walkout But Didn't Boycott The "Item 13"

A leading member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a Parliamentarian is questioning why Minority Members of Parliament who staged a walkout on Thursday did not boycott the 'khebabs and drinks' that was made available at the end of the function. Hon. Murtala Mohammed, the NDC MP for Nanton constituency, claims eventhough the NPP opted out of having anything top do with President John Dramani Mahama's State of the Nation Address, most of their MPs, instead of going home, stayed behind and delightfully partook in what is generally referred to in Ghanaian parlance as 'item 13'; the food and drinks served after an event or occasion. "They didn't boycott the khebabs and the drinks. they participated fully in taking the khebabs and the drink. they only boycotted the sessional address. the people of this country should be mindful of the kind of opposition we have..." he said. Minutes before President Mahama entered Parliament to present his Sessional address on Thursday, the minority members walked out - not to participate in any event that will revolve around the Presidency. This is because they believe the elections which led to the swearing-in of the President was rigged and hence are contesting the results at the Supreme Court. Many have argued that there will not be any legal basis or standing orders to prevent the minority from questioning ministers nominated by President Mahama; a man whose presidency they consider to illegitimate. But speaking in an interview on Citi Eye Witness News, Hon. Murtala Mohammed disagreed with the assertion that the Minority cannot be stopped from questioning ministers and appointees of President Mahama. He insists that if the Minority has a taken a stand against the President, "that includes his Ministers, hence have no moral right to question them". The MP for Nanton raised the question on the floor of parliament on Friday that the NPP minority in parliament have no right to question any minister appointed by President Mahama. Speaking to Shamima Muslim, he said: "you have a President whose legitimacy is being challenged to the extent that minority members of parliament stage a walkout saying they will not listen to him and they wouldn't participate in anything that has direct bearing on the President; then why do you question his ministers on issues which also concerns him (the President)?"