Speaker Did No Wrong In Suspending Ministerial Approvals - Martin Kpebu

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin's suspension of the ministerial approvals of the nominated ministers, according to Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, is constitutionally correct, thus, the Speaker has done no wrong with the decision taken. 

According to lawyer Martin Kpebu, the Speaker of Parliament acted within the confines of the law, adding that, once a restraining motion has been laid before the Supreme Court, it is incumbent on the Speaker not to carry out any Parliamentary activity which the suit seeks to challenge.
 
The conversation surrounding the passage of the anti-gay bill has increased in tempo with the recent impasse between the Legislature and the Executive. 

In analyzing the statements from both the Speaker of parliament and the Presidency, lawyer Martin Kpebu revealed that, the President was constitutionally right to mention that he awaits the verdict from the Supreme Court.

He also added that, the Speaker is also right to cite the summons he has received by Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, the South Dayi Member of Parliament restraining the Speaker from carrying out the ministerial vetting. 

Speaking further, Martin Kpebu added that, the President deliberately cited the constitutional provision which restraints the president from assenting to the anti-gay bill if it is challenged at the court, explaining that, the president knew the existence of the law yet went ahead to approve the E-levy bill although it was challenged at the supreme court by the minority in parliament.  

"Every lawyer, irrespective of their political affiliation will testify that the speaker has done no wrong because all lawyers speak the same language. If the Speaker says because of the summons in the supreme court I cannot go ahead with the ministerial vetting, then no one holds him to ransom because he acted within the confines of the law."

"The President knew this law, but ignored it and when ahead to sign the E-levy bill even when it was being challenged at the supreme court by the minority in Parliament."

Speaking on UTV’s 'Adekye Nsoroma' programme on Friday, March 22, Martin Kpebu explained that, the Attorney General has the constitutional mandate to write to the Speaker on some matters, but he quickly added that, the speaker, on the other hand, also has the mandate to decide to whether or not, he will accept the advice from the Attorney General, especially when the Speaker senses any act of conflicts of interest; this is in opposition to some divergent views questioning the Attorney generals capacity of writing to the speaker of parliament.

He added that, the impasse between the legislature and the Executives is good for the country because it will deepen our democracy.

"The case should be challenged in court. It will help our democracy. Already our cabinet ministers are oversized. The Speaker should stay with his decision and not rescind to it. It will put the presidency on his toes because he is too stubborn. We have said he should downsize his government but he is not heeding to advice."