If I Were A Judge...

Last week I had the unenviable duty of descending heavily on our police. I likened them to Hitler’s Gestapo police of Nazi Germany.

I was very enthused by the overwhelming endorsement from the responses I received. Even the few dissenting responses could not help but agree with the fact that the reaction of the police on the unarmed demonstrators on that ill-fated Wednesday was high-handed.

As you are already aware, our prejudiced police have shamelessly defended the brutish attack on the unarmed demonstrators. Many well-meaning citizens of this country have, however, condemned the police brutality. President Ogwanfunu has also expressed his displeasure at the inhumane nature of the attack. But the call on the police to investigate itself has left many wondering if the president was sincere in his expression of grief on the matter.

Organisers of the demonstration, Let My Vote Count (LMVC), have notified the police of their intention to embark on another demonstration, in order to accomplish what they failed to do in the first one. That is, to present a written petition to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). The initial date for the second demonstration was September 22, but the police opted for September 29. Before LMVC could return with a new letter for the 29th September demonstration, the police had gone to court on their blind side to restrain them from picketing at the EC.

Surprised? Don’t be because that is one of the traits of a stooge. A stooge would do anything to please his political master. If not, are the police telling us that the EC is more of a security zone than the Flagstaff House, which is the seat o government? If the ‘Occupiers’ could picket at the Flagstaff House, then what stops LMVC from picketing at the EC? If I were a judge, those would be the pertinent questions I would ask before entertaining any ex-parte motion from the police.

It is curious to note that this is not the first time the police have run to the said judge for an injunction to stop an intended demonstration. Maybe it is mere coincidence. But knowing the Asomdwekrom police for what they are, I cannot help wondering if there is any hidden reason for running to the same judge anytime they intend to stop a demonstration.

I’m reliably informed that LMVC’s challenge to the police injunction would be heard today Monday, September 28. Whatever the decision of the court, I’m marching with them on Tuesday for two reasons. One is to support the call for a new electoral register; while the other is to demonstrate against the brazen use of brutish force by our prejudiced police. I would march with them to the finishing line, my osteoarthritis (knee and hip pain) notwithstanding.

I’ve always been fascinated by the legal profession. I’m even more fascinated when I hear a lawyer refer to his colleague as ‘learned friend’. I, therefore, leapt for joy when a childhood pal, Muniru Kassim, was called to the Bar last year. I’ve since been contemplating whether to abandon my intention to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations for a three-year LLB programme. The Anas video has helped to a greater extent in making up my mind.

I was one of those who thronged the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to watch the highly publicised film titled “Ghana In The Eyes Of God”. It was as revealing as it was nauseating. Throughout the three-hour film, I kept asking myself one question: “Would I be on the video if I were a judge?”

I’m sorry to disappoint you. My answer to the question is a big NO. The modus operandi used by Anas and his Tiger Eye is admirable. But I’m very confident that I wouldn’t have fallen for his tricks. The judges who fell for his tricks were simply greedy.

Please do not get me wrong. I’m not in the least saying I’m incorruptible. I am, but I cannot be corrupted with money. Neither can I be corrupted with goats nor foodstuffs.

In my mind’s eye I see you asking yourself what could influence Yours truly. The answer is very simple. I have a very strong ‘langa-langa’ so a very beautiful and sexy damsel would make me fall any day, especially if she has Sister Vicky-like behind. Yes, the kind of behind that can make a man cry like a child during ‘bedmatics’.

If you would recall, soon after the scandal broke, Lawyer Ace Ankomah revealed in a Facebook post that he once turned down an offer to become a judge. According to him, a former Chief Justice of Ghana, the late Justice George Acquah, offered him an opportunity to serve on the bench but he refused. He said his love for fast cars and the desire to give his family a good life informed his decision to turn down the offer 10 years ago.

So you see, while some refuse to become judges because of the love for fast cars which could make them compromise justice, others are happy that they are not judges because they know their weakness is the bearded meat in between the two legs of daughters of Eve.

As for those caught on the video, I pity them. They promised to deliver justice without fear or favour. They also promised to resist all forms of temptations. But it seems they have failed to uphold their promise. So it is only fair that they dance to the tune they have been dishing out to others, isn’t it?

See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!