Abodakpi back to Parliament

Accra, June 10, GNA- Mr Dan Abodapki, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, on Tuesday returned to Parliament after being released from jail following a pardon granted him by President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The MP, known for his love for African clothing, entered the House a short while after 1000 hours formally dressed in a jacket and was hugged and given handshakes by his NDC colleagues.

He settled down quickly to work as he went through the Order Paper, which had the day's business agenda.

When the House adjourned shortly after 30 minutes, Mr Abodakpi who was beseeched by the Parliamentary Press corps, expressed the hope that his experiences would bring politicians on both sides of the political divide together because of their shared humanity.

The MP, who expressed gratitude to President Kufour, said there was nothing wrong with the law on causing financial loss to the state, under which he was sentenced and went to jail for 18 months.

Mr Abodakpi said what was wrong with the law was its application and added that he was going for an appeal to have a remission of the rest of his sentence.

"I believe in my innocence... I will pursue the appeal and I believe the justice system will give me justice."

The MP promised that at an appropriate time he would make a statement in Parliament on the state of the country's prisons since it appeared people came out of prisons worse off.