Bribery saga: NDC must whip its MPs in line – Dr. Osae

Dr Eric Oduro Osae, Dean of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Local Government Studies, has said the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) must intervene to resolve the seeming crack among Minority MPs on the Appointments Committee with regards to a recent bribery allegation.

The allegation by Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga that Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko attempted to bribe the Minority MPs on the committee and the strong denial by the Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed has threatened to divide the ranks of the opposition party in the legislature, with some backing Mr Ayariga while others have chastised him.

Speaking to Class News, Dr Osae said the national executives of the party as well as the Minority leadership should quickly find a solution to the issue before it degenerates into something they cannot control.

“I think the NDC party should call the Minority leadership to order. This one I believe the Minority leadership should be able to deal with the issue. Aside from that, they should also sit at home. If I say home, they are all from the same political party, so, I expect the General Secretary and other executives of the party to meet the NDC parliamentary caucus and then talk to them,” he stated.

“I will also expect the leadership of the NDC party in parliament to sit up and then ensure that there is unison and unity among them as a group. This is not the time for them to argue among themselves as a group. This is the time to present a coherent and consistent statement and a unified front to enable them give the NPP a credible opposition. So I will expect the leadership, especially Honourable Haruna Iddrisu and the other members, to quickly come in and talk to the members. It should not even come out into the media for people to suggest that there is some disagreement amongst them, because once there is a disagreement then there is a problem. Once they start disagreeing amongst themselves, it gives the Majority the position to enter into their camp or to have a cool ride over the Minority and this is not what we need.”