Minority Leader , Haruna Iddrisu
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has called President Akufo-Addo, Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery and Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante Apeatu to order over the invasion of the residence of Mr Collins Dauda by armed police officers Tuesday dawn.
He described the incident as a ‘’bizarre development’’, which raises fundamental questions on the civility of the handling of matters by the Ghana Police Service.
The Minority at an emergency press conference today [Tuesday] said, his side called on the president and his appointees to order because ‘’we are a country governed by law and a country underpinned by the rule of law recognising that no citizen including Members of Parliament are above the laws of this country or above matters to criminal investigations.’’
He was however quick to add that our [MPs] immunities and privileges are constitutionally guaranteed.’’ At the press conference, Mr Iddrisu said, he was expecting the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, who is the custodian of the immunities and privileges to make a public statement.
The intimidation and harassment of MPs he strongly noted must stop. He made reference to the attack on the Kumasi court and other institutions by some vigilante group members of the NPP without any action by the police and wondered why the MP’s home was invaded.
‘’We demand civility and courtesy in these matters. We expect the Minister of Interior and IGP must know that which is legally and constitutionally appropriate. We have never ever said anywhere that MPs are above the law or above any criminal investigation. But to besiege the home of an MP with that thuggery of men is intimidating and unacceptable for us.’’
Haruna Iddrisu emphasised that members on the Minority side ‘’are not cowards. Let them be reminded that we are not cowards and would not be cowed by some of these intimidations and harassments. We are very capable of responding to those threats of intimidations and harassments. We are law abiding and will continue to be,’’ he warned.
