Bagbin must grow eagle eyes and claws against green snake, Afenyo-Markin

The eagle has a great ability to see its prey and uses its claws to catch the prey for its satisfaction. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin is advised to emulate the eagle and keep his eyes focused on the NPP Caucus Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. The Speaker must have an eagle eye and do well to notice the chameleon colours of Afenyo-Markin. He is very insincere.

Was it not Afenyo-Markin who described the Speaker as a threat to Ghana’s democracy? During the recent parliamentary impasse after the Speaker declared four seats vacant, hence weakening the NPP’s majority status, the NPP leader accused the Speaker of hurting democracy. “What the Speaker did today amounts to chaos and bringing the reputation of democracy to disrepute.” He added, “What Mr. Speaker is doing is hurting democracy.”

After the declaration of the four seats vacant, Afenyo-Markin took the Speaker to the Supreme Court. He was aided by the court to reverse the Speaker’s decision. Hon. Afenyo-Markin and many more NPP Members of Parliament (MPs), including K. T. Hammond, Frank Annoh Dompreh, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, among others, all used unprintable words on Bagbin without pausing a second to think. Dr. Bawumia, the 1.7 million votes loser, did not also spare the Speaker at the time.

Afenyo-Markin’s attitude begs the question: what has changed for him to all of a sudden appear as the leading advocate for Bagbin to be retained? “Mr. Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, and it is likely because we have you as Speaker coming from within. Mr. Speaker, I don’t know whether you will be retained or if a new person will be appointed.” He added, “If they decide to maintain you, I know Parliament will continue to benefit.”

Even the chameleon does not change colours this fast. This early dawn’s praise and respect for the Speaker must be rejected. It is clear Lawyer Afenyo-Markin is up to something, and he wants to walk on Bagbin to achieve whatever he is fronting for.

First, he knows his position as Minority Leader, now christened as Micro Leader in the incoming parliament, is under threat. Remember, he was accused of causing NPP’s downfall for being arrogant and not providing adequate leadership. He wants to be seen by the NPP as a changed fellow, hence the struggle to turn over a new leaf.

Second, Afenyo-Markin wants to cause confusion in the NDC. Why must he be the one to suggest the kind of Speaker to lead the 9th Parliament? He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Why did he not support Bagbin when he was presented to lead the 8th Parliament?

If Bagbin proposes to be the Speaker for the second time, I foresee no objections to it by the great NDC. He is the wish of Ghanaians, and the NDC is there to serve their interests. We will not take the 1.67 million gap in votes for granted.

I know Rt. Hon. Bagbin is a Speaker worth his salt. He will not fall for the deceit and theatrics of Hon. Afenyo-Markin. He may be wise, but Bagbin is wiser. Bagbin knows Afenyo-Markin is insincere and will watch Afenyo-Markin with eagle eyes and, if it becomes necessary, use claws.

Watch as Agbodza praises Alban Bagbin’s leadership as Speaker of Parliament