Bagbin Lauds NPP MPs: For deciding to debate the 2013 budget

The Member of Parliament for Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has lauded his counterparts on the opposition bench for deciding to participate in the debate of the 2013 Budget.

According to him, the decision does not only pave the way for a harmonious Parliamentary discourse, but also goes a long way to set the tone towards the restoration of the credibility of the Legislature in general.

“Parliament is the pillar of democracy and the very moment it takes its eyes off the national interest the entire fabric of democracy suffers a great deal,” he said.

“I think that as a body, we must in spite of our differences find common grounds, negotiate and build trust, as has always been the case, to ensure that the country does not pay the price in our quest to get things our way at all cost.”

The experienced member of the legislature, who has trained and nurtured so many Members of Parliament, is of the view that the sore note on which the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic begun is likely to affect the psyche of members who are entering the house for the first time. The onus therefore rests on the leaders of both sides to work on them to eschew acts of antagonism and vindictiveness so as not to mar the beauty of Parliamentary debates and our unique democracy.

He also entreated members not to forget the fact that they are looked upon as role models and therefore their actions, utterances and attitudes are keenly watched and scrutinized.

According to him, the more experience members have a responsibility to share their experiences with the new members to not only engage in debating national issues dispassionately but also be a reflection of the dignity and respect accorded the House.

“The future of our democracy and the development of our country lies in our hands and we can’t afford to shirk this responsibility for anything else,” he concluded”