Resolve your differences – Former MP advises Parliament and the Police
A former Member of Parliament Ben Abdallah has described the entrenched positions taken by Parliament and the Ghana Police Service over the Member of Parliament for Madina’s issue as disturbing.
The Police have tried to arrest Francis-Xavier Sosu but all the attempts have proved futile and they have gone ahead secure a court summons to invite him to court but Parliament, on the other hand, has indicated they will not back the position of the Police.
However, Ben Abdallah who is a former Chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Committee has called on both parties to resolve their differences.
“This is a very disturbing phenomenon because it involves two institutions of the state. These institutions must work hand in hand. When the police send their regulation to Parliament, Parliament must work on the regulation; when the institution of Parliament also needs protection, it is the police that gives the protection. So this current disturbing phenomenon which is unfolding and appears to be crystallizing doesn’t augur well for Parliament and the police service. The two institutions must sit down and iron out their differences,” he said.
The former lawmaker for Offinso South has also urged the Madina MP to honour the court summons.
According to Ben Abdallah summons once issued must not be disregarded.
“Sosu has to appear before the court and perhaps explain why he believes the police service is wrong. Whether the summons was rightfully or wrongfully served; the MP has been put on notice as to what he is supposed to do in court. He can not say that he is immune because this is not properly served, or he is on his way to or out of Parliament. The rest of the issue will have to be settled in court. It will be left with the court to determine the case”, he said.
The Ghana Police Service resorted to the court to invite the Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu after he failed to honour the Police invitation for questioning extended to him over incidents that occurred during a demonstration he led in his constituency.
However, the Parliamentary Service in response to the Police, says it takes strong exceptions to the manner the Ghana Police Service is seeking to arrest the Member of Parliament over the alleged wrongdoing.
It indicated that, although the immunity of MPs is not absolute, the lawmaker cannot be hounded in a way that is not constitutional and threatens democracy.
The service also cannot comprehend why the Police administration has failed to secure a certificate from the Speaker of the House before going ahead to effect the arrest of the MP.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
