Some NDC MPs wanted me to be Speaker of Parliament – Haruna Iddrisu

Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, says some National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs wanted to push him to become the Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking at a thanksgiving church service in Nadowli-Kaleo for the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, he said their support for him was surprising at the time.

“A group of NDC MPs led by Mahama Ayariga and some of my colleagues, surprisingly at that time, even supported by my able Whip Muntanka, had come to my office to lure me and to encourage me to run for the position of Speaker,” Mr. Iddrisu recounted.

“Without any hesitation, I declined,” he added.

But the Minority Leader at the time, which he did not disclose, said he was certain “God will have favour” on an NDC member for the position of Speaker.

Later on, at a meeting with NDC leadership, the matter of the party’s choice for speaker came up and Mr. Iddrisu said he was in favour of either the NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia or then Nadowli-Kaleo MP, Alban Bagbin, becoming the Speaker.

“Before my mouth could land, the honourable Asiedu Nketia held up the hand of Honourable Bagbin. Little did I know that good things and God’s glory was vested in him,” the Minority Leader recalled.

Since then, Mr. Bagbin has become the Speaker of Parliament after triumphing over the former Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye.

This followed the strong performance of NDC MP candidates during the 2020 election where they were able to match the number of seats the governing New Patriotic Party had.

The NDC MPs have faced criticism for their inability to effectively influence decisions.

NDC supporters were particularly upset with the passing of some Minister nominees with support from Minority MPs despite reservations by the NDC.

But Mr. Iddrissu urged the rank and file of the party to remain steadfast in their support for the NDC MPs.

He admitted the difficulty in dealing with the criticism with some accusing him of corruption and betraying the NDC.

“Some have had to question our reputation and integrity even as we walk forward. But let them be reminded that I am only successful as majority leader to the extent that I can influence minimum corporation from the Majority,” Mr. Iddrisu said.

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