“…Speaker must serve a term of imprisonment…” Justice Atuguba on the vacant seat controversy.
Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has cautioned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of serious consequences if he does not comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling. This warning follows a 5-2 decision by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, which reversed Speaker Bagbin’s declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant, reinstating the previous status in the House.
In an interview with JoyNews’ Elton Brobbey, Justice Atuguba, who once served as acting Chief Justice, explained the potential legal repercussions Speaker Bagbin could face if he disregards the Court’s orders. “In light of this decision, he is bound by the ruling of the Supreme Court,” Justice Atuguba affirmed.
He continued, “It is not necessarily 10 years; the Speaker must serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years. Additionally, he could face a 10-year disqualification from holding public office. If you are a president, you are also liable to removal.” Justice Atuguba stressed the serious legal implications for public officials who defy court orders.
With Parliament currently on an indefinite suspension, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the NDC MP for South Dayi, commented that Parliament would need to resume meetings and go through specific procedural steps for the Supreme Court’s ruling to take effect.
“Parliament is not a one-man entity; it is an entire organization, an organ of the state. Therefore, this ruling must go through certain procedural processes to be implemented,” he explained.
“So, it is not an automatic thing; procedures must be followed,” Dafeamekpor emphasized, noting that Parliament would handle the ruling within its established procedures.
