News:
July 7, 2010
Parliament says it will not dignify Charles Kofi Wayo’s disdainful remarks against Members of Parliament (MPs) by dragging him before the Privileges Committee.
Majority Leader, Cletus Avoka told Joy News on Tuesday that after some deliberations in the chamber, it was agreed Mr. Wayo should be left alone.
The legislators were of the view that Mr Wayo has gained notoriety in making disparaging remarks on persons in high office, and therefore appearing before the august house “would make him a hero out of nothing”.
The Leader of the United Renaissance Party (URP), Kofi Wayo, had described members of Ghana’s law making body as a bunch of self-seeking individuals, who are mostly criminals. His comments angered some MPs who threatened to summon him before the Privileges Committee to defend his remarks.
However, Mr Avoka said the Speaker of Parliament put the matter before the house where legislators debated on it.
“Some few members were of the opinion that Mr Kofi Wayo should be hauled before the Privileges Committee of Parliament, while some other members generally agreed that the statements constituted contempt of parliament.
“They observed, among other things, that it has been the habit of Mr Kofi Wayo to malign institutions and those who head the institution and functionaries and individuals in society
“So given that antecedent of Mr Kofi Wayo it was felt that we would make him a hero out of nothing”. The Majority leader observed.
Meanwhile, Mr Kofi Wayo had earlier welcomed any opportunity to prove that MPs are criminals.
Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana