Speaker explains his absence during chaotic consideration of E-Levy Bill

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rubbished claims by the majority caucus that his absence from the chamber during deliberations on the controversial e-levy bill was an attempt to sabotage the process.

According to Mr. Bagbin, he was ready to superintend over proceedings but the majority seemed unprepared as they kept varying the order of the day.

On Monday, December 20, 2021, the Speaker during proceedings asked the First Deputy Speaker to take the chair and never returned to the seat until the house adjourned on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

After Monday night’s unsuccessful voting on the bill, the majority during a press briefing accused the Speaker of failing to “show leadership.”

But the Speaker has been explaining that he only excused himself at the point when he felt the majority was delaying the business of the day.

“I can give you a copy of my closing remarks which when I was leaving I passed through my usher to give to them that it was after 10 in the night, and I had to go and take a rest because you delayed in sitting. I had to compel the house to sit after 2:00 pm, and I presided, I said let us discuss E-levy, you said no, rather the other business.”

“I kept on varying, and we did about 6 important items, approving other loans until I had to hand over getting to 6:30 to the first Deputy Speaker.”