The Minority leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has firmly declared that the Minority will not succumb to any form of intimidation or bullying from the NDC Majority.
Despite growing pressure, Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the Minority remains resolute and will not be forced into submission by such tactics.
Addressing the press on Monday, 3 February, Afenyo-Markin stated “We, the mighty few, will not allow ourselves to be intimidated. We will never surrender to such tactics. All the issues that have been thrown at us are merely designed to scare us, but none of them will work.”
Afenyo-Markin went on to highlight the unprecedented level of cooperation the Minority has shown towards the NDC Majority.
“For the record, this is the first time in the history of the Fourth Republic that the minority in Parliament has allowed the government to form its administration and appoint ministers within record time. We have been more than cooperative,” he explained.
However, Afenyo-Markin made it clear that this cooperation had been met with increasing intimidation and bullying.
“They are bullies. They intimidate, and if you’re not strong, they will bully you. But we will never surrender to any bully,” he said firmly.
The MP also connected the growing intimidation to the chaotic events that transpired on Thursday. “It is out of this intimidation that, one way or another, the situation exploded into chaos that evening,” Afenyo-Markin explained.
“We had an agreement that only three nominees would be vetted that day. My deputy leader, who represented our caucus’s interests, had an understanding with the committee chair.
But unexpectedly, six more nominees were paraded for vetting at 10 PM, completely disregarding our agreement, which led to the breakdown in order.”
Afenyo-Markin went on to discuss the escalating physical intimidation the minority has faced.
“The NDC has sent their full soldiers to intimidate us. The insults, the bullying, and the physical attacks – it’s becoming unbearable. Sometimes, they push us as we walk. We’ve brought this to the attention of the Parliamentary Police,” he said, expressing deep concern over the safety of his colleagues.
With the situation becoming increasingly tense, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the need for enhanced security. “We are taking extra steps to ensure our safety, as their thugs are becoming too numerous. We don’t feel safe, and all of this has contributed to our stance on that night,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed that the minority would continue to uphold the principles of democracy.
“The NPP is known for its gentlemanly conduct. We don’t engage in physical confrontation, but protest is an essential part of democracy,” he said, making it clear that their actions were a legitimate response to the circumstances.
In conclusion, Afenyo-Markin appealed to the majority leader, whom he praised for his diplomatic leadership, to intervene and address the growing obstruction.
“I urge the majority leader to calm the wild dogs who are obstructing the government’s work,” he said, calling for an end to the tactics that have been disrupting the smooth functioning of government.
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