By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Issahaq Mohammed
In a heated parliamentary debate, the MP for Tolon and first Deputy Minority Whip Hon. Alhaji Habib Iddrisu has challenged claims made by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Hon Ahmed Ibrahim regarding the composition of parliamentary committees and the approval process for cabinet ministers.
Soaking on the floor of Parliament Tuesday 25, February, 2025 Alhaji Iddrisu criticized the assertion that cabinet ministers must be approved before committees and seating arrangements are finalized. He emphasized that parliamentary standing orders dictate otherwise.
“Mr. Speaker, I think the minister responsible for local government and chieftaincy is misleading the house. It is not the case that we must get cabinet ministers approved before committees and seating arrangements are done. Per our standing orders, even for the vetting of cabinet ministers, committees must be in place so that subject matter committee chairs can be vetted.” He said
He further refuted claims by the Loocal Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister that mistakes were made in the previous administration, stating emphatically, “It is never true that we committed a lot of mistakes when we were on the other side.”
The Tolon MP also pointed out a significant structural difference in the 8th Parliament, asserting that it did not have backbenchers per the previous standing orders. He suggested that the inability to properly constitute committees had left many NDC MPs disappointed and uncertain about their roles.
“At the moment, the hope of the 140 MPs who are not ministers or deputy ministers lies in committee appointments. They are disappointed because they don’t know where they are even going.” He reiterated
