Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has raised concerns about the increasing spate of official communications from law enforcement agencies for MPs to be invited for questioning over some allegations.
In his opening remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, May 27 after the House had resume from recess, Alban Bagbin said there has been a noticeable increase in the number of official communications from law enforcement and investigative bodies directed at MPs.
Bagbin explained that although some of these allegations arise before some MPs assumed office or while they were in office, such request from the police must be treated with some seriousness.
The Speaker noted that these allegations raise questions that touch directly on the standing of Parliament and the public’s perception of collective integrity of the House.
According to Alban Bagbin, although MPs are protected by parliamentary immunity, it is not a way to escape police inquiry or investigations.
He averred that the parliamentary immunity granted MPs is “to protect the independence of the legislature, not to obstruct justice.”
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“Let me sound this loud and clear: parliamentary privilege is not immunity from lawful inquiry. It is not a licence to disregard the law.
“These provisions are institutional safeguards. They were never intended as escape routes for Hon Members,” Bagbin said.
Alban Bagbin insisted that under his leadership, due processes will take their courses anytime allegations are raised against MPs.
He said Parliament will not stand by while members are subjected to unlawful or politically motivated persecution just as Parliament will not offer protection to lawmakers who seek to misuse their privileges to frustrate legitimate investigations.
“I remain committed to fully upholding the constitutional and procedural protections afforded to every member of this House. The dignity of Parliament requires that its rules and privileges be respected. But it also requires that we do not mistake privilege for impunity. No member can act as though the confidence of the electorate is a shield against scrutiny,” Alban Bagbin emphasised.
