Former Senior Presidential Aide has commended Speaker Alban Bagbin for his “diplomatic” handling of the ongoing parliamentary crisis following the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on his ruling that declared four seats vacant.

In an interview on PM Express on October 22, he praised the Speaker’s calm demeanour and approach, which has helped maintain a fragile balance in a divided Parliament.

The background to the crisis stems from Speaker Bagbin’s decision to declare the seats of three NPP MPs and one NDC MP vacant.

This ruling was challenged by NPP MPs, who filed an ex parte application to the Supreme Court.

The Court subsequently issued a stay, allowing the MPs to continue their duties until a final decision is made.

Read also: Parliamentary seat saga: Supreme Court mustn’t be a ‘hatchet agent’ – Tony Aidoo

Despite the legal tension, Dr Aidoo lauded Speaker Bagbin for staying above the fray.

“The Speaker is like a referee. He’s not a Member of Parliament, and he’s doing what referees do—managing the situation with diplomacy,” he said.

Dr Aidoo acknowledged that Bagbin’s role is difficult, especially with both sides of the aisle jostling for supremacy in Parliament.

There have been accusations from the NPP side, particularly from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, that the Speaker has been inconsistent in his rulings.

Mr Afenyo-Markin claimed that during private consultations, Bagbin acknowledged him as the majority leader, only to reverse his stance publicly.

Read also: Negotiation is part of politics, not zero-sum games – Tony Aidoo criticises Afenyo-Markin’s attitude

Dr Aidoo brushed off these claims as private matters between the Speaker and Afenyo-Markin, adding, “I don’t have to believe him. This is the same Afenyo-Markin who made a Freudian slip about his far-right leanings.”

He concluded by urging political leaders in Parliament to emulate the Speaker’s diplomatic style and move towards consensus-building.

“There’s no reason why Parliament cannot function if both sides come together. Speaker Bagbin has shown us that diplomacy and balance are key.”