Longest-serving MP, Alban Bagbin, has faulted the Speaker of Parliament’s indefinite suspension of sitting.

The Nadowli Kaleo MP, who has been in Parliament since 1993, described Prof. Mike Oquaye’s suspension of sitting and subsequent moving of the mace from the chamber as wrongful and illegal.

He said the mace of Parliament is the symbol of authority in the House and it was carried out when the Speaker walked out on Saturday.

“That is why I sat back because I have no authority to respect,” he told the media outside the chamber.

The Minority in the House criticised Mike Oquaye’s decision on Saturday, describing it as dictatorial.

Haruna Iddrisu, who is the Minority Leader, told journalists that they would consider seeking redress in the law courts.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs insist the right thing to do was to adjourn sitting.

But the indefinite suspension means the Speaker can recall the House at any time of his choosing, without the required 14-day notice, if they were to adjourn.

According to Prof. Oquaye, MPs cannot go on holidays because “we are not in ordinary times.”

MPs were recalled to the House on Wednesday for a presentation by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, on how the government intends to spend monies allocated for the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP).

Mr. Bagbin, speaking on that, noted that they [government] got that wrong as well.

He said since a budget has already been approved for the year but due to an unforeseen situation (Covid-19), there have to be changes, the matter should have been brought as a motion.

But the Majority in the House has defended the Speaker’s decision.

According to them, the Speaker has the powers to do what he seems fit in such situations.