The House Of Honourables Must Purge Itself!  

The long-awaited and much anticipated showdown did not come to pass. The much-talked about appearance of Blakk Rasta at the Privileges Committee of Parliament has come and gone with little drama. Many had expected a showdown, but Blakk Rasta shamed his critics by eating the humble pie. Those who expected him to maintain his stance and attract the wrath of Parliament were thus deeply disappointed.

Yours truly is however among the few who were satisfied with the Privileges Committee proceedings that day. Most of the Committee members, who were visibly angry, could not help but be moved by Blakk Rasta's apology and claim that he was on heat when he maligned the august House. It is my conviction that the august House would tamper justice with mercy and pardon the reggae musician. After all, to err is human, but to forgive is divine.

I hear some of our Members of Parliament (MPs) were unmoved by his apology. They say it was not genuine, and are therefore urging the House to punish him in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

I would not begrudge their stance because opinions are like noses. But I beg to differ. I'm of the opinion that the seeming lack of respect for the august House could be blamed on the actions of some members of the House, both present and past. The House purging itself is therefore the best way to inspire hope and respect.

I have grown to realise that almost everything said and written about the word 'truth' is very true. Truth manifests itself in different shapes and colours, and often leaves in its wake a sour taste in people's mouth. Is it, therefore, any wonder that our elders say the truth is bitter?

What my okro-mouth is about to vomit might be bitter. But it is a pill we all need to swallow to cure the august House of its ailments.

The word 'honourable' means 'worthy of honour.' It is usually a title given to certain high officials, members of the nobility, and MPs because they are perceived to be morally upright. One can therefore not be faulted for questioning the use of the word on anyone who exhibits questionable character.

There is a popular Akan proverb which states: 'One rotten palm nut destroys a thousand others.' Certainly, a revered MP, who descends so low to use his wife's head as a punching bag, has not only desecrated his name, but that of the august House of Honourables as well. Would such an MP be fit to be called honourable?

When a sitting MP, and an honourable one at that, is caught with narcotics and subsequently incarcerated for drug trafficking in Obroniland, the blot on his character would definitely contaminate the sanctity of our Parliament. Would such a disgraced MP be fit to be called honourable? Having the misfortune of once being linked to one such 'honourable' drug trafficker, many cannot help but wonder if there are many more such 'honourable' traffickers in the House.

When a much-respected MP, who could not control his libido, decides to have a ”jigi-jigi’ bout with his sister-in-law under the guise of tradition, has he not soiled his name and that of our 'honourable' Parliament? Would such an MP, who is no longer morally sacrosanct, be fit to be addressed as honourable? Don't we have such 'honourable' traditionalists in the august House?

When an MP accuses his colleagues of collecting bribe and fails to substantiate it, he is incontrovertibly questioning his own credibility and that of our esteemed House of Honourables. The House therefore tends to lose the respect of the general public if it fails to bring the errant MP to order.

As for MPs whose actions show that they believe more in their political party than the nation, we have them in abundance. Although our MPs would want us to believe otherwise, what we have witnessed since 1992 is enough evidence that most of them are more partisan than patriotic.

There is this notion that the House only speaks with one voice when it has to do with matters of cowries affecting them. This notion may be wrong, but the continuous partisan nature of discussions in the House tends to fan this notion.

My humble plea is that the House takes measures to purge itself. Referring disrespectful conducts by non-MPs to the Privileges Committee is good. But ultimately, checking the dishonourable conduct of MPs would give the House a better image.

Am I comfortable writing this piece? No, I'm not and I guess you know why. In my mind’s eye I see some of our honourable members fuming with rage. I do dread having an encounter with the dreaded Privileges Committee of our most honourable Legislature; but I also owe it a duty to draw their attention to facts that have contributed in bringing the name of the august House into disrepute.

I would plead with our honourables not to take concerns raised here as an affront to their 'krakye' powers, but as a counsel from a citizen who is very concerned about the gradual desecration of the title 'honourable'. I pray they understand that I'm but a small rat who wouldn't dare to challenge the cat to a duel.

See you next week for another exciting konkonsa, Deo volente!

By Agya Kwaku Ogboro