Second Deputy Speaker pledges his neutrality

Accra, Jan 14, GNA-Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu, Second Deputy Speaker, on Friday said there was no cause for the House to doubt his objectivity and impartially as the third Speaker of Parliament. He said he would encourage members to seek consensus on issues adding:" we have always worked as a body, in fact we have agreed more on issues than disagreed on issues.".

The Second Deputy Speaker in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said when rulings are based on sound knowledge, facts, fair play and justice, everybody is bound to accept it.

He said he would work out "his heart and mind" to advance the cause of Parliament "I am associated with Parliament. I am here to represent my people so the best I can do for my people and the country is to help enhance Parliament. I will work harder from my office, seat and during outings to enhance the image of Parliament."

According to Alhaji Yabuku, every member has a stake in the making of a strong Parliament.

"Parliament is the bulwark of our democracy and that the working of Parliament must be conducted in such a way that it would help in shaping our political destiny positively."

The member who had to resign his Interior Ministerial portfolio over the Dagbon crises, which began in 2002 said although he did know of his nomination before that fateful morning of January 7, he felt ready to serve the nation in any capacity.

"Politicians must be like good seeds, which must flourish in all types of soil. If you were dogmatic about politics you would not go far."