President Akufo-Addo and Speaker Alban Bagbin
President Nana Akufo-Addo has taken a swipe at the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, following his comments that he has become a lame duck president following the election of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate.
Rejecting the tag, President Akufo-Addo said he was still president till 2025.
“Speaker Bagbin says I am a lame duck. Well, that is his language. I am still the President of the Republic and I will continue to do so until January 7, 2025,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had asserted that the President was losing loyalty from key personalities in the NPP, including MPs, after the Vice President became the flagbearer of the party.
But speaking at a meeting with chiefs and residents of Nima in Accra, during the celebration to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Alhaji Farl becoming the Chief of Nima as Nii Futa, President Akufo-Addo said he is still in charge of the country until January 7, 2025.
“… I have no doubt that the power to make decisions and to carry out policies is still firmly in my hands, and I am not going to let it go. So, I don’t know what he is talking about when he says I am a lame duck president. I am not a lame duck president,” he insisted.
The Speaker, who was speaking on the floor of Parliament in November, urged the government to collaborate with the Minority to avoid potential stalemates.
“I expect the Majority who have a limping Majority Leader, limping because when you look at his back you’re less than those in front of you.
“You have a lame duck president, a lame duck because you have elected a flagbearer and loyalty and commitment are shifting. So your president is now lame duck president.
“You need this side of the House to support you to finish your eight years. And so if you don’t behave well we have a difficulty in proceeding as a nation,” he said.
However, President Akufo-Addo has affirmed that he remains in charge of the country until January 7, 2025, as prescribed by the constitution.
A Daily Guide Report