We’ve read in the Christian Holy Book how those who shouted ‘hallelujah’ subsequently turned their backs on Yesu Kristo and shouted ‘crucify him’. I write today to do the reverse.
I was one of those who vehemently criticised the Osono MPs when two of them betrayed the party’s cause and voted against Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye in the speakership contest earlier in the year. Some of us likened the two unknown ‘traitors’ to Judas Iscariot.
Prior to the voting, we had heard rumours suggesting few from the Elephant stock would betray their party and vote against its choice. True to the rumours, two eventually showed their true colours at the end of the fiercely contested speakership election. The resultant effect was the elevation of Hon. Alban Bagbin, a man from the Umbrella stock, to the position of Speaker.
The shock and disappointment were unbearable for many from the Elephant family. We wondered what could have motivated the miscreants to show such gross disloyalty to their party. Understandably, it was the disappointment and pain that compelled some of us to vent our spleen on the Elephant’s leadership and its entire membership in Parliament.
I’m, however, singing a new tune today because our MPs have made us very proud. They did their best to stop the ‘enemy’ from putting sand in our gari. For sure, our MPs have learnt a great lesson from the January 7 debacle and it is my hope that they do not let their guard down again.
I fully agree with the call that those from the Elephant stock should not underestimate the discipline, commitment and hard work exhibited by the Majority side in passing the 2021 Budget. All (138), except one, were present to ensure the Zu-za Minority did not succeed in its diabolical scheme to reject the 2021 Budget. Even the 138th person, who had travelled to Kumasi on an exigency, hurriedly returned to Parliament only to narrowly miss being counted.
For me, it is an achievement worth trumpeting. One could shudder to imagine the consequences of the 2021 Budget being rejected. The government would have had no budget with which to run the country. Salaries of public workers could also have been delayed, which could have led to agitations from workers. Not to talk of the psychological disadvantage for the government and the bad press thereof.
I’ve heard some say the 134 Zu-za MPs present voted against the budget in good conscience. Others even say they have their reasons for rejecting the budget.
Of course, they have their reasons. The question is whether their reasons are for partisan purposes or patriotic ones?
Let no one be deceived, the Minority cannot, and should not, be trusted. After feeling the heat from its party’s rank and file following the approval of Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Hon. Hawa Koomson and Hon. Owusu Afriyie Akoto by some Zu-za MPs, there is no way the Umbrella MPs will repeat that mistake.
Trust me when I tell you the trend will not change. Not only will they continue to vote against anything and everything from the Nana Dee government, they will also make mountains out of mole hills in the desperate attempt to please their rank and file. They will keep taking entrenched positions in the hope that a disgruntled Elephant MP will repeat the mistake of January 7, 2021.
Indeed, report from the grapevine suggests that they left no stone unturned in their bid to ensure the 2021 Budget was not passed. The only obstacle to that effort was the deadly COVID-19 which had compelled three of their MPs to stay at home.
Zu-za can continue to dream; and it will continue to remain so if the Elephant caucus remains focused, disciplined and committed. The Majority cannot afford to take its eye off the ball because it is dealing with very cunning characters from the Minority side.
But, for now, I cannot thank the Majority caucus enough for saving the Nana Dee government from ridicule. Hon. Kyei Mensah Bonsu and his charges deserve commendation for the yeoman’s job done. But they should remember that they cannot afford to stop running when the wild animal chasing them has not stopped its pursuit.
See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!