First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei-Owusu and Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak have been asked by the Speaker of Parliament to find a place in their hearts to forgive Member for Bawku Central Mahama Ayariga.
Mr Ayariga on Friday, April 7 read an apology letter over the bribery allegations he made against Mr Osei-Owusu, who is the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, and Alhaji Muntaka, who is a leader on that Committee.
The Bawku Central MP’s allegation of receiving bribe from now Minister of Energy Boakye Agyarko through Committee leaders Mr Osei-Owusu and Alhaji Muntaka called for an investigation by an ad hoc committee.
READ: Parliament sets up committee to probe bribery scandal
SEE ALSO: Ayariga found guilty of contempt
When the committee chaired by Joe Ghartey finished its work, it recommended that an unqualified apology be rendered by Mr Ayariga as he was found guilty of contempt.
On Friday, April 7 when Speaker Mike Oquaye was giving his ruling, he asked the Bekwai and Asawase MPs, and by extension the whole House, to forgive Mr Ayariga, whose allegations he described as “expensive”.
“I trust the honourable First Deputy Speaker, the honourable Muntaka and the entire House will forgive [Ayariga] and put this matter to rest,” the Speaker said in his final statement.
He also issued a warning to some four members who had risen in tosupport of Mr Ayariga, saying they may not be lucky escape punishment the next time a similar incident occurs.
“I must extend a warning to some four or five honourable members who deemed it proper to make untold noise apparently in support of Honourable Ayariga regarding the conduct.”
Mr Ayariga himself was warned that a repeat of such behaviour will be at his own risk.
“Honourable Ayariga,” Speaker Oquaye addressed him directly, “if this should be repeated in the future after today’s ruling you will have yourself to blame.”
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana