Minority rejects nomination of Deputy AG-designate Srem Sai

The Minority has rejected the nomination of Justice Srem Sai as Deputy Attorney General following a heated dispute over the handling of his vetting by the Chair of the Appointments Committee.

The Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, strongly protested what they described as an abrupt and unfair termination of the nominee’s vetting.

According to him, the Chair’s decision to cut short proceedings was unjust and undermined the spirit of cooperation that had characterised previous vetting sessions.

“We are protesting your conduct in abruptly ending the nominee’s vetting on the grounds that I refused to withdraw my dissatisfaction with your ruling. I described your actions as whimsical and capricious, and I also noted that you rudely made those expressions. We do not think that, in the spirit of cooperation, you should put up such a posture,” he stated.

The Minority also accused the Chair of bias in handling proceedings, citing an earlier incident involving Weija Gbawe MP, Ahmed Jerry Shaib, whom they claim was unfairly interrupted. Afenyo-Markin noted that he, as the leader of the caucus, also faced disruptions, including interruptions from the Attorney General and the Majority Chief Whip, which, according to him, were aimed at obstructing the smooth vetting process.

“The Attorney General himself interrupted, yet you curiously claimed you never heard him. Then the Majority Chief Whip also disrupted the session, though not into the microphone. This was clearly meant to obstruct the process. Eventually, you allowed him to ask a so-called follow-up question,” Afenyo-Markin added.

In response to what they see as an abuse of discretion by the Chair, the Minority has decided to reject the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General.

“Let me conclude as follows: the Minority Caucus hereby rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General. That decision will be solely yours as a Majority Caucus. In furtherance of our protest, we are also rejecting all other nominees vetted today, and any decision taken will remain yours,” Afenyo-Markin declared.

He further hinted that the Minority would reconsider its approach to future vetting sessions if the perceived bias continued.

“God willing, tomorrow, we are receiving the President. Our understanding is that there will be no vetting on Friday. If this posture remains the same, we will advise ourselves on the next course of action,” he warned.

Source: myjoyonline.com