Minority MPs Threaten Defence Minister With Parliamentary Action Over Alleged Military Intimidation

The Minority caucus in Parliament has considered moving for a vote of censure proceeding against the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul over allegations of voter suppression and intimidation by the military.

Hon. Nitiwul at a press briefing on Monday rubbished claims of intimidation and suppression by military officers in Banda in Bono Region in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

But Hon. James Agalga, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, says the Minority will not hesitate to summon the Minister to the House to explain the actions of the military in these areas.

“We as the people’s representatives have a duty to bring these things to public attention on the Floor of Parliament itself. We have extended a number of invitations. We are going to engage with the sector minister. When the opportunity is created and the ministers involved are asked to come and account for their stewardship so far and we think that the right things have not been done, maybe we will invoke the standing orders and advice ourselves accordingly,” he stated.

Concerns have been raised by the NDC and residents in recent weeks over the deployment of military into various border towns amidst EC registration of voters and the border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.