I didn’t lobby for my deputy majority role in Parliament – Afenyo-Markin

The proposed Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said his new role in the House of Parliament came as no surprise to him due to how diligent he has carried himself over the period in the chamber. 

According to him, contrary to public perceptions that such roles comes with lobbying, he had not to lobby because his expertise and hard work will surely vow him as the best.

In an interview on Citi TV’s Face To Face, the Member of Parliament for the Effutu constituency, said his party awarded him with the role due to his love for the work of Parliament.

“In masonic circles, there’s something we call patience and industry. When we came to Parliament in 2013, we enjoyed the debate, the opportunity given us and when the party got the opportunity in 2017, the expectation was that, we will have the opportunity to occupy a position that will enable us to do more floor work. So to me the party haven’t finally decided to give me the opportunity did not come as a surprise because they say man know thy self and I know myself that I love parliamentary work, I love the floor work, I enjoy the debate.”

He added, “And if at this point, my party holds the view that, joining other colleagues to play that role is the best for the party. Why not? In politics, you engage colleagues, you don’t necessarily need to lobby. You engage and as you keep working, people get to know of your preferences and people get to access you so the most important thing is that, the party has decided to put me there. I don’t need to lobby and I didn’t need to lobby.”

On whether the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin will discharge his duties without fear or favour.

Afenyo-Markin argued that Bagbin is too experienced to involve himself in petty politics.

“Bagbin is a politician, we all are politicians. I cannot foresee him frustrating government business nor parliamentary work. Besides, the Speaker’s office is such that if you decides to be biased, you will be seen and called out. With his 28 years of experience, I can’t foresee him putting his image and reputation on the line” he indicated.