Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga dismissed suggestions that he could be intimidated in his new position, arguing that his years of parliamentary experience have prepared him to lead Ghana’s legislature.

Mr. Agalga, the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, made the remarks after former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul questioned his leadership credentials during an interview on Eyewitness News on Friday. Mr. Nitiwul contended that despite being one of Parliament’s longest-serving lawmakers, Mr. Agalga had not previously occupied one of the House’s top leadership roles.

Mr. Agalga rejected that assessment, pointing to his record as a former ranking member and current chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee.

“I am not new to leadership in Parliament,” he said. “I have been ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. To that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership.”
He also dismissed concerns that fellow lawmakers could undermine his authority.

“Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” Mr. Agalga said, adding that his years in Parliament have earned him the respect of colleagues. “I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me.”

Mr. Agalga said his effectiveness as Majority Leader should be judged by his performance rather than perceptions about his appointment.
“The end shall justify the means,” he said. “We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”

Source:TheDotNews