Bagbin will comply with SC ruling – Justice William Atugba

A former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice William Atugba has expressed optimism that the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin will comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court on the four vacant seats case. His remarks came after the apex court delivered a 5-2 majority decision on the motion filed by Effutu lawmaker, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Speaking to Joy News in the aftermath of the decision, Justice William Atugba said he cannot say much about it now because of issues of contempt of the court, something he said the courts have “been more liberal”.

“I cannot dilate too much on it because the reasons are yet to come. In court matters you have to tread very cautiously because of the law of contempt. I think so far the courts, after some time, have been more liberal about the issue of contempt which is better except in situations where people go overboard.”

He noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling was “emphatic” and the Speaker of Parliament as a law abiding citizen would comply.

“It is an emphatic determination of the matter by the court and I expect the speaker to comply. He is law-abiding, I have known him for a very long time, so I expect him to comply with the court decision. It was necessary that the SC came to this decision,” William Atugba explained.

Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the NDC and the Speaker to respect the ruling and let the house resume its work. He said the Supreme Court’s ruling is neither a victory nor defeat for any party but should be seen as a “triumph for our constitutional democracy and the rule of law”.

“The Supreme Court’s decision should not be seen as a victory for one side or a defeat for another. Rather, it represents a triumph for our constitutional democracy and the rule of law. It reinforces the principle that in our Republic. every institution, no matter how exalted, must operate within the bounds of our Constitution.”