The Minority in Parliament has rejected the nomination of Justice Srem Sai as Deputy Attorney General following a contentious vetting session marked by heated exchanges and allegations of bias.
The dispute arose after the Chair of the Appointments Committee abruptly ended the nominee’s vetting, a decision that the Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, described as unfair and inconsistent with previous proceedings.
“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,” Afenyo-Markin stated, adding that the Chair’s actions were “whimsical and capricious.”
The Minority further accused the Chair of handling proceedings with bias, citing an earlier incident involving Weija Gbawe MP, Ahmed Jerry Shaib, whom they claim was unfairly interrupted.
Afenyo-Markin also criticized the Majority for alleged attempts to obstruct the process, pointing out disruptions from the Attorney General and the Majority Chief Whip.
“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,” he added.
As a result of their dissatisfaction, the Minority has not only rejected Justice Srem Sai’s nomination but has also withdrawn support for all other nominees vetted on the same day.
“The Minority Caucus hereby rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General. That decision will be solely yours as a Majority Caucus,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
He further warned that if the perceived bias in the vetting process continued, the Minority would reconsider its participation in future sessions.