Builsa North MP James Agalga has dismissed suggestions that he could be intimidated if given the nod to serve as Majority Leader, insisting that his years of parliamentary experience have prepared him for the role.
Mr Agalga was responding to comments by former Defence Minister and Minority Leader Dominic Nitiwul, who questioned whether the veteran legislator had the leadership credentials needed to occupy one of Parliament’s top positions.
But Mr Agalga says his track record speaks for itself.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on August 7, he pointed to his eight years as a Ranking Member, his current position as Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, and his long service in Parliament as evidence of his leadership experience.
“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.
He maintained that his experience and standing among his colleagues make suggestions that he could be intimidated unfounded.
“I want to assure you that I am not new to leadership in Parliament. I have been ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. And so, to that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership,” he said.
According to the Builsa North legislator, his record will ultimately determine whether he is capable of leading the Majority Caucus effectively.
“We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work,” he added.
Mr Agalga further stressed that, as a long-serving Member of Parliament, he is confident in his ability to command the respect of his colleagues.
“I am a full-term Member of Parliament. And so, I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me,” he said.
He said the real test of his leadership would come when Parliament resumes and he begins to steer the business of the House.
