The Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among has asked a people not to stage demonstrations over issues already before parliament.
During the Plenary on Tuesday, Among stated that those protesting at parliament are wasting time as this will yield no results.
I ask our people out there to be patient enough, the people you have here are your representatives. The voice to the voiceless and they will speak for you and resolve issues. So you don't need to demonstrate in Parliament because it will not yield anything. We will allow you to protest and move on. — Among said
Her comments came after a demonstration at Parliament over coffee seedlings. In August 2022, coffee farmers petitioned Parliament to direct the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to allow coffee nursery operators to supply seedlings to farmers and payments be made later.
The petitioners, however, say that this has not been implemented and yet the planting season is nigh, prompting the demonstrations.
The Speaker cautioned Members of Parliament against advising their constituents to demonstrate against the processes of Parliament, saying whereas demonstrations do not yield anything, Parliament will resolve the matter by debate.
“The issue of the coffee seedlings is going to be handled. It was discussed in this House. I do not think it is right for us to advise our voters to come and demonstrate at the gate because demonstrating is not going to solve a problem,” — she advised.
