Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations-designate
The vetting of Sam George, the Minister of Communications Digital Technology and Innovations-designate was momentarily delayed due to concerns over quorum raised by the Minority on Thursday, January 30, 2025, during proceedings.
The Minority questioned whether the Appointments Committee was properly constituted, citing provisions from the Standing Orders of Parliament, particularly regarding quorum requirements.
But members on the majority side contended that per the Standing Orders of Parliament, quorum was established for the proceedings to begin, and the issue of quorum could not disrupt the ongoing process.
During the debate, the Member of Parliament of Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, cited articles 102 and 104 of the constitution to make his submission.
He stated, “The country is listening to us. The Majority Chief Whip has made a very comprehensive legal submission. Members on this side, the minority. We are making our submission. I think we owe it to the nominee; we owe it to the country to get to the bottom of this matter in an orderly manner based on the rules of the House.
He further elaborated, “It is only when the application is laid before the Chairman that he will go through the processes and the proceedings to make a determination of whether or not this committee, the Appointments Committee of Parliament, is properly constituted and has quorum.”
While the Minority pressed the issue, the Member of Parliament of South Dayi, Rockson- Nelson Dafeamkpor, urged for the proceedings to continue, emphasising that the committee was properly constituted and that the vetting should not be hindered.
“With all due respect, this is very serious, the leader should comport himself. Now you don’t have to raise an issue of quorum. You can’t jump in to raise an issue of quorum; this is the third nominee we are interrogating,” he stated.
After the clash over quorum, the proceedings, however, proceeded.
JKB/KA
Watch the vetting below: