Speaker Oboth Vows No Shield for Defaulters Before Parliament

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth has declared that his office will not be utilized to pressure parliamentary committees or protect individuals from necessary scrutiny. He emphasized that these committees conduct vital oversight functions on behalf of the entire House and must be allowed to operate without interference.

This directive comes in response to growing concerns about government entities and public servants allegedly refusing to appear before parliamentary committees to account for their use of public resources. The Speaker noted attempts by some parties to influence his office to block or undermine committee summonses.

“My office shall not be used to exert undue influence on Committee Chairpersons to shield culprits from scrutiny,” Oboth stated firmly. “Committees work on behalf of this House. I will not entertain side engagements aimed at compromising their work.”

He further directed all summoned entities to respect Parliament and comply with appearances, stating that non-compliance obstructs the legislature’s constitutional duty to oversee public finances. “If you receive public resources, you must account. No one is above accountability. I direct all those invited by Committees to appear without fail,” he reiterated.

Members of Parliament applauded the Speaker’s stance, noting that some officials and agencies have developed a pattern of defiance, hindering the work of oversight committees. One MP commented, “Some MDAs think they are untouchable. The Speaker’s statement is timely and we must enforce it.”

Speaker Oboth indicated that Parliament is prepared to exercise its constitutional and procedural powers to compel the attendance of witnesses who continue to defy summonses. This move underscores the critical role of parliamentary committees in overseeing government spending and ensuring accountability from those entrusted with public funds.

Source: Nile Post