Agalga rejects intimidation claims as he takes charge as Majority Leader

Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga says his experience in Parliament has prepared him to lead the Majority Caucus and insisted he would not be intimidated in his new role.

The Builsa North Member of Parliament was responding to criticism from former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul, who questioned his leadership credentials during an interview with Eyewitness News on Friday, August 7.

Mr Nitiwul acknowledged that Mr Agalga was one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, but argued that he had not previously held one of the House’s top leadership positions.

Mr Agalga rejected that assessment and said his record in Parliament would provide the clearest measure of his ability to perform as Majority Leader.

“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.

“We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”

The Builsa North MP said his parliamentary career had given him substantial experience in leadership and administration.

He pointed to his eight years as a ranking member, his current position as chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee and his service as a four-term legislator.

“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 stated.

Mr Agalga also argued that his time in the House had earned him the respect of his colleagues. On that basis, he said he did not expect any Member of Parliament to attempt to intimidate him.

“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.

The newly appointed Majority Leader maintained that his performance should be assessed only after he has begun carrying out the responsibilities of the position.

He said the return of Parliament would provide an opportunity for lawmakers and the public to judge his effectiveness in leading the Majority Caucus.

“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.

Mr Agalga’s comments come as he assumes the Majority Leader’s position after years of parliamentary service in a number of senior roles. His appointment has prompted discussion over whether his previous responsibilities have given him sufficient experience to lead the Majority side of the House.

While Dominic Nitiwul focused on the absence of a previous top leadership post in Mr Agalga’s parliamentary career, Mr Agalga said leadership should not be measured solely by the formal titles a legislator has held.

Instead, he cited his sustained service as a ranking member, his committee chairmanship and his four terms in Parliament as evidence that he has already performed significant leadership duties.

He now says the results of his work as Majority Leader will ultimately settle the debate over his suitability for the role.