I HOLD no special brief for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, whom I got to know as a politician. I think that Nadir did the right thing at the right moment.
He had always intended to stick by the Constitution and the Laws of the country, from all my political understanding and news reading. Nadir never said otherwise, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. The Speaker even went further to indicate exactly when the meeting would be convened to choose the country’s Opposition Leader.
He must be strongly commended because he did not have to say. He could have done it quietly, but he did so publicly in the midst of a few opposition opportunists and personalities for WIN, creating deliberate misinformation and disinformation about the process.
Nadir also earned stripes in my book because he said that he would not be intimidated or threatened while executing his role as Speaker of the National Assembly. He was brave, and sent a strong message to WIN, diplomats, and opposition surrogates, who all shamelessly and disappointingly were duped into commenting and expressing misplaced concern about the issue.
Let me be clear. You may not like it, but the Speaker said what the majority of us were thinking. He was bold enough to offer a different version of the truth, and he is entitled to his position even within his constitutional limits.
I endorse every bit of Nadir’s expression of concern about the process that will unfold on Monday, like the majority of the country.
Mr. Editor, like every sensible, upstanding, decent, educated, law-abiding and ordinary citizen of the country, I am very concerned about the consequences of Azruddin Mohamed being sworn in to the office of the Leader of the Opposition. At this phase in Guyana’s history, we need upstanding, experienced, respectful, professional, educated, knowledgeable, sound, law-abiding, and politically-savvy men and women to serve as Guyana’s opposition leader and on the opposition benches.
Guyana can ill-afford to have a bully, wanna-be gangster, poser, and seemingly daft businessman who is US OFAC-sanctioned and currently before the courts as Opposition Leader. Guyana can do without the infamy and shame which, I think, will reverberate across the Caribbean and world.
In 2020, Guyana was already known for having a government, which was the APNU+AFC regime that tried to steal the general and regional elections that year. We became known as the country where election results were delayed for five long months when our democracy and tranquility were threatened.
Now, the opposition really wants us to become infamous for having another politician or alleged fugitive promoted to uphold the Constitution? Another stain on Guyana’s standing and name, just like the same late Abul Khadir.
Islamic teachings provide clear criteria for leadership, emphasising trust, justice, and accountability. A leader who fails in these areas is considered unqualified, and Islam advises against allowing such individuals to rule or hold positions of authority.
As the Mohameds like to quote the Quran, I will do a deep-dive into verses.
“When the matter is entrusted to those who are unqualified to implement its duties, then wait for the Hour (Day of Judgment).” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
According to Islamic sources, a person is not worthy of leadership if they act oppressively (Zalim), betray the trust (Amanah) of the people, are arrogant or narcissistic, are unjust and disregard the rights of others, and seek power out of desire for status. Some would say that Mohamed seemingly is guilty of all.
Also, I read the words of Nazar Mohamed, and I respectfully disagree with everything he said in his defence of the younger Mohamed. It seems to me that he should hire more sensible, knowledgeable, and brighter ghost writers and PR people because he wrote a heap of hogwash, rubbish and dottiness.
Speaker Nadir should ignore Nazar’s appeal for an unqualified apology. I would not expect a response if I were Nazar.
I do not want this election and did not ask for another buffoon, but I respect the Constitution just like the government and the Speaker respect the law of the land.
It is in this very context that all young people and upstanding Guyanese are worried, and rightfully so. I do not want this for my beloved Guyana. I don’t want a teleprompter opposition leader or a mentally unstable opposition leader making decisions on behalf of 25 per cent of the population. No! Guyana deserves better!
The Speaker must continue to be impartial, fair and decent, but he must be practical and unforgiving when Parliamentarians breach the Standing Orders.
Editor, I am still waiting patiently for someone to pinch me and wake me up from this nightmare. The intended election of Mohamed as LOO is worrying and unsettling to my spirit.