Opinions | May 25, 2009
Lessons from Westminster scandal for African govts
Joseph Ochieno
Earlier this week, the Speaker of the British Parliament (House of Commons) Mr Michael Martin, gave perhaps the briefest lecture in political history that every ‘emerging democracy’ in Africa should care to note.
In hardly a 30-second statement, he said: “ In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of speaker on Sunday, June 21.” His resignation from the prestigious position follows weeks of scandal that has gripped the British national assembly that had always presented itself as the ‘mother of all parliaments’, in part, because of its history, the maturity of their democracy and track record of (their) rule of law, respect for (their unwritten ) constitution but above all, the supposed universa l assumption that all the ‘honourable’ members are really and truly honourable.
But with its history and tradition, the British Parliament has been the almost apparent ‘boys club’ assembly with rules dating back to several centuries ago. When Tony Blair came to power in 1997, they attempted a series of reforms, that included family friendly seating times that favoured women members and the abolition of hereditary peers in the house of Lords (upper house). But one of the unfinished business was that of the remuneration of Members of Parliament.
As it happened, they had a system where MPs with constituencies outside London could claim for second home allowances while others were able to make claims only vaguely described as ‘essential for the conduct of MPs businesses’. With laxity or incompetence of the Fees Office ( responsible for processing the claims), MPs sometimes unwittingly made all sorts of claims which now, to the disgust of the public, were deemed unacceptable.
The reform process was slow, with most MPs apparently singing ‘no change’. With details of claims by all MPs due to be released in July, The Daily Telegraph, obtained the whole pack. As it turns out, the Speaker was assumed slow in the process and an easy fall guy. When only 23 out of the 646 MPs ‘lost’ confidence in the speaker, he resigned.
Several tens of MP s from across the political divide have been caught up in the scandal. One of them, (Independent) MP and former Secretary for International, Clare Short claimed for her full mortgage for two and a half years, although she was only expected to claim for interests. She paid back £8,460.00. She allegedly, also made regular claims for ‘painting and decorating’ over four years.
Clare Short was an ardent supporter and promoter of NRM. On her first visit to Uganda as minister in November 1997, she told the press that the British were only interested in ‘economics’ but not ‘human rights’. Yet it took us years trying to convince the British public that Clare got it wrong on Uganda; reasons? She was seen as ordinary maverick, one who would not be driven by ‘deals’ in Africa.
Africans, we must work hard and seek our own solution, only dealing in partnership, not charity. The Westminster scandal has shown that black or white, Asian or European, we are all human and perfectly gullible. The difference is that while some British MPs falter the tills, their people are mostly employed and well paid while their hospitals, schools, trains, airlines, civil servants work well, building for children.
When found out, they resign to cleanse their credibility. And regardless of the size of their ‘vision’ or connections, for national interest and unity they resign,=2 0even at the slightest asking .
Mr Ochieno is UPC’s special presidential envoy to the UK & Ireland
Jop3upc@yahoo.co.uk

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Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 20:46:19 -0500 [20:46:19 CDT]
From: jop3upc@ . . .
Subject: Lessons from Westminster scandal for African governments