Even before nominations open on Monday, March 30 for New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries, renowned lawyer Phillip Addison has spued a sting not at his opponents but at National Democratic Congress’ Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey Constituency, Nii Armah Ashietey.

“The incumbent has been there for two terms and I don’t recall ever hearing him speak even in Parliament,” he said.

“I think it is important for the people to have somebody who will articulate their views and positions in Parliament.”

Mr Addison was speaking in an exclusive interview with TV3’s Thomas Addotei Pappoe over his intention to stand on the ticket of the NPP in the 2016 parliamentary elections.

The lawyer became popular during the 2012 Election Petition suit filed by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey at the Supreme Court.

He was the lead counsel for the petitioners in the eight-month litigation. “Because of the petition I think I am quite well known in the country and I thought I should capitalize on it for a good cause. That is to capture the Korley Klottey seat for the NPP,” he said on Thursday, March 26.

‘The Pink Sheet Man’

He told our reporter that the decision to go for the seat was not an easy one to take.

“It was quite a difficult decision to take,” he admitted.

“But I think we have reached a stage in our country where all hands must be on deck.”

His followers call him ‘The Pink Sheet Man’ obviously from his advocacy during the landmark petition, which was broadcast live.

The opposition NPP has set May 24 for parliamentary primaries across the country but controversy has already been courted over a decision by the National Executive Committee to bar men from contesting their 16 incumbent MPs.

“I think the idea behind it is laudable but I am not too sure if it is constitutional because it looks discriminatory.”