Granger’s recent statement an unmistakable appeal to anarchy

Court cases, such as the Constitutional type are always expected to be ones facilitating passionate debate, particularly because of their peculiar nature. But, irrespective of whatever decision is handed down, their judicial decisions are always expected to be respected. If not satisfied, the losing party will be expected to appeal to a superior court for a further review.In the meantime, though, the latter party is expected to await the outcome of such an appeal, without resorting to statements that seek to reduce the stature of the principal judge, and the judiciary as a whole.

This needs to be reminded of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger, against whom and his coalition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), the recent ruling on the legality of the Opposition cut to Budget 2012, went against.
Apart from his defiant statements of refusing to accept the Honourable Chief Justice’s ruling, he has further made the disrespectful statement “that the Chief Justice is not God”.
Such a position, definitely sarcastic, seeks to make short shrift of this very eminent Office, in addition to an attempt at denigrating the stature of the very Honourable Chief Justice.
This is unbecoming of the Leader of such a very important constitutional office, as Opposition Leader, and especially from someone who was once commander of the nation’s armed forces, and who more than anyone else, should understand the meaning of strict adherence to rules, much less respect. One must therefore enquire whether this is the same Granger who has been a perennial critic of the capabilities of law and order in Guyana. His very view, threatens the fabric of a secured and protected society that he so constantly advocates.
As a former, very senior military chieftain, he should remember what compliance with orders means, even when in disagreement. It is just another of Granger’s known contradictions, which are unbecoming of a Leader of the Opposition, but not altogether surprising given his known penchant for irrationality.
It is even surprising of such a statement, emanating from his person, given the many prominent lawyers within the general political Opposition and who are aware as to the judicial remedies for such situations, though unique. Surely, he ought to have been advised of such a recourse, but more so paying due cognisance to the judicial process and norms.
All political leaders should be reminded as to the grave undertaking that their office represents much less the serious implications of statements that are found to be distasteful and disrespectful. It denotes the quality of their leadership, which cannot serve as appropriate example to their many constituents. To the very young, it sends the incorrect perceptions of what respect for their country’s laws are all about; and, undoubtedly this is what Granger’s statement would have done.
In its entirety, such a statement by Granger is firstly, disrespectful, for which an apology ought to be made to the Honourable Chief Justice. Secondly, it is an unmistakable appeal to anarchy, and must be unreservedly condemned by all law abiding Guyanese.