The third time was not the charm for Attorney Martinus Francois. At yet another scheduled hearing, his constitutional challenge over parliament’s failure to appoint a deputy Speaker failed to get off the ground. Last July judge Agnes Actie ruled that Francois had incorrectly served court documents on Speaker Daniel’s secretary. Fast forward to October 31, the case was adjourned a second time to January 23, on the basis that Daniel’s legal counsel was given just four days to prepare.
On Thursday morning as the rain poured, only six people sat in the normally bustling High Court waiting room. Speaker Andy Daniel, his eyes glued to his cell phone, waited for the matter to be called. It wasn’t long before a court employee approached to let him know his matter had again been given a new hearing date: February 13, 2020. Daniel was given no reason but he supposed the postponement was related to Justice Godfrey Smith’s resignation. The outstanding matters over which Smith had oversight would have to be dealt with by other judges.
Daniel told this reporter: “As I’ve said before, I will not suspend the business of the people to force the issue of a deputy Speaker. As long as I am capable, I will preside.”
Despite the setbacks Francois’ confidence remains high. He said: “There’s no doubt about it, I will come out on top. I would not go this far if I was not absolutely confident. I’m not stupid. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years. The facts and the law are squarely in my favour.”
He added: “The prime minister lacks testicular fortitude and courage. He doesn’t want to tell one of his ministers to step down. So he passes the buck to the court. Well the court will put him out of his misery.”
