Newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga has dismissed suggestions that he could be intimidated in his new role, asserting that his years of parliamentary experience have prepared him to lead the House effectively. The Member of Parliament for Builsa North stated that his background as a ranking member, committee chairman, and long-serving legislator has equipped him with the necessary skills to handle the responsibilities of Majority Leader.
His comments come in response to remarks made by former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who questioned Mr. Agalga’s leadership credentials during an interview on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 7, 2026. Mr. Nitiwul argued that, despite Mr. Agalga being one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, he has not previously held a major leadership position within the House. In response to the criticism, Mr. Agalga emphasised that his performance in the role will ultimately determine how he is judged.
“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked. “We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”
Mr Agalga rejected suggestions that he lacks parliamentary leadership experience, highlighting the various roles he has occupied over the years. “I want to assure you that I am not new to leadership in Parliament. I have been the ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. And so, to that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership,” he said.
The Majority Leader further noted that his long service in Parliament had earned him the respect of his colleagues. “I am a full-term Member of Parliament. And so, I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me,” he said. Mr Agalga maintained that the success of his leadership would be determined by his actions and contributions once Parliament resumes its work.
“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.
Source: William Narh
