By Melvin Tejan Mansaray
Thursday 16th July, 2020
INTRODUCTION
Today’s seventh plenary sitting of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone was historic, long and purposeful.
MOOD
The atmosphere of the sitting was congenial, consensual, and had elements of humor and seriousness, despite starting late due to quorum difficulties.
ORDER PAPER
The business of the House featured Hon. Alusine Kanneh’s laying of the paper “Audit Service Sierra Leone, Performance Audit Report on the Management Audit Report on the Management of Government Vehicles Ministry of Transport and Aviation and Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority,’ on behalf of the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Solomon Sengepoh Thomas. It was later resolved that this paper be committed to the PAC.
Solomon Jamiru Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation laid papers,(1) ‘Agreement on Cultural and Artistic Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the State of Kuwait, dated 17th November, 2019,’ (2) Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Technical Education and Professional Training between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the State of Kuwait, dated 17th November, 2019,’ and, (3) ‘Agreement on Establishing joint Commission for Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the State of Kuwait.’
Mohamed Rahman Swaray Minister of Information and Communications also laid the bills, (1) The Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2020 and (2) The Independent Media Commission Act, 2020 for introduction, first and second reading and committal to the Legislative Committee after a marathon debate. In all, twenty three MPs participated in the debate of the two bills separately but interwoven.
ISSUES
The issue of late coming of MPs was addressed with Mr. Speaker’s warning and urging of the Whips to intervene.
The curtailed number of MPs per sitting due to COVID-19 surfaced. The late cancellation and rescheduling of plenary sittings took a fore also. The origin and abuse of part five of the 1965 Public Order Act (POA) by present and past governments could also not escape the radar. The impact of the hypothesis of what if things went wrong after the approval of both media bills was not overlooked. The relationship and distinction of both media related bills was established. Are Independent MPs are group, remains and unanswered question. President Julius Bio being dubbed a talk and do President was embellished. What remedies apply when the libel law is repealed still hangs as a fear in the minds of some politicians. The sincerity of the government in getting through the two media related bills continue to linger although with some amount of skeptical hope. Is this repeal as a result of pressure, circumstances or owning up to a campaign commitment. Is there anything like absolute freedom, is a debate for another day.
POLITICS
The SLPP brought into effect the libel law and so it behooves them to take the law away. The politics of continuity versus change was demystified without any controversy this time around with APC and SLPP praising each other for some good deeds along the line. The cohesion between the leader of the main opposition and government business struck a chord in tandem with the Bo Declaration. Is the whole move to repeal part five just a political stunt or a sincere one, remains to be seen.
CONTROVERY
Was it correct to have withdraw the POAA, 2020 constitutionallyas claimed by the Leader of Government Business without cognisance of Section 108? Should the dual citizenship ( two sim) law be reviewed. Should the qualification of MPs be reviewed from only who can read and write English.?
MR. SPEAKER
Hon. Dr. Abasss Chernor Bundu was erudite although he came to the Well late. At some point after his long sitting, he was bored and had to remove his facemask.
MPs ON POSTER
Hon. Lahai Marah’s two days bitter experience under CID detention for sedition will always be remembered.
Hon. Abu Bakrr Fofanah aka Orsheik’s humorous jibes lifted the tiring spirit of the House but Hon. Lawyer Hindolo M. Gavao’s lead on both debates was sterling.
WHAT’S NEXT
The sitting stands adjourned to Thursday, 23rd July 2020.
Also coming up are pre legislative meetings on the media, consumer and other bills.
