Freetown, October 9, 2023 – In a significant development today, Hon. Alfred Thompson, the esteemed Member of Parliament representing the All People’s Congress (APC), has officially lodged a formal complaint with the Chairman of the Political Parties Regulatory Commission (PPRC).
The complaint revolves around the actions taken by the APC’s Disciplinary and Complaint Committee against him.
Hon. Thompson’s complaint stems from his recent suspension by the APC’s Disciplinary and Grievances Committee, a decision that emerged after an internal investigation.
In a letter dated October 9, 2023, addressed to the PPRC Chairman, Hon. Thompson voiced grave concerns regarding what he perceives as unjust actions against him by the APC’s Disciplinary and Complaint Committee.
The parliamentarian meticulously detailed a sequence of events that began with his letter to the committee on September 19, 2023, in which he expressed his willingness to participate in a disciplinary hearing. However, he also raised doubts about the fairness of the process and cited safety concerns related to the chosen venue.
In his letter, Hon. Thompson explained that he would be abroad on a Parliamentary Mission and requested a deferral of his hearing to a mid-October date.
Despite his comprehensive communication on September 19, 2023, Hon. Thompson asserts that the APC dismissed his requests and unilaterally scheduled a full hearing for Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
He insists that he cannot attend on the specified date due to the previously highlighted reasons, characterizing this as a deliberate attempt to deprive him of his fundamental right to a fair hearing. He accuses the committee of subjecting him to unfair treatment.
Hon. Thompson additionally points out that the actions taken by the APC not only tarnish his character but also infringe upon his political and civil rights, safeguarded by the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991.
He contends that the APC’s suspension of his membership and their subsequent actions run contrary to the party’s own constitution and calls upon the PPRC, as the regulatory authority overseeing all political parties, to intervene in the matter.
In concluding his letter, Hon. Alfred Thompson emphasizes the paramount importance of the PPRC ensuring that justice and the rule of law prevail in this situation, expressing gratitude for their attention and swift response.
U nor see Nati yat full