In an exclusive interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone program, Hon. Bangura, a prominent member of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has shed light on his decision to continue his parliamentary duties, despite calls from party leadership to boycott the system amid election result disputes.
“I know what I did is legal and within the mandate of the 1991 constitution,” Hon. Bangura asserted during the interview.
The Member of Parliament representing Karene went on to emphasize that there should be no repercussions for his actions since he firmly believes they align with the constitutional framework and the will of the people.
“So there are no consequences because if there were, it would come from the Secretary-General (of the APC). In a broader context, there are no consequences,” he confidently stated.
Addressing concerns regarding the legality of his representation, Bangura firmly stated, “I am talking about the 1991 Constitution, which is supreme over the APC and the SLPP. So, I don’t worry about the APC Constitution or the SLPP Constitution; I worry about the 1991 Constitution.”
Bangura added that, “I do subscribe to the concerns of the APC Party, but I don’t subscribe to not going to parliament.”
Hon. Bangura is one of only two APC MPs who have chosen to defy their party’s directives and continue serving in the government. He has been appointed as the minority leader of the House.
The APC party had previously issued a directive instructing its elected officials, including Members of Parliament, Mayors/District Chairpersons, and Councillors, not to participate in the governance of the current SLPP-led Government, which they believe came to power under questionable circumstances.
In response to what some perceive as a breach of party discipline and principles, Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Alfred Thompson are now set to face the APC Disciplinary and Grievance Committee.
