The Chief Executive Officer of Accord Logistics, Johny Kouza, was summoned to appear before the Parliament of Sierra Leone, where he was severely reprimanded for his affront to the Committee on Trade and Industry and the Parliament as a whole.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, addressing Kouza in the Bar of Parliament, warned him that his behavior was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker emphasized that failure to comply with the summons of any Standing Committee of Parliament would be deemed as contempt of Parliament, and the institution would apply the full force of the law. He reminded Kouza that Parliament has the power to detain him if he refuses to abide by the directives of any Committee.
The warning was prompted by a complaint from the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay alleging that Kouza had shown disrespect to the Committee.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker cautioned Kouza that this was his last chance, and any future instances of affront would result in severe consequences, including imprisonment.
“You are lucky but this is the first and last time we will accept such behavior from you,” the Rt. Hon. Speaker warned. “The next time you appear before this Parliament for contempt, we will imprison you. We want to know what you rely on to make you behave disrespectfully to Parliament.”
The stern warning underscores Parliament’s commitment to upholding its authority and dignity, by ensuring that individuals and organizations respect its processes and procedure.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker’s remarks has sent a clear message that Parliament will not tolerate disrespect or non-compliance from anyone, regardless of their position or influence.
The Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo was very impressed with the move of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas in naming and shaming the CEO of Accod Logistics for his foolhardy behaviour to Parliament.
He also called on the Rt. Hon. Speaker to replicate the same to Officials of any MDA who fails to respect the summons of Parliament.
The CEO’s appearance before Parliament highlights the importance of cooperation between the legislature and the private sectors in promoting accountability and good governance.
