The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 8 February 2024 debated and approved with anonymity, the Twelfth Report of The Committee on Appointments and The Public Service, Chaired By the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.
The following Presidential Nominees were approved by Parliament:
1. Dr. Francess Fornah, Member Board of Trustees, Students Loan Scheme Fund
2. Mr. Mustapha S. T. Kella, Chairman Fertilizer Regulatory Agency
3. Mr. Amara Idara Sheriff, Chairman Sierra Leone Seeds Certification Agency
4. Mr. Saidu Alie Lakoh, Chairman National Youths Commission
5. Mr. Abdul Samad Kamara, Chairman of the National Youths Service
6. Mr. Samuel Squire, Member National Communications Authority Board
7. Madam Sallay Ndimawa Adams Member National Communications Authority Board
8. Mr. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC)
9. Mr.Abdulai Massiyambay Bangura Esq, Justice of the Supreme Court and
10. Mr Abu A. Conteh Chairman, Allied Health Professional Councils.
Presenting the Report, the Leader of Government Business told colleague Members of Parliament that, the nominees were interviewed on pertinent issues including educational backgrounds, track records, declared assets, tax obligations and other related matters.
Seconding the motion, the Deputy Minority Leader 2, Hon.Aaron A Koroma from Tonkolili District expressed appreciation over the nomination and zoomed in on those from Tonkolili and gave accolades to them for dedicated services. While assuring the House of diligence performance, the MP said his people have always answered the call to national duty.
He denounced drug abuse, especially among youths, and used the opportunity to ask the authorities to address that menace.
The Seasoned MP commended the Supreme Court Judge for his administration of justice and expressed hope for the transformation of the judiciary.
“Please go to that justice sector and make a change” he affirmed and went on to express good sentiment of the other nominees and admonished them to develop the nation. The MP asked the Chairman for IMC to build the capacities and welfare of journalists.
Contributing, the President of the Female Caucus, Hon. Neneh Lebbie thanked President Bio for appointing fine Sierra Leone to serve in various positions. She gave general advice to the nominees to work with the expectations of the people. While expressing her disappointment, the experienced MPs disclosed to colleague MPs that some of those who had been approved hardly responded to their request for onward support to their constituents.
Hon. Aruna Papay Larkoh From Tonkonlil District thanked President Bio and zoomed in on some of the nominees especially those from Tonkonlil and heaped praises on them for remarkable performance in the North. He used the opportunity to advise the nominees to address drug abuse.
On his part, Hon. Quinton Salia-Konneh from Kailahun District said there is no doubt in the appointment of the Supreme Court Judge and went on to commend the latter for his outstanding performance. He admonished all the nominees to work in the interest of the State.
Rounding up the debate, the Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo commended and lauded the Supreme Court judge for his diligent performance and urged him to improve the Justice System. “Go and make us proud In the judiciary” he maintained and went on to commend the IMC Chairman. The Opposition Leader asked the IMC nominee to seek the interest of journalists and also ensure journalistic ethics. He advised all the nominees to serve in the interest of the nation.
Concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business assured the House that the Nominees were properly screened and went to ask them to develop the country. He buttressed the action to address drug abuse and urged the nominees to focus on their jobs.
He recalled the humanity and tremendous efforts of the Supreme Court in light of dedicated work and also spoke well of the IMC Chairman.
In his felicitation, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon.Dr.Abass Chernor Bundu asked them to deliver. He vehemently revealed to the House that President Bio has scored a double first by making history by appointing the First Temne Man as Justice of the Supreme Court under his Speakership as the First Temne Speaker.
In another development also, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday 8 February 2024 ratified the following agreements that were presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timothy Kabba:
(i) Convention on Cybercrime and
(ii) African Union Convention on Cross-border Cooperation (Niamey Convention)
The Leadership and Members of Parliament appreciated the agreements which geared toward the development of the State.
Credit: Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone
