In a momentous statement today, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, welcomed 52 Members of the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party to the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic after the June 2023 general elections.
These members had initially boycotted Parliament but have now taken the oath of office.
Speaker Bundu expressed his appreciation for their decision to join the Parliament and highlighted the importance of a fully seated and functional legislature in a multiparty democratic system.
He commended the Independent Commission on Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) for its role in resolving the situation and promoting national unity.
The Speaker also acknowledged the efforts of international peace envoys from ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Commonwealth Secretariat in facilitating dialogue between the ruling SLPP Government and the APC Opposition.
Furthermore, Speaker Bundu paid tribute to notable retiring members of Parliament, including former Deputy Speaker Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, and Hon. Ajibola Manly-Spain, for their significant contributions to legislative history.
He stressed the critical stage of Sierra Leone’s development, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in addressing challenges such as human capital and economic development.
Speaker Bundu drew comparisons with Singapore’s successful development model, urging the adoption of similar principles, including a focus on education, patriotism, meritocracy, and incorruptibility.
The Speaker concluded his address by calling on all members of Parliament to work together, irrespective of political affiliations, to achieve the country’s developmental goals and fulfill the dreams of a prosperous Sierra Leone.
This welcome address is seen as a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Sierra Leone, as it marks a step towards greater unity and a shared vision for the country’s future.
