By Ragan M. Conteh

In order to reject any further unconstitutional behaviors, the opposition Members of Parliament have suspended all parliamentary sessions due to what they claimed as the Speaker’s failure to address their concerns regarding the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Tarawally.

Two weeks ago the opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo gave two-week grace period for the Speaker, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas to address their concerns.

It could be recalled that, the Clerk of Parliament has contested for political positions without prior consideration to the constitutional provisions in the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.

During the parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, members of the opposition walked out of parliament demanding the resignation of the Clerk of parliament with immediate effect.

However, since the opposition reported their concerns in the well of parliament, the Speaker has done nothing to address the issue.

Responding to the opposition’s bench, the Speaker announced receipt of the opposition members’ plan to boycott parliamentary sittings as well as acknowledging receipt of their letter regarding the Clerk of Parliament.

The Speaker mentioned having initial meetings with the SLPP leadership and assured the opposition that within one week, they would receive his response. The Speaker urged the MPs not to suspend their parliamentary duties until then.

However, the opposition leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo respectfully reminded the Speaker that he had initially requested two weeks, which the opposition granted without delay and assured the Speaker that their suspension was already in effect, but they would only return to parliament after receiving the response from Speaker.

Earlier, as leader of the opposition, in a letter written to the Speaker expressed his grave concern over the recent conduct of the current Clerk of Parliament, which he said constitutes a serious breach of the law and undermines the expected neutrality of his office.

According to him, it has come to his attention that the Clerk has publicly declared his intention to contest for the position of Secretary General of a political party.

He said this is in direct contravention of section 15(a)(ii) of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Act, which prohibits public officers from being eligible to hold executive positions in political parties. Furthermore, he said, this act is also a clear violation of section 26(2)(b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, which expressly prohibits a public officer from taking part in the affairs or management of any political party.

These provisions, he said, are unambiguous in their intent to shield the public service from partisan political influence, particularly within sensitive institutions such as Parliament. According to the opposition MPs, the Clerk’s decision to publicly associate himself with a political party and seek elective office within it is a fundamental violation of these legal and constitutional restrictions, and a direct threat to the impartiality of Parliament, especially as he controls resources and information that ought to be managed without any suspicion of bias.

In addition to this, the opposition leader informed that the Clerk recently made derogatory public statements about members of the opposition.

He said such remarks are unacceptable and incompatible with his role, which requires him to serve all Parliamentarians, regardless of political affiliation, with impartiality, professionalism, and respect.

Given the foregoing, he demanded the immediate resignation of the Clerk of Parliament for conflicting personal interest with his public duty.

Should he fail to do so, he will, in his capacity as leader of the opposition, cease all engagements with him and will no longer recognize his authority in that office.

They promised further parliamentary measures which will also be pursued to ensure that the integrity and neutrality of this institution are preserved.