By Ragan M. Conteh

The Deputy Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon Aaron Koroma, has urged the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected to be democratic.

Hon Aaron Koroma made this comment on Tuesday 7th May 2024 when giving felicitation for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the chambers of Parliament.

The deputy opposition leader further asked the two speakers to demonstrate the zeal to continue with the dialogue in terms of bills and agreements on laws in parliament.

He revealed that the time for bulldozing bills and other agreements in the Well of Parliament is over, adding that this is the time for the two speakers set the pace.

According to Hon Aaron Koroma the election of the Speaker showed a clear democratic decency, adding that the vote significantly showcased political  tolerance and as the will of all MPs prevailed.

He maintained that MPs  across the aisle voted for  the Speaker and Deputy which signified that only when dialogue takes place democracy thrives.

“Democracy will never actualize through the use of force. We can work together with the new young speakers elected work as opposition. The opposition’s voice is critical in governance and no county will develop without  the opposition’s constructive criticism,” Hon Koroma said.

He said: “Who much is given much is expected from. The people are more than ever expect the Speaker and his deputy to do the needful for the development and cohesion of the country.”

The opposition leader pleaded with the heads in the House of Representatives to work in concerted efforts with the opposition to ensure that service delivery can be achieved.

Hon Aaron Aruna Koroma also spoke on the audit report which the now Deputy Speaker Hon Tawa Conteh talked about to be debated in the Well.

He said debating the audit report means the leaders are willing and ready to change the narratives.

He re-echoed the statement made by the Koinadugu MP and the Deputy leader of Government Business that “How do you want to be remembered after your tenure as Speakers?” he asked.

Many MPS laid emphasis on the need to have the two speakers who are young and they will certainly change the face of politics in the country.

The female Member of Parliament from SLPP Hon. Massy Gaite has pleaded with the new Speakers to amend MPs’ welfare issue.

According to Hon. Massy Gaiteh electing young people means the welfare of Parliamentarians would be addressed.

She thanked all MPs who voted for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

The MP from Kambia who doubles as the Opposition Chief Whip cautioned the two elected MPs to be different.

He said since the 90s the country had given position to young people who ended up failing.

He cited the NPRC and AFRC regime that came and gone with no substantial work done in the best interest of the state and its people.

He urged the two to address the thorny situations faced by the ordinary citizens.