By Ragan M. Conteh

The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon Mathew Sahr Nyuma, says he is calling for National Unity amongst citizens including Members of Parliament.

He underscored that governance and politics have a role to play in light of upholding the nation’s unity.

“Let us not only criticize but proffer solutions,” he stated.

He reflected on the several positive transformations of the President in promoting democracy, peace, and security in the country.

He emphasized the promotion of National Cohesion and spoke about the need to improve policy formulation, while recognizing the incessant global challenges at present.

The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business advised Members of Parliament to take a new trajectory to accept positive criticisms while working to unite and promote State Governance.

Hon. Nyuma emphasized for food availability in the country and so he vehemently called for collaborative efforts to be able to enhance productivity.

The Majority  Leader underscored that Women’s participation and representation in governance is a laudable initiative implemented by  President Bio supported by legislation.

He referred to education as very pivotal in the current Human Development vision by the government which he said, is in tandem with the need to creating jobs.

“Education is a human rights and opportunity for all.”

He acknowledged the many challenges inherent in the health sector but assured of government of a lasting remedy to constraints in the health sector. He added that the President of the Bio Administration had employed more healthcare workers to improve the health sector. He said massive refurbishment of healthcare facilities across the territorial enclave of Sierra Leone is ongoing.

He also recalled the national fight against Ebola and COVID-19, an effort by state operators to end it.

He mentioned the 500,000 jobs created by the government in tandem with youth empowerment, something many doubted.

“Nation-building is like a pyramid.”

He called on the opposition not to decry youth engaged in car wash activities, a crop of the youth government said it had employed.

Hon. Nyuma acknowledged the government’s laudable moves by government for migrant workers overseas.

He assured the opposition that the government is very open to seeking the interests of Migrant Workers.

He also acknowledged of the Human Capacity Challenge in the Energy Sector and called for reforms in the sector. Hon. Nyuma appraised the installation of a mini Grid of Solar energy in major chiefdoms across the country.

He spoke about the need to improve cyber security systems, especially by implementing legislation in some aspects on cyberspace.

Hon. Nyuma advocated for reform provisions to eradicate constraints in the work environment.

He lauded the improvement in Budget allocation and revenue mobilization.

He revealed that their government won the MCC by passing corruption also spoke about and advocated for peace.

She thanked President Bio and noted that he is a very honest man for stating in the document exactly what he has done. She said there is an improvement in electricity and asked colleagues to promote the Feed ‘Salone.’

“Let us be very serious as Sierra Leoneans to feed ourselves,” she urged. She noted that Feed Salone is very important. The MP spoke about the positive impact of Free Quality Education as well. She lauded the creation of space for women’s participation and representation in governance and expressed optimism for further improvement.

She used the opportunity to appeal to Parliament to eradicate the use of plastic, adding that it is affecting marine species. The MP denounced unplanned construction of houses in Freetown and called on the Ministry of Country Planning to act in that regard.

Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh from Kailahun District recalled the bad governance of the former government and  asserted that electricity supply is better in the  current government than in the past government.

He highlighted development in road construction, airports, bridges, and the growth of the blue economy, including the banning of  illegal fishing amongst other things.

Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin from Bo District described President Bio as a gentleman but he denounced the previous debaters for negatively misinforming the public on issues.

While decrying the opposition, he informed Parliament that taxation is essential for national growth.

He advised colleague MPs to be constructive in their debates and he commended the Government for rapid improvement in university education in many parts of the country.

He also heaped praises on the government for passing the Students Loan Scheme.

Hon Ibrahim Barrie from Bombali District decried the government for its unfulfilled promises, by making reference to the President’s 2018 manifesto. He denounced the government for not managing food security. He spoke about the state of joblessness and drug abuse amongst others and asked to be urgently addressed.

He emphatically decried the government for the current drug situation that has killed many victims.

Hon. Kankofa Farah Mansaray, from Koinadudu District, expressed elation over the wonderful speech delivered by the President.

He lauded the government’s effort for boosting agriculture, and called on MPs to support the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative. The MP also lauded the loan support that government is providing to locals in rural areas.

He mentioned five major towns with electricity and better infrastructure such as in Kabala.