Samuel Kallon 
By Ragan M. Conteh
Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas has empathized that his ruling barring journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray remains in force and Parliament as a body will soon take further necessary actions for allegedly insulting Members of Parliament.
Speaker Thomas made the submissions on Tuesday 14th January, 2024 in the chambers of parliament, Tower Hill in Freetown.
The Speaker described Melvin’s conduct as contempt especially when he allegedly referred to Members of Parliament as useless.
“Tejan Mansaray will not enter the precincts of Parliament and the House will take further steps to ensure that he face the full force of the law,” Speaker added.
He stated that he has seen several analyses in reaction to his ruling on Melvin Tejan Mansaray, adding that many people have misconstrued the reason he barred the journalist.
He said Melvin’s analysis on radio went beyond criticism, claiming that the former insulted the integrity of the House and Members of Parliament.
Speaker Thomas argued that he is not against the journalist criticizing Parliament but that he has no reason to refer to MPs as useless. “Where are our values gone?” the Speaker rhetorically asked.
He claimed that Melvin went as far as accusing him, the Speaker of rigging the elections, an election he said, he did not conduct.
He denied presiding over the election, declaring that the Clerk conducted the election in question.
In a very angry mood, the Speaker threatens that if Melvin impedes his integrity as leader of the House, he will not hesitate to take necessary actions against him.
He stressed that the House is not against criticisms as long as they are constructive, referring to such practice as healthy democracy, stating that criticism shapes Parliament better.
“This nation should know that Parliament has no reason to punish anybody for merely expressing his or her freedom of expression, but they must realize that in doing so, they must respect the rights of others,” he stated, adding that as a nation we have values and our values are in our laws.
“This House is going to take further actions against Melvin to inform other members of the Press Gallery that it behooves Mr. Speaker to allow journalists to be in the gallery. It is by my permission that journalists sit in the gallery. So if you do not conduct yourselves properly I will not allow you to sit there,” Speaker threatens in conclusion.
