By Ragan M. Conteh
Members of parliament in the Sixth Parliament have urged newly appointed justice of the Supreme Court, Abdulia Bangura, and other presidential appointees were made to serve in due diligence and work for the best interest of the people.
According to MPs the individuals are appointed into various offices not because of their beauty and handsomeness but to deliver for the people of Sierra Leone as well as to help president Julius Maada Bio to achieve his manifesto promises.
MPs, however; stated that, the justice system requires serious attention and urges the newly appointed justice of the Supreme Court to work with the chief justice to ensure that justice for all is dispensed; irrespective of one’s political and tribal affiliation.
The deputy opposition leader, Hon Aaron Koroma, revealed that, the president does not appoint people to their various offices as SLPP or APC members but they are appointed to work with everyone (MPs and politicians) for service delivery.
The MP said the justice of the Supreme Court appointee is going to an office that has waterdown their respect, stating that members of the public are now afraid to take their cases to court due to bad experiences in recent times.
He said he has no doubt on the appointed justice of the Supreme Court, Abdulai Bangura, but cautions him to replicate the good example from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).
Hon Koroma said the president has the sledgehammer for the non-performing appointees and will not hesitate to fire anyone who misuses authority or fails the president.
The leader of government business, Hon Matthew Sahr Nyuma, said, president Julius Maada Bio is a listening president who is always ready to appoint people of integrity and caliber in offices.
He said the presidential appointees are well qualified for their position and are people with high pedigree in the society but cautions all to represent the president and the government.
He said they should work for the best interest of the people and urges all to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
In his submission, the speaker of parliament, Dr Chernor Abass Bundu, expressed his satisfaction for president Julius Maada Bio to appoint the first Temne man as justice of the Supreme Court.
According to the speaker, Abdulai Bangura, has broken history in Sierra Leone to have become the Temne tribesman who also becomes the justice of the supreme court, adding that the president must be given an accolade for cutting across tribal lines in his appointment.
Speaking to journalists on Thurday, the newly approved Justice of the Supreme Court, Abdulai Bangura, said he was going to his new office with an open mind, devoid of tribal interests and political affiliations.
He said he is aware of the political situation, adding that at the moment the country has very toxic politics in practice but he would ensure that he works towards ensuring a service delivery.
Bangura said, he would be going to the Supreme Court and implement and replicate what he has learnt from the PPRC.
He said appointees would know how to treat people with respect, adding that if there is any reforms in the justice sector, he would support the Chief Justice and Minister of Justice to achieve that.