By Ragan M. Conteh

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas has formally communicated to the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Hon Abdul Kargbo that President Julius Maada Bio has acted on their concerns raised regarding the conduct of the Clerk of Parliament, Umar Paran Tarawally.

In a letter written to the opposition leader, through the Speaker, President Bio has directed the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umarr Paran Tarawally to proceed on leave while he deliberates on the next steps concerning the office of the Clerk of Parliament.

As Members of Parliament from the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party suspend all Parliamentary activities, the incumbent, Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Parliamentarians in the last two sittings continued to legislate laws as well as presidential appointment approvals.

Most opposition MPs who spoke to this medium, have expressed dissatisfaction over the SLPP lawmakers to make laws without the full participation of the opposition. Few weeks ago, the Parliamentary Leader of Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) announced its immediate suspension of participation in all parliamentary sittings and committee activities.

The decision stems from concerns regarding the Clerk of Parliament, Paran Umar Tarawally, who is reportedly contesting for an executive political party position in the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

In a press statement signed by Hon. Abdul Kargbo, leader of opposition, the party stated that this move undermines the neutrality and integrity of the Clerk’s office, which is expected to be strictly nonpartisan in its service to Parliament.

The opposition had called for the resignation or dismissal of the Clerk, asserting that his “open involvement in partisan politics is incompatible with the impartial and administrative responsibilities of his office.”

They emphasized that Parliament is a national institution that must be protected from political bias at all administrative levels, and that the Clerk’s conduct “threatens public confidence in the institution’s independence and credibility.”

According to the statement, the Speaker has informed the opposition that a formal reply will be provided within one week.

The opposition clarified that their action is not intended to disrupt governance but rather to “safeguard the ethical standards that underpin our democracy.”

The opposition affirmed its commitment to the rule of law, institutional integrity, and the national interest.

They stated that upon receiving the Speaker’s response, they will return to Parliament to formally address the matter and determine the appropriate next steps in defense of democratic accountability.

Political pundits have revealed that in any functioning democracy, opposition parties serve as the counterweight to power.

They are the necessary check that ensures the ruling government does not overreach, abuse authority, or govern with impunity.