By Ragan M. Conteh

The battle as to who will replace the former Speaker of Parliament, Dr Abass Chernor Bundu, has heightened.

And three Sierra Leone People’s Party  (SLPP) members of Parliament are in top-gear to wrestle for the Deputy Speaker’s position.

Information within  the precincts of parliament informed this medium that, the current Deputy Leader of Government Business, Bashiru Silikie, the regional President of ECOWAS female Caucus, Hon Veronica Kadie Sesay and the current Deputy Chief Whip of the ruling bench, Hon Ibrahim Tawa Conteh have all opted for the Deputy Speaker position.

Parliament, according to MPs, is currently under heavy pressure on the leadership battle.

Some of the analyses made towards this open battle is obvious that some MPs have now designated themselves into cabals in support of their candidates.

Hon Veronica Kadie Sesay who is the longest serving female MP has openly declared her intention to her colleague MPs as she is ready to go for the deputy leadership post in the well.

Hon Sesay has passed through ranks in Parliament and has a lot of experience in Parliamentary procedures and administrative work.

She has served as Acting As speaker for quite some times succeeded in going to Parliament for the fourth term.

She hailed from Moyamba District and throughout her tenure, she has been effective both nationally and international.

Some female MPs are also in top-gear to ensure that female MPs will now occupy top most positions.

Other female MPs are strongly advising male MPs on the 30% quota passed during the 5th Parliament and are urging all to abide by the said document.

The current Chief Whip of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Hon Ibrahim Tawa Conteh is also seriously fighting to attain the position of Deputy Speakership.

Hon. Tawa Conteh is also the Deputy Regional Chairman of the SLPP who has been working ‘toothlessly’ to ensure that the party came to power in 2023.

Hon Tawa Conteh is a house hold name in the Republic of Sierra Leone who has supported his party especially President Maada Bio’s strives to develop the country.

Many MPs appreciated for the news that Hon Tawa Conteh is among those vying for the Deputy leadership.

The MP always debating perfect in the Well of Parliament and has convincing powers in terms of passing controversial bills in Parliament.

Hon Tawa is a second term MP who is always fully charged in terms of promoting the new direction administration and will make very good Deputy Speaker if giving the opportunity, according to supporters of him.

Hon Bashiru Silikie is also a third term MP who has opted for the Deputy leadership and has a wealth of experiences in Parliamentary work over the years.

He hailed from Bo district and has assiduously worked towards transforming his constituents and his party.

He has served as a Deputy leader of Government Business twice in Parliament and he thought this is the time to upload his experiences over Parliamentary processes and procedures.

Hon Bashiru Silikie has shown commitment in promoting Parliament and working for good legislations over the years.

The MP is one of those that have struggled during the 11 years of the APC Party and has been very steadfast in his endeavour to criticize or support good legislations.

MPs from both sides said Hon Bashiru Silikie should be greatly considered especially when the palpable tense election in 2028 is around the corner.

Meanwhile, there is no information yet from the opposition regarding their pans to either pull or support candidate from the SLPP.

They said the battle for supremacy is now in the highest pick but will soon make their intention known.