By Ragan M. Conteh

The former ECOWAS’ speaker parliament, Hon Mohamed Sidi Tunis has confessed on 98.1 F.M in an interview that his political party has already taken decision on the race for the speaker position in Sierra Leone parliament.

He said he had nothing to do about the decision and will respect whatever his party decides.

It could be recalled that the erstwhile ECOWAS speaker eyes the position of speakership long ago.

And many say he had been promised by the President and his party for the post considering his fitting for it.

ECOWAS speaker has been very much confident to get the speakership banking on his experience especially as he has been serving at ECOWAS speaker.

Hon. Mohamed Tunis having served and represented Sierra Leone very well, but it is said for him to come home and occupying as lesser position or as an ordinary member of parliament.

Many who had listened to the very “disappointed statement” of Hon. Tunis stated that the submissions of Hon Tunis in his message seemed frustrating. They believe there should be a way to have the former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker to be given a more deserving position that suits his status.

“From ECOWAS Parliament Speaker as ordinary MP,” This sound ridiculous” one of the MP said.

Rumours in Parliament have disclosed to this medium that State House and the SLPP had secretly selected Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas as candidate suitable for the Speaker position.

MPs who preferred to be anonymous if Hon Sengepoh Solomon Thomas is selected he is sure to reflect the will of SLPP grassroots.

They perceived Hon. Thomas as the right choice for the Speakership position.

According to visitors and some Parliamentarians from both sides of the isle, they said ECOWAS Parliament Speaker is much more qualified to take up the responsibility as Speaker in the country.

One of the MPs said; Hon Mohamed Sidi Tunis had presided at the ECOWAS Parliament for the last years; and that he has a lot of experience in handling the country’s parliament issues without leading to a rancor, but now that he has known his fate will now sit and listen to his MP.

They said Hon Tunis is being seen as a man that has the proclivity to lobby both the opposition and incumbent MPs in terms of passing controversial instruments and bills in Parliament, but now that the ECOWAS Speaker has been thrashed.

They said during the tenure of Hon Tunis as Leader of government business in Parliament, the house was quiet and most of the debates in the Well are well handled without major boycott.

Hon. Tunis was very much grounded in terms of progressive governance especially in prioritizing lobbying for the passing into law bills and agreements that are has to do with development of Sierra Leone.

The MP is also known to be a friend of the opposition and also has uncompromising stance in supporting President Julius Maada Bio’s agendas of good governance.

Hon. Tunis was also described by many MPs from the other sides as a philanthropist and has supported the government in soliciting support for the development of the Bio administration.

During his tenure as Leader of government business, Hon. Tunis passed several agreement, bills and progressive laws without resistance from the opposition.

At ECOWAS Parliament as Speaker, he was lauded for his quest to bring legislations that geared towards peace and harmony in Africa.

Tunis has negotiated many peace talks in war zones countries and has been able to convince ECOWAS Member states to bridge the peace of nations that are not stable.

Hon. Tunis has the wherewithal to bring more progressive laws if given the opportunity to serve as Speaker.

Outside Parliament, visitors said Tunis has been there for the grassroots of the SLPP and has empowered the less privileged both financially and otherwise.

MPs who believe in Hon Tunis have called for a thorough engagement for a smooth transition from Speaker Bundu to Hon Tunis.