The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 19th November 2019 unanimously approved the Thirteenth Report of its Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Dickson Rogers.
The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:
1. Professor Foday Jaward-Minister of the Environment
2. Mr. Dennis K. Vandi-Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
3. Ms. Manty Tarawalli-Minister of Gender & Children’s Affair
4. Brigadier (Rtd) Kellie Conteh-Minister of Defence
5. Mr. Ahmed Abu Kemokai-Commissioner, Public Service Commission
6. Mr. Philip K. Lansana-Minister of Water Resources
7. Col. (Rtd) Muana B. Massaquoi-Deputy Minister of Defence
8. Mr. Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba-Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkey
9. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh-Minister of Basic & Senior Secondary Education
10. Col. (Rtd) Simeon N. Sheriff-Sierra Leonean Representative to the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition in Saudi Arabia
11. Mr. Stephen S. James Jusu-Deputy Minister of Environment
12. Mr. Paul Ansumana S. Minah-Deputy Ambassador to Turkey
13. Mr. Ansumana L.M Swarray-Chairman, Board of Directors, National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA)
Seconding the motion, Hon Bashiru Silikie of SLPP cautioned the nominees to work in the best interest of the state and in line with the spirit of the New Direction Manifesto. He also encouraged the nominees to do well in their new appointments for the Government to succeed in addressing some of the challenges relating to the military including improved conditions of service such as health and housing.
In his contribution, Hon. Lahai Marah of APC thanked President Bio for appointing two prominent indigenes of Falaba District, namely Brigadier Rtd. Kellie Conteh and Ms. Manty Tarawalli. He assured the House that the two nominees would deliver on their new appointments. He also called on the nominee for Water Resources to pay keen attention to the provision of safe drinking water which according to him would help the Government to achieve the Free Quality Education amidst good health and safety.
On his part, Hon. Ansumana Bockarie of SLPP informed colleague MPs that 90% of the recent appointments made by President Bio had done so well in their respective career paths, adding that he was of the conviction that they would perform as well.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Abdul Kargbo of APC said that he was meticulous in certifying people, while acknowledging that there were credible people among the nominees. He also decried those who do not wish to see progress and development in the country. “We want people to love the country more than their political parties”, he re-echoed. He heaped praises on some nominees and also drew their attention to address some of the challenges facing the offices relating to their appointments.
Hon Francis Amara Kaisamba of SLPP called on the nominees to work in the interest of the country, while cautioning them not to personalize their offices; stating that the consequences may be counter-productive.
Hon. Daniel Koroma of APC commended the nominees, particularly the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr. Sengeh for his stance against receiving and accepting gifts; which amounts to corruption.
Hon. Neneh Lebbie of SLPP advised the nominees to do their best by changing the narratives relative to the development of the country.
On his part, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay said he was very sensitive about gender and would have liked President Bio to appoint more women; instead of one among the nominees. He also informed the House that it was timely to collaborate and cooperate in Parliament for the development of Sierra Leone. “Let us live for Sierra Leone, the country is bigger than all of us” he stated.
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Dickson Rogers took a glance at the galleries and asked the people to stop fighting for politicians, stating that what has been demonstrated in the Well today was a living testimony of political tolerance in Sierra Leone. He cautioned all and sundry to stop political violence for the development of Sierra Leone.
Reacting to the debate, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu informed the appointees that the President has reposed his personal trust and confidence on them and that Parliament has replicated same through their approval. He also cautioned the nominees to open their doors when MPs contact them during the course of executing their oversight duties.
In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 19th November 2019 passed into law with some amendments the Bill entitled “The Electronic Transaction Act 2019”; following its committal to the Legislative Committee for consideration and further scrutiny.
The Bill is seeking to provide for the recognition of the legal effect of electronic transactions including electronic signatures; provision for the admissibility of electronic massages in evidence; the validity or enforceability of contracts executed in electronic forms and to provide for other related matters.