By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The All People’s Congress (APC) party has officially suspended its participation in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, as announced in a press release from the Leader of the Opposition, Honorable Abdul Kargbo. This decisive move comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the conduct of the current Clerk of Parliament, Honorable Para Tarawally.
In the statement, the APC outlined their concerns, revealing that they formally submitted a letter of complaint to the Speaker of Parliament regarding the conduct and alleged partiality of Hon. Para Tarawally. The party accuses the Clerk of demonstrating a double standard in his duties, undermining the principles of fairness and impartiality expected in parliamentary proceedings. Despite these serious concerns, the Speaker has yet to respond to the APC’s request for remedial action.
The APC’s demand is clear: they are calling for the resignation or dismissal of the Clerk of Parliament. According to Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the continued presence of Hon. Tarawally in his role is detrimental to the proper functioning of Parliament and compromises the integrity of the institution. The party believes that without addressing this issue, the Parliament cannot effectively carry out its duties, which has compelled the APC to halt their legislative activities.
The controversy centers on accusations that the Clerk has applied parliamentary rules and procedures inconsistently, favoring certain members or interests while sidelining others. Such behavior, the APC argues, contravenes the nonpartisan nature required of parliamentary clerks, whose role is to facilitate fair and orderly debates and processes without bias.
The APC’s suspension of parliamentary service marks a significant political development in Sierra Leone. As the main opposition party, their withdrawal from parliamentary activities raises questions about the current state of governance and the ability of Parliament to function smoothly amid internal conflicts. It also highlights broader concerns about accountability and transparency within the legislative body.
The party’s press release emphasized their commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, stressing that their action is not taken lightly but is necessary to uphold the integrity of parliamentary operations. The APC calls on the Speaker and other relevant authorities to urgently address their concerns and restore confidence in the Parliament’s leadership.
This move by the APC could have far-reaching implications for Sierra Leone’s political landscape. Parliamentary operations may be disrupted as the absence of the opposition party affects debates, voting processes, and the passage of legislation. It may also prompt increased public scrutiny and pressure on the Speaker and the Parliamentary Service to resolve the issue promptly.
As of now, the Speaker of Parliament has not issued any public response to the APC’s letter or the subsequent suspension of service. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating whether the Speaker will engage with the opposition to find a resolution or whether the stalemate will continue, potentially deepening political divisions within the country’s legislative framework.
The All People’s Congress party’s suspension of their parliamentary service is a direct response to perceived injustices involving the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Para Tarawally. Their call for his resignation or dismissal underscores the need for impartiality and accountability in parliamentary administration. With no response yet from the Speaker, the future dynamics of Sierra Leone’s Parliament remain uncertain, pending resolution of this conflict.
